Generation gap
Grandpa: “Church is essential.”
Dad: “Church is optional.”
Son: “Church is unnecessary.”
Grandson: “Jesus who?”
Doesn’t this sound like what we have learned from the first three chapters of Judges? And unfortunately, we see the same thing happening within the churches of America today. More and more of the younger generation are drifting away from the church — if they ever attended in the first place. The essentials and patterns of faith are not being passed on or incorporated by younger generations. Skeptics question Biblical truth, and the church doesn’t answer except by saying, “You must have faith.”
The nominal Christian model proclaims that church on Sunday might be important, but the rest of the week is yours to do with as you please. And the prevalence of false teaching available on the internet and passed on from friend to friend proclaims that each person can determine “Their own truth,” or “What is true for me might not be true for you.” The community of the church, of faith, is no longer the center of one’s life, but just one of many options. And usually the beach, Walt Disney World, Netflix or resting in bed win the battle. How many times do you hear “I am too busy” to make time for church? Judges is Exhibit A in the failure of passing faith from one generation to the next. Our culture is Exhibit ?? in doing the same all over again.
This leads me to making a plea to get involved in the children and youth ministries of the church. Show up and be a model of more than a nominal Christian, but one whose life is lived wholly for Christ. Build relationships with these young people so they can ask you questions about the Bible and life. You have a wealth of experience where the Bible has been the guiding directive of your life. You don’t have to have all the answers. But come alongside them to explore and find the answers to their questions so they see the impact that living for Christ and being connected to the church can have in their lives. Many of us no longer have children at home, but the church is our home, and there are many children and youth there who need someone just like you.
So the question is, are you Grandpa, Dad, Son or Grandson when it comes to the church? Let’s be a church full of Grandpas and Grandmas.
Pressing On…
Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor
