Thom Rainer recently (9/22/14 Rainer Report Blog) released current data that showed only 17% of the Millennial generation as professing Christ. This represents the lowest conversion percentage of any generation in the history of our nation. So there is a great push to impact this generation just as efforts have been done to impact every generation. We are now emphasizing the “under 40” leaders in order to engage a dialogue of understanding and to implement strategies that are targeted to this demographic.

While reflecting upon my concern for the millennial generation and their conversion to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I turned my reflection upon the aging of our nations leaders. Specifically the demographic information that states the median age of church leaders is rising or in other words, we are getting older. The median age of senior clergy/congregational leaders is in the mid-50’s according to the National Congregations Study by Duke University.

This data begs the question regarding the younger generations representation in faith-based initiatives. There is a major shift of culture and expectations that is taking place in the church world. I recently came across an article that discussed the fears of growing older. This article provoked some reflective thought. It is true that as we age our habits of life, desires of life, and our capabilities in life change. That is a natural part of the cycle of life. Just as we are concerned about reaching the unreached, what is our level of concern for the aging “brain-trust” of leaders facing new fears and doubts?

I want to offer some thoughts of aging leaders.

• I fear leaving life unfinished. I have not met a leader who does not want to miss anything that God has planned for them. Days may be drawing shorter, but the weight of God’s call takes on a new urgency. I personally do not want to miss anything.
• I fear change itself. While we may have lived life with gusto prior, age suddenly causes us to slow the pace of change in our life. We reflect longer and move slower. Life’s experiences teaches us much wisdom.
• I fear not equipping those closest to me for eternity. We feel secure in our destiny. But the question arises, have we done everything we can to prepare those who matter the most for eternity?
• I fear being forgotten. Not that I will be forgotten as a person, but will my testimony and passion for Christ be remembered? When people reflect upon our life will our words of wisdom still be an encouragement to those who remember?
• I fear not finishing strong. We do hit a point in life that leaving a legacy becomes a driving passion and concern. We all want to leave our mark in life. We desire to keep our mind and spirit young even when our body slows its pace. We desire to maintain a capability to engage intellectual and theological debate. Age cannot take your mind unless you yield to it.

While we are concerned about the lost in any generation, we do not want to lose sight of  Christ’s most important teaching that is not generationally bound – DO NOT BE AFRAID!

Leave a comment or  click on the voice message icon. I will respond to each comment.