The Old Guy in the Room

I had an interesting experience this week.  I attended a leadership roundtable that was sponsored by Next Level Church at their coffee house in Dover.  It was awesome.  I met some great people.  We got to reflect on ministry, how we "do church" in an ever changing culture.  I picked up lots of great ideas, and made some excellent connections, some of which I hope may even grow into genuine friendships.

But there was one thing that struck me the moment I walk into the room.  I'm getting old.  Many of those in attendance were lead pastors or church leaders from new church starts, or from multi-site ministries.  These were great, cool, cutting edge ministries.  I wouldn't say I was the oldest person in the room.  But I suspect that the four or five others in the room (of the 70 people or so) that were my age or older, noticed the same thing I did.  There is a new generation of young leaders emerging in the Christian Church that are all out, sold out for Jesus Christ!  This was a room full of church planters and entrepreneurial Christian leaders who are prepared to storm the gates of hell for the sake of the lost and dying.  There was a tremendous energy and excitement in that room that I don't always experience when Christians gather.

So, I am excited and encouraged by what I see happening all around us among young adults who are, at once, serious and passionate about their faith.  But I couldn't help but wonder, what about the rest of us?  What about those of us that did not grow up with the internet?  Is there still a place for those of us in our 40's and 50's, dare I say 60's and 70's?  There is something awesome about seeing a new church where the average age of the leadership team is 26.  But I also believe the Christian Church is desperately in need of people who are further along in the journey.  People who are able to share some of the experiences of life.

I guess I feel as though the Christian church is at its best when we can combine the energy and passion of committed young adults with the wisdom and maturity of a long time Christ-follower in a synergistic way.  So, to those of you who are younger, bring it on!  Bring your energy, your new ideas, and your passion.  We need your fresh perspective on how we can reach the unchurched in an increasingly secularized world.  And those of you who (like me) are a little further along in the journey, don't check out.  Retirement is not a Christian concept.  We need your experience and knowledge.  And there are many younger Christians who would welcome the opportunity to be mentored and encouraged along the way.  

All in all, I am more optimistic about the future of the Christian Church in America than I have been in a very long time.  This is an exciting time to be a part of the work of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God!