Home Pastors Articles for Pastors Why Millennials, X-ers, Boomers and Busters Need Each Other

Why Millennials, X-ers, Boomers and Busters Need Each Other

3. Older Generations Should Realize How Much They Have to Give.

Most long-time, experienced Christian leaders I’ve met are extremely gracious, open and willing to mentor the next generation. But there are some who have not aged well and whose attitude toward the younger set is one of disdain.

Part of this might simply be fueled by the feeling of being put out to pasture, or it may just be the hard reality of being passed by as the “next big thing.” I don’t know, but if I could say something to every single gray-headed Christian leader, it would be this: We need you—your wisdom, your insight, your faithfulness poured into us so that we might carry the baton of leadership in our generation.

Thankfully, I’ve been exposed to some of the most gracious, humble, godly leaders who are eager to both listen to and advise the next generation. I’m friends with some pretty well-known pastors in my area who surprise me when they ask me advice on certain things. It reflects a certain humility and willingness to change and grow.

It seems there are two ways to age as a Christian leader.

You can age well, as most of the leaders I’ve seen do. Or you can age poorly, getting more prickly, less teachable, more dismissive along the way.

I had a conversation earlier this year with a long-time ministry leader who shocked my by his arrogance. He dismissed, with a smirk, nearly everything I was doing at my church, in my writing ministry and in my educational endeavors. I left feeling like a total failure. Needless to say, I’m not going to be seeking him out for advice anytime soon.

Thankfully, leaders like this are rare. But if I could humbly give a word to older generations: Age well. Realize how much you have to give to my generation. There are those of us who are eager to seek out your wisdom and your grace. We’re ready to learn and be shaped.