Here in America we live in a culture that gets offended when you ask about it…age. Personally, it’s the tone with which people ask the question that gets me. More often than not, when people first meet me they assume I’m younger than I am (and then they tell me that one day I’ll wish that was the case). Apparently I look young. I’m okay with that. What I’m not okay with is people looking down on me because of my age. I find this to be the case often in the church. Why that’s the case I haven’t yet been able to figure out. But, it’s not anything new either.
Yes, I am (by comparison) young. I have a lot to learn. Sometimes my passion needs to be reigned in a little bit. I am still at times naive. Sometimes I’m overeager. My passion and excitement can cause me to be judgmental. Bottom line: I make mistakes…a lot of them.
But, I’m also a loved and uniquely gifted child of God. And I respect the older generation. I respect their wisdom and knowledge. I admire their leadership. I can learn more from them than I’d ever imagine. And I crave mentors from among them.
Many churches today have become divided by age, by generation. And we are all to blame for that. In doing so I think we’re losing out on some extremely valuable relationships. We’re losing opportunities for cross generational mentoring and learning. Whether 15, 25, 35, 65 or anywhere in between, we’re all a piece of the puzzle. God has given us all unique gifts to be used for His kingdom. And the truth is that none of us can do it on our own. In fact, more often than not I think God can use us to accomplish the most for Him when we work together.
It’s a beautiful thing when we can forget about age and open ourselves up to relationships that can make a lasting impact on our lives and the Kingdom. It’s a lesson I’m learning…not using age as a defining fact in what relationships should or should not look like.
Thoughts?
I completely understand what you're saying here. I've reflected in this myself a lot. Beig the youngest person, by at least 20 years, on the worship team at my church I often feel that I'm not being utilized to my fullest potential.
It's something that has been weighing on me for awhile. Do I continue to stick it out… trusting that God has me sitting there… being bold and making people angry for a reason. Or do I go someplace else… someplace with a younger worship staff that would make me feel like my ideas are being implemented and not just heard?
If you could now answer that for me and just tell me what to do… that would be greatly appreciated. Haha (sarcasm)
Ha, I really do wish I had an answer for you, Graham! I wish I had an answer because I've been there & wish I could figure out what I learned from being there.
I guess I would say his though, if it starts to make you bitter or give you "martyr" syndrome, it's time to either get serious & surrender it to God asking Him to change your heart or get out because the motivation then is all wrong.
Also, I remember the Apostle Paul a lot. He was "young" in comparison to the church leaders of the day. He made people angry. he probably often felt like he was getting no where. But, God used Him to do amazing things.