For the next two weeks, we’re going to turn the mic around and interview Jim surrounding the challenge of younger leaders saying yes to God’s call. In today’s episode we unpack how the generation we hail tends to flavor our view of life and leadership. And . . . how that “flavored view” influences the engagement and release of younger leaders into their God-given calling.

Five Generations in Church

1. The Builders or Silent Generation 1925-1945: The Great Depression and WWII
2. The Baby Boomers 1946-1964: The Cold War
3. The Baby Busters or Gen X 1965-1980: Vietnam, Race Relations, Stock Market, Drugs
4. Millennials 1981-2000: Gulf Wars, Y2K, World Trade Center, Internet, Video Games
5. Gen Z 2001-2020: Smart Phones, Covid, Gender/Race/Politics, Anxiety and Depression

All generations have their own understanding of life. Deuteronomy 4:5-9

“The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise,” (Socrates – 2000 years ago).

Just as the problem isn’t new, neither is the solution:

The older generation must believe and invest in the younger generation.

• Paul must believe in Timothy and eventually even John Mark.
• Elijah must believe in Elisha even if Elijah’s ceiling is Elisha’s floor.
• Moses must believe in Joshua, even if the kid gets to go where he didn’t.
• The “discipled” must make their “disciples.”

Question posed to young leaders: “What would you say to pastors who want to engage and enlist a younger generation?”

“Church growth” isn’t as important as relational connection to this generation of leaders.

• “They are not as hungry for amazing results as they are for true, deep relationship with God (and you)”
• “I don’t know what my church will look like. I only know it will not look like what has become normal. I don’t want smoke machines, Krispy Creams and skinny jeans. I want community and depth not numbers and a show. I’m so tired of the Cold Play concert followed by the TED Talk.”