How Have you Been or Do You Hope to Be Blessed?
In an interesting chapter entitled “Becoming a Christian Elder in Rebuilding the Church,” James M. Houston and Michael Parker examine the often overlooked and/or underappreciated potential contributions by older members of the church. In addition to noting the ways that seniors are often assumed to contribute to the church through their increased availability to participate because of their status as retirees, Houston and Parker note that advances in medical technology regularly allow older members to remain very actively involved in the ministries of the congregation and the activities of the community. One of the most powerful quotations they include draws upon both Biblical and secular wisdom—an older person observed, ‘I’ve learned that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.’ “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask…your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). As our vision statement affirms the valuation of tradition and the embrace of innovation, Christ UMC creatively explores the opportunities to facilitate learning opportunities and interactions between the older and younger members of the congregation.
The New Testament echoes the prophetic hopes of Joel in the Old Testament as it intones “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). The inspiring image of old and young, sons and daughters sharing in the experiences of prophesying and dreaming provides a model of the church and community that God envisions. Houston and Parker further note that “we have not been given a ministry of religious empire building, but of spurring individual disciples and communities on to biblical maturation” (p. 224). Among the most treasured possessions of the aged are the dreams and the wisdom that they have amassed over their years of perseverance through unimaginable difficulties. J. Campbell White, the General Secretary of the YMCA in Calcutta, noted that “Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ’s purpose toward the world He came to redeem.”
Churches have a unique ability to provide consistent, meaningful intergenerational opportunities for collaborative relationships and exchange of testimonies among older and younger individuals who may share geographical proximity and may also share an even more pervasive unmet need—the desire to belong, to be valued and to be seen. In the book, “In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers” Mother Teresa noted that “the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one.” Houston and Parker explain that this feeling of isolation and despair not only describes many older persons, it also describes the feelings of younger people who are often described as “latch-key children” who frequently return to empty homes after school or to homes characterized by pre-occupied, distracted, over-worked and/or overwhelmed parents who are finding it difficult to balance the competing demands of careers and other parenting responsibilities. Through the ministries of the church, older individuals are able to share with younger individuals (including adults, teens and children) the testimony of the spiritual growth, fulfillment and maturity that they have acquired over the years. Relatedly, the younger individuals are able to offer the older individuals the opportunity to better appreciate some of the details of the challenging circumstances that characterize contemporary society such as long commutes, weakened community ties, limited appreciation of familial narratives that differ from peers and the rapidly expanding arrays of opportunities for education and recreation.
The visions and dreams of both the old and the young can incorporate details of the myriad blessings that have been received or pursued throughout life. The challenges that have been endured and/or overcome provide evidence of the presence of God and the power of God; these testimonies can be expressed by both older and younger individuals. In situations in which the challenges are ongoing, the wisdom of the elders can help develop patience and perseverance among the younger. The inspiration can also be received by the older individual from the younger. The sense of optimism and invincibility that often characterizes those who have not become jaded by negative experiences can strengthen the connections between the individuals and strengthen the witness of the church. What are some of the ways you’ve been blessed by God to experience joy, peace, affirmation, encouragement and wisdom? Who are some of the people, both older and younger, who will benefit from your witness?
The vision of the church includes equipping the community to follow Jesus. You are an indispensable part of this task. We are looking forward to seeing you in worship and seeing you in class. Invite someone to come with you as we grow together.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
