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Respecting Age
By Ken Horn | June 27, 2008
My May 25 Vantage Point has pulled in more mail than we usually get. So I’d like to share it with my blog readers who may not have seen it. I’ve included a few of the responses we have received.
Respecting Age
OK, I realize older people can get cranky and defensive about “the way things used to be.” The older we get, the more “the good old days” dominate our thoughts. And often, the older we get, the better they seem — though in reality those days of fond memory were seldom as good as we remember them.
But the church is changing by leaps and bounds, and on many fronts the group of believers that is increasingly left out in the cold is older Christians. And, church, we need them.
Society as a whole has changed dramatically. Courtesy is no longer a de facto part of the upbringing of children. Expressions of appreciation are increasingly rare, and the valuing of the aged among us is nearing extinction.
Unfortunately, some of this has crept into the church.
Churches today are overwhelmingly crafted to appeal to younger congregations. I have been told, on more than one occasion, “They have had their day. If anyone needs to sacrifice, it should be them.” Many older saints are willing to do that. Some have told me, “I don’t enjoy the music, and I can’t relate to a lot of the things we do, but when I see young people excited about serving Jesus, I know it is worth it.”
Most older saints are willing to take this view if God is honoring the changes. But it is hard on most of them. They are experiencing culture shock.
And they deserve consideration.
More than consideration, they deserve notice. Our older saints have something to give. Unlike the trend in our society, the church should honor and respect them.
Young Christians need to become their friends and absorb the heritage of the godly aged among us.
I call upon younger believers and pastors to consider the needs of older Christians, become involved in their lives, and receive the wisdom they have to give … before it’s too late.
Let us know your opinion. And most of all, let us know if you have ideas for bringing the generations together. If your church is doing this effectively, let us know how. Selected responses may appear in the Today’s Pentecostal Evangel letters page.
Topics: Christian living |
June 26th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Here are some typical responses:
I was very impressed with the May 25 Vantage Point, “Respecting Age” (by Ken Horn). I fear that many of our older saints are feeling left out and displaced. Many continue to want to serve in some capacity yet aren’t sure where. I feel your article hit the nail right on the head. Let’s continue to minister to and value the younger generation but let’s also honor Christ by valuing the older Christians. We have a lot to learn from their experiences.
Debbie O’Brien
Kent, Wash.
Thank you for the May 25 Vantage Point. I’m 56 and appreciate all the encouragement I can get. The older I get, the more I appreciate the aged.
Kathy Somers
Northwood, N.H.
I appreciate so much Ken Horn’s May 25 Vantage Point. I don’t feel so forgotten now. I used to do a lot in my church. Now, at 86, I’m just a “has been.” In fact, I think most of them don’t even remember what I “have been”!
Constance Schroeder
Via e-mail
Regarding “Respecting Age,” some additional issues need to be considered. Older saints are in the best position to initiate and pursue cross-generational relationships. Those younger-in-age and newer Christians are not exempt from reaching out to the older saints. Yet, they are often following the lead of others in their churches, which sadly is often, “You keep to your group; I’ll keep to mine.”
Phrases such as “the good old days” and “these kids today” tear down the body of Christ. Instead of being excited to see youth in church, regardless of dress or style of music, many elder Christians seem almost annoyed by the intrusion.
As a woman in her late 20s, I agree that the Church would be greatly strengthened by a unified body that includes all members working together to build the Kingdom, regardless of age or generational differences.
Jena Schaumburg
Via e-mail
The church elderly are, indeed, valuable and overlooked as well as under-used jewels in our evangelical churches. I sincerely hope and pray Ken Horn’s words stimulate change.
Bonnie McKinzie
Garden Grove, Calif.
June 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Responses on the issue as a whole:
Amen to every point in your May 25 issue. You gave us challenging and needed articles. My prayers are that local leaders read and implement your ideas. I too have been concerned over the emphasis to appeal to “tomorrow’s church” instead of to “today’s church” that includes all ages.
Marie M. Garrett
Martinsville, Va.
I appreciated the issue on aging and ministry. It was a wonderful message about how we can still be busy and productive throughout our lives, when we are able and willing.
Nona Hanson
Via e-mail