What Older Generations Need to Hear from the Younger

Dear Older Generation – Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, Widows:

As I was coming to church today, I was thinking about how cool it is that we can worship together.

I’ve been learning that the Kingdom of God isn’t about age, color, race, affluence, power, or who has the most money.

The Kingdom of God isn’t just for the cool, young, hip, and trendy.

The Kingdom is for all – and I believe we reflect that as we gather and we go for the glory of Christ.

Thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to this local church.

To think that some of you have been attending this church longer than I’ve been alive is mind-blowing. It makes me realize that I get bored too quickly. My friends and I tend to chase fads and hype rather than chase the presence of God through discipline, values, and commitment.

When the doors were open, you were here (matter of fact, you probably were the one who opened the doors for everyone else). You came early and stayed late.

You were here before our church was big. You were here before we had a large staff.

You cleaned the toilets. You painted the walls. You put up drywall. You were a receptionist. You taught Sunday school, rocking the felt board Jesus (In my opinion, felt board Jesus needs to make a comeback 🙂 ).

You never asked for money for all the ways you served – matter of fact, you have and continue to give generously. You’ve given more money to the Kingdom of God than I could ever dream of making. Our church couldn’t function without you.

This is your local church just as much as it feels like my local church. I know it seems like things aren’t as they used to be – the songs have changed. The sounds of changed. The ministries have changed. The size has changed. The multimedia has changed.

Isn’t it good to know that God has never changed? Methods will always change, but our mission has stayed the same. By your support, commitment, and sacrifice, you’ve made a way for the next generation to come, find Jesus, and learn what it means to live for Him.

We are sorry for making you feel like this isn’t your church anymore. It most definitely is – and you’re in a season of life where you can continue to be fruitful for the Kingdom while also seeing the fruit of your years of ministry.

I’m here, doing what I do, because of what you gave. My friends are leading worship, leading small groups, leading in the kids ministry, and going on missions trips because of the foundation you created for us to step into.

Here’s what we commit to do, as the younger generation. We’ll never stop talking to you, hugging you, loving you. We’ll never stop singing some of your favorite hymns in the mix of music (I’ve come to love them too).

We’ll never stop coming to you for prayer and advice. We love you and love our multi-generational church. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s keep reaching the world together!

Sincerely,

Your biggest fans

What Do You Think?

What is your takeaway in response to this letter? Is this what the older generation needs to hear?

Is this the culture that is developing at your church?

What are you noticing and learning about the generations living and worshiping together?

Fire away in the comments. It’s always, always better when you share! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Check out the other post in the series: What Young Worship Musicians Need to Hear from the Older Generation

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