A Church for All Ages
"In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17, NRSV).
These words are familiar, but as with other Bible truths, it is so hard to remember that everyone of every age is valuable in God's sight. We have a hard time living and learning together as God's people; it requires being open to others' perspectives about the world, the church's work, and the basic way we live our lives.
Recently, I worshiped with a traditional congregation that reminded me of ways to live together with several generations. The bulletin included helps for parents in guiding their young children through the worship time, and "if children become restless . . ." there were directions to the nursery. The pastor's time with children was age-appropriate. She did not manipulate the children with questions or activities to entertain the adults. The message was introduced with this comment: "The sermon today is my work with this text; as always, I invite you to discuss it with me after the service or during the week." It was full of illustrations designed to make the Scripture relevant for each age group.
In the twenty-first century, leaders must learn all we can about all God's people so that we can live and serve together.
Betsey Heavner (bheavner@gbod.org) is Director of FaithQuest at The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.