BETWEEN THE GENERATIONS

BY PASTOR DALE OQUIST

THE HUMAN BODY HAS MANY PARTS, BUT THE MANY PARTS MAKE UP ONE WHOLE BODY. SO IT IS WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12 (NLT)

One of the things I love most about Peoples Church is that we are intentionally multigenerational. There is power in bringing together generations to live life together and engage with one another. Young people want to share their knowledge and experience with the older generation. More seasoned individuals crave the bond of being a wise counselor to a younger leader.

The Bible commands us to share God’s goodness, might, wonders, deeds, and laws repeatedly. It tells us to share it from generation to generation. This knowledge was shared organically hundreds of years ago because education came from the home; there was no corporate school structure. Think of how much easier that would have been for parents and elders if they were already spending time with children, teaching them to become carpenters or blacksmiths.

As we have modernized the education process, we find ourselves more segregated. Kids go to school, parents work, and the family gets together when possible. We do this at church as well! We have programs for kids, students, college age, young adults, married couples, singles, and people with special needs. These programs create opportunities for each group to learn in an environment that suits them, where they can hear the gospel in a language and level appropriate for them.

Knowing that we are more segregated, we must act intentionally to connect generations. This relationship isn’t the responsibility of Peoples Church as an organization; this is the responsibility of the people who make up Peoples Church. It is up to you!

Young people: Don’t wait for a mentor to appear; introduce yourself to someone older than you. Elders: Don’t wait for an invitation to join a ministry! Build a relationship with someone younger than you and take them to lunch; that’s a unique ministry! We are one body working together; it’s time to share that unity.

Both young and old should share what God has done in their lives and point one another toward Jesus. Take the time to listen to each other and learn something new. This purposeful exchange will unite generations and create something special at Peoples Church. We will find more understanding, conversation, and growth when we share what God has done among the generations.

Moving Forward

Find someone younger and older, ask them to have coffee or a meal, and share your testimony with them, which is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. It helps us push forward when we invite others on our journey.