Embrace, Love and Serve
I am SO excited!
This weekend, I'm heading to Crossville to Pine Grove COGOP to lead worship at a Youth Rally! Remember those? Back in the day, we had TONS of young people at those things and we worshiped and praised and prayed like grown-ups! We were fervent youth with burning desires to be witnesses for the Kingdom and soul-winners for the King! What happened to my generation and the one just after me? Where in the COGOP are we? When I think of those times, I realize how many of my age group/circle are no longer in COGOP but have found ministry opportunity elsewhere. It's not that we're not going to church or ministering. We're just not doing those things HERE. I too left for a long time... 10 years in fact. I learned a lot during those years, but ultimately, God had shaped me for exactly what I am doing now and I am more than happy to be back among this family.
Let me cut to the chase. We have a lot of people, young and old, who have been wounded or hurt in the past. Many of these hurts are simple miscommunications or misunderstandings, but some are, to be quite honest, a product of stubbornness and a superiority complex. I was reading Lindsey McKinley's facebook page and she said "Church isn't meant to "be a democracy" as u keep saying, it's a Theocracy." (Her blog can be found HERE.) She had been listening to a group of men in the process of starting a church and I immediately thought "Wow. That's how we lost it too." Somehow, we lost sight of God in the midst of church. I firmly believe that we nearly lost a whole generation because of it. Thank God we are back on track! I am happy that many of my generation are serving other places and have found their calling fulfilled in other organizations. After all, we are all working together. What concerns me are the folks who were so hurt or damaged that they gave up on Jesus altogether. Are we loving them still? Are we still praying for them? Do we reach out to them? I know that I have not done this as I should. Lord, help me to reach out to those hurting and be a loving reminder of the love, grace and mercy You are!
We have continuing opportunities every day to make a difference in the lives of others. As we embrace this generation, and yes, we MUST embrace them, we've got to listen, support and encourage regardless of how loud their music is and regardless of the color of their hair. Don't get me wrong here. I believe that there is a time to be gently firm but I also believe that there is a time to be loving, forgiving and understanding when it comes to nurturing and encouraging young Christians (no matter the physical age) in their walks.
We must embrace, love and serve all generations. Work in a youth camp or teach a tween class. Visit a local nursing home and share a Bible study. Look for small ways to encourage. A hug goes a long way.
I look forward to more opportunities to serve every day. I hope you do too.
:::G:::
This weekend, I'm heading to Crossville to Pine Grove COGOP to lead worship at a Youth Rally! Remember those? Back in the day, we had TONS of young people at those things and we worshiped and praised and prayed like grown-ups! We were fervent youth with burning desires to be witnesses for the Kingdom and soul-winners for the King! What happened to my generation and the one just after me? Where in the COGOP are we? When I think of those times, I realize how many of my age group/circle are no longer in COGOP but have found ministry opportunity elsewhere. It's not that we're not going to church or ministering. We're just not doing those things HERE. I too left for a long time... 10 years in fact. I learned a lot during those years, but ultimately, God had shaped me for exactly what I am doing now and I am more than happy to be back among this family.
Let me cut to the chase. We have a lot of people, young and old, who have been wounded or hurt in the past. Many of these hurts are simple miscommunications or misunderstandings, but some are, to be quite honest, a product of stubbornness and a superiority complex. I was reading Lindsey McKinley's facebook page and she said "Church isn't meant to "be a democracy" as u keep saying, it's a Theocracy." (Her blog can be found HERE.) She had been listening to a group of men in the process of starting a church and I immediately thought "Wow. That's how we lost it too." Somehow, we lost sight of God in the midst of church. I firmly believe that we nearly lost a whole generation because of it. Thank God we are back on track! I am happy that many of my generation are serving other places and have found their calling fulfilled in other organizations. After all, we are all working together. What concerns me are the folks who were so hurt or damaged that they gave up on Jesus altogether. Are we loving them still? Are we still praying for them? Do we reach out to them? I know that I have not done this as I should. Lord, help me to reach out to those hurting and be a loving reminder of the love, grace and mercy You are!
We have continuing opportunities every day to make a difference in the lives of others. As we embrace this generation, and yes, we MUST embrace them, we've got to listen, support and encourage regardless of how loud their music is and regardless of the color of their hair. Don't get me wrong here. I believe that there is a time to be gently firm but I also believe that there is a time to be loving, forgiving and understanding when it comes to nurturing and encouraging young Christians (no matter the physical age) in their walks.
We must embrace, love and serve all generations. Work in a youth camp or teach a tween class. Visit a local nursing home and share a Bible study. Look for small ways to encourage. A hug goes a long way.
I look forward to more opportunities to serve every day. I hope you do too.
:::G:::
Very well said Glynis. It's always interesting to hear the thoughts and ideas of people in our generation who were "brought up in the Church". You are correct in saying we have possibly lost an entire generation. I pray to God that we become more loving and understanding as you so wisely said in your blog. God Bless You!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toni. This is a real issue that is VERY close to my heart. I appreciate your positive feedback. God bless!
ReplyDelete