How People of All Ages Can Be Tools for the Gospel
A few weeks ago, on Valentine’s Day, my wife and I got the opportunity to speak to our church's youth on the topic of romantic love. We didn’t know what to expect at first when speaking to kids that age, but it really went well.I think it went well because we were at the perfect age to make a connection with them. We weren’t so young that we were almost peers, but we weren’t so old that our high school memories were faded. We were the right people at the right time to speak into their lives.
Related Post: A Heart For People
I'd like to think that's how it always works. Every generation has a skill set that’s perfect for that specific season in life. And as Christ-followers, that’s true for us as well.So what does each age group or generation of Christians bring to the table? Let’s dig deeper and find out together.
Gen-Zers
They’re the babies of the bunch, but they have a lot to say. They’re fierce and have some of the best discernment I’ve ever seen. While they may be young, let’s be reminded of what Paul wrote to Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
Since Gen-Zers are the first generation to grow up with the internet entirely, they have an opportunity to show the rest of us how to engage with others online in a civil manner and bring that civility to face-to-face interactions.
Millennials
For the most part, Millennials have entered “the real world.” They’re growing into their careers, and they’re even starting families. With that being said, Millennials often feel stuck—as if they aren’t making progress.It would suit Millennials to remember that Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, didn’t start his ministry until he was in his early thirties. With Jesus as the example, we know it’s not too late to begin making a difference.
Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (ESV)
Gen-Xers
Ever hear of Craig Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Ed Stetzer, Russell Moore, or Carey Nieuwhof? All those leaders and pastors are part of Generation X.Gen-Xers have seen it all, but yet, they are still in it. They’re still fighting the good fight, but they’re also equipping new leaders for sharing the gospel.
Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (ESV)
Baby Boomers
Last but not least, we have the Baby Boomers. This generation has had a lot of influence on our culture for a very long time. They’re the largest generation, and they’re the parents and grandparents of today’s 35 and under crowd.If they haven’t already, Boomers are beginning to pass the torch to younger generations. But this transfer can’t be flippant as it needs to protect the integrity of the wisdom that Boomers have already learned.
Titus 2:6-8 - Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (ESV)