Generational Missions

In reading A RESILIENT LIFE by Gordon MacDonald, the middle section in the book is about asking questions of different generations. MacDonald was speaking to a convention of worship leaders, and it struck him that most of them were in their 30’s. He asked them if they really knew about the lives of the people in their churches who were younger or older than their generation? He challenged them to develop their worship program with an eye on those who did not share their worldview.

As I reflected on MacDonald’s comments, I thought about this blog. I’m in the late 50’s crowd who is thinking about how relevant I am in the world, wondering if time has passed me by? Soon I will be in the 60’s and 70’s group and will wonder if anyone will even know or care about the life I’ve lived? Have I forgotten what it was like to be in my 20’s, when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew taller? Do I appreciate the struggles of those in their 30’s, who must balance family and career, while at the same time trying to serve Christ overseas? It wasn’t too long ago I was apart of the 40’s crowd, coming to terms with the choices that I’ve made in life which has defined my future and wondering if it’s too late to make a mid-course adjustment (classic definition of mid-life crisis)?

I have noted that culture is not static. What was the norm in missions five years ago has changed. In developing a strategy of mission one must be aware of those changing dynamics. So, too, is it with those who will take up the mantle of missions in the days ahead. Missions cannot, should not be done as it was in my generation. I pray to God I will remember that as I move forward and helping others to think about where He is taking us, not where we have been.