Generational Segregation in the Church
Generational Segregation in the modern church is rampant and threatening. We talk about integrating the church racially and sometimes we even integrate regardless of denomination (ssh, don't tell anyone). We talk on radio, TV, internet, etc. about how fatherless kids are more likely to go to jail or how it's negatively impacting our society. But is anyone talking about the spiritually orphaned and the disservice to both younger (under 30) & older (over 30)generations by segregating worship and how this creates a spiritually fatherless generation and leaves the older ones talking about "the good ole' days"? Based on age the modern church has segregated nearly everything from "student" services to small groups. Yet no one that I've talked with can show me in the Bible why these things occur in our churches. Yes we are "to be all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) in regards to childrens church youth groups, etc. but generational segregation is not Biblical.
The disservice is more than two fold but here are 2:
1. The younger generation has energy and is overly excited about the things of God. They are big into social injustices and wanting to see Jesus move. But have no spiritual fathers.
2. The older generation has the insight, wisdom, and experience to teach and train. But often lack the energy to travel around the globe etc.
God designed these generations to work together. That the energy of the young would energize the older generation and the experience and wisdom of the older generation would help guide the excitement of the younger generation.
Look at Moses and Joshua. Moses trained and discipled Joshua. Without that generational integration the children of Israel (older generation's descendants) would have never entered the promised land.
Elijah & Elisha are another prime example. Elijah told Elisha to stay behind but Elisha refused he wanted to be with his older mentor to learn grow and experience what Elijah knew so he could carry on the work. Elijah initially did not want Elisha to come with him he told him to stay behind but Elisha refused he wanted discipled.
A third example is Paul and Timothy. Sure Timothy was raised in a Christian home but Paul took him in and mentored him. As a result Timothy was very powerful in his ministry.
Many churches have 2 services one for the "older" generation, these services mostly include singing hymns. The other service is geared towards the "younger" generation where modern songs are sung. Why? In scripture they all came together.
Does the older generation really want to lie on their death bed talking about the "good ole' days"? Do they want to go out remembering? Or do they want to go out doing, mentoring and discipling and causing the kingdom of God to grow?
Does the younger generation really want to repeat the mistakes of the past? Do they want bounce all around with no direction or understanding? Or do they want to be guided missiles impacting the kingdom of darkness?
It's time we come together. Having one voice, one call, one objective to further the gospel and end generational segregation in the church.
The disservice is more than two fold but here are 2:
1. The younger generation has energy and is overly excited about the things of God. They are big into social injustices and wanting to see Jesus move. But have no spiritual fathers.
2. The older generation has the insight, wisdom, and experience to teach and train. But often lack the energy to travel around the globe etc.
God designed these generations to work together. That the energy of the young would energize the older generation and the experience and wisdom of the older generation would help guide the excitement of the younger generation.
Look at Moses and Joshua. Moses trained and discipled Joshua. Without that generational integration the children of Israel (older generation's descendants) would have never entered the promised land.
Elijah & Elisha are another prime example. Elijah told Elisha to stay behind but Elisha refused he wanted to be with his older mentor to learn grow and experience what Elijah knew so he could carry on the work. Elijah initially did not want Elisha to come with him he told him to stay behind but Elisha refused he wanted discipled.
A third example is Paul and Timothy. Sure Timothy was raised in a Christian home but Paul took him in and mentored him. As a result Timothy was very powerful in his ministry.
Many churches have 2 services one for the "older" generation, these services mostly include singing hymns. The other service is geared towards the "younger" generation where modern songs are sung. Why? In scripture they all came together.
Does the older generation really want to lie on their death bed talking about the "good ole' days"? Do they want to go out remembering? Or do they want to go out doing, mentoring and discipling and causing the kingdom of God to grow?
Does the younger generation really want to repeat the mistakes of the past? Do they want bounce all around with no direction or understanding? Or do they want to be guided missiles impacting the kingdom of darkness?
It's time we come together. Having one voice, one call, one objective to further the gospel and end generational segregation in the church.
Great start to your blog. I couldn't agree more with your view on this.
ReplyDeleteWe have three services at our church in California. First two (7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.) are the traditional service, the third (11 a.m.) is contemporary, geared toward that younger generation with music, a band, etc.
Attending church in Indiana, I've only known the traditional service. So suffice to say, we're just one of 3 or 4 younger couples that attend the 8:30 traditional service.
When we first attended, I believe a majority of the congregation were shocked we didn't go to the contemporary service. Even the pastor suggested we go to 11 a.m. service.
I enjoyed your blog. When I was at First Methodist in Houston I was a member of a young singles Sunday school class (young meaning 20-40). One thing that we really noticed was that all too often the older folks in the church didn't value our generation, and we didn't value theirs. Typically the older generation keeps the church afloat financially, and the younger generation keeps it aflot with works. So, one of our missions was to work with the older folks so that we could understand and appreciate them. We visited homebound and nursing home resident church members. We hosted swing dances with the senior Sunday school classes and they helped us with our fundraiser for our Red Bird Mission trip. We did things together, in front of the church to set an example, and as a result we built some awesome relationships.
ReplyDeleteI am on board with you. But, how do we begin? As a middler (40 something), I see both sides of preferences in music. I love to be in a worship service. When people's hearts are turned toward God, it matters not what they are singing. So, why do we get so hung up about it? Aren't we told to love each other, count on each other, support each other and worship together? Our hearts need to be turned toward God in worship, putting others before ourselves, and drop the "traditional" and "modern" labels so that we are better able to be the church God called us to be.
ReplyDelete