Intergenerational Ministry
God, you have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim your wondrous works. Even while I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me, while I proclaim your power to another generation, your strength to all who are to come.
-Psalm 71: 17-18
You have been hearing a lot about intergenerational ministry here at FPCM, and you have probably heard about our leadership’s efforts to make our meetings more accessible to working folks. Many new ideas are being proposed by our Christian Education Team in an effort to better foster relationships between our younger families and our long-time members. It is our desire to bring new voices to the leadership table as we work together to continue our ministry and pass it on to the next generation.
Each of us is called by Jesus to be disciples who make disciples, and those elder Christians with a lifetime of experience have a great treasure to share with those who are newer in the faith. As we age, we become less able to do the physical things we used to do for the church. However, the Christian does not retire from ministry until the Lord calls His faithful one home. And in those later years, we can be an example and a great resource to the “up and comers.” We can be their cheerleaders and coaches and equippers as we trust them to take on those roles that we have held.
The “old and gray” Psalmist (see scripture above) continues to pray that God will provide strength so that they may proclaim the power of God to another generation and to all those who follow. The Psalmist is making room for the new folks God has called to carry on the family of faith. This is part of what the healthy church always does: she looks forward beyond her own years. She equips those who will follow, and hands them the keys.
These days when I look in the mirror, I see a lot of shiny hairs that seem to reflect the ambient light from certain angles. There appears to be lint growing in my beard. Anna Marie says they are gray hairs. I say: “agree to disagree.” But as my hair becomes shinier, and my abilities lessen, I discover there are two individuals in my home who are taking on new responsibilities. Elizabeth and Zachary are doing things that I once had to do myself. And now, when I need some milk from the store, I can toss the keys to Elizabeth.
What a treasure!
And you are a treasure, dear church. You have much experience to share with kids from 1 to 92. We pray God will continue to bring new families to this fellowship, families we can welcome and equip and trust to help us in ministry. God is still working through us! Even while we are old and gray (or when the light seems to catch our hair and make it look shiny from certain angles).
Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew