Ten Suggestions for Older Congregations
by Perry Hall
Many congregations are graying. What can these groups do to encourage the next generations?
- Show the young how to live with confidence and joy in their salvation, without doubt or fear of death.
- Don't stop serving just because you've stopped working. This includes teaching Bible classes. Don't have the attitude that you taught children when your children were young; now that they are grown, your duty is done.
- Don't hang on to "my" project. Share and train. Their way may be different but not wrong. Plus, you may learn something.
- Lead with dignity, not compulsion; then, when appropriate, follow. And gently nudge when needed or asked.
- Be mentors. Especially older men to younger men, and older women to younger women. Part of being a mentor is training the young and older people to become mentors.
- Expect high standards while showing mercy. You weren't always as "perfect" as you are now!
- Become friends with the youth, too. They need you more than your own age group.
- Listen before making conclusions. Be friends before being an adviser.
- Teach that vibrant older folks began with becoming vibrant younger people. So teach them to start now.
- Never, ever, complain about noisy children. Instead, volunteer to help so the young parents can get the emotional rest and spiritual food they need to grow.
- Bonus: No one is too old to evangelize. I have known of women in their 80s who did campus evangelism, worked in church booths at festivals, and more.
For more information on the relationships between the older and the younger, read Titus 2.
