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It's Time to Let the Younger Generations Lead!
I had an epiphany this weekend.
I visited a church where I was music director from the late 70's to late 80's. I really helped the church by starting a choir and bringing the music quality level up! We brought in drums, bass guitar to go along with the piano and organ. We were suddenly attracting a younger crowd because we had music that they liked. The older folks didn't like it at first, in fact some of them left. The bottom line is that the Lord blessed and moved in our congregation in a new way. When I visited the church again for the first time in twenty years, things had changed. They no longer had a choir, and (gasp!) the acoustic piano was traded in on two keyboards! They had taken the pews out of the choir loft to add a drum cage and space for the different guitars. I was thinking that the music had gone to pot after I left! :D When church started it sounded like a rock concert with songs on the screen that I was not familiar with. But.......the spirit of worship was extremely strong with praising and dancing before the Lord. It used to take a really good black choir song to get people that exciting in worship! As I looked around, I noticed that 3/4ths of the congregation were probably under the age of 30! They had found a way to connect to the younger generations. I was impressed with the way the youth were on fire and worshiping God. I asked about the church attendance, and they told me that attendance had doubled in the last two years since they changed the worship type and format! They are now running about 800 in two Sunday services. (400 each) I realize that the style of church music that I like usually attracts folks that are my age. My daughter (age 27) that was with me loved their music! Maybe it's time to let our young leaders (age 30) take the lead in reaching this new generation. As long as our older preachers are leading, nothing will change! Please let our younger leaders take the reigns before we lose a generation and get closer to extension. Folks my age may not be comfortable at first, but they'll get used to it once the power of God starts moving in the church like never before! |
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im for it!
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Handing things off to those under 30 is not some magical push-button answer to usher in the presence and power of God (and I think most under-30's recognize this also) There's still something to be said for the greater experience, depth, wisdom, and knowledge of the word that the under-30's just dont have right now. |
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All we can really do is ground them in the things that matter, teach them critical thinking and pray to God they get the good and figure out the rest! |
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When my brother came on as Senior pastor, he started making gradual changes in how the church operated, the style of our services, and the focus and direction of our outreach. It was (and is) very difficult for some of the older saints, but for the most part every one has tried to work together and it has gone really well. It helps if the former leadership is supportive and behind the new direction. I personally love the new style and direction, it is very effective with this generation. |
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I wish they could see new music is the best way to connect with young people. Other wise I love the older generation and appreciate their love and wisdom. |
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All-righty then...I accept!
I am glad to take over and make way for a new ERA in..... What do you mean, you weren't talking about Me???? :tissue |
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Having "discussed" this many times at the present church I attend; we finally came to a conclusion that one of the most important things the church had to do was "make a place" for people of all ages, races, cultures, etc. Just recognizing the music that younger people like and making a place for it speaks volumes. It doesnt mean you have to do away with the music "my" generation prefers. There IS a place for all in the church. Just as there is a place for ALL at the foot of the cross.
Just my mindless wanderings...... Blessings! |
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The thing that drives me crazy, is that she is fine with the music at the church, but if I try to play the same kind of music in my car when she is along? "turn it off....it's too loud....it's got too much bass....it gives me a headache....." :blah |
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I love to see most of our white-haired saints worshiping to modern worship music, it is such a confirmation that it really is all about praise. If it is really praise and worship, and it is really from the heart, then if you are really interested in worshiping God, it really doesn't matter what era the song is from! Actually the biggest problem that we have had is over promotional and topic videos that the pastor has shown. There are a few of the older saints who just can't deal with it. It is kind of comical in a way, but it has been a real head-ache. |
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This reminds me of one of Keith's aunts who has been basically backslidden for 40yrs, she started going to church again about 8 yrs ago and everything was going ok, until she decided to get mad about the monitor in the church lobby. The monitor ran a video that let people know up and coming events ect. But when she was in church 40yrs ago they didn't do that, so why should they now. She got mad left church and hasn't been back since. |
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Of course, these are the same people who can tell you how every department in the church needs to be run, but have never actually accomplished anything in their own ministry. Now I'm just meddlin. :stirpot |
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Thats my meddlin' self. |
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Or everybody elses children when their own aren't even serving God!! Sis., we are going to get ourselves in trouble here!! :happydance |
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AMEN!!!! Well it's the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bliss |
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The only thing I would mention, is the age 30 isn't necessarily the magic age... our pastor is in his early-mid forties and our music director isn't that far behind either... but things are hopping in our church.
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But when you ask them a question after church they go "Uh?" :lol |
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There has been some excellent discussion on this thread. This is very serious!
If you really think about it, the late twenties or early to mid thirties is when our most creative juices are flowing. That is the time-frame of Jesus' ministry. I'm not sure, but I would guess that was the age of most of the preachers that came out of the Azuza St. revival and started the Pentecostal revolution! Yes, we need the wisdom of the older generations, but older generations tend to hold on to their comfort range. The older they get, the less that they are open to any change! The Apostolic church of today needs to be rocked by the Holy Ghost, and I'm convinced that there are young men and woman out there right that can usher in a new revolution! One thing I noticed about most older folks in the church: They end up going along with everything once they see the results. The church I visited had older folks dancing in the spirit along side the young people. It was a beautiful thing! |
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I thought of this scripture when I read your post...come to think of it, I have thought this before on here several times. 1Cor 9 19-23- 19For although I am free in every way from anyone's control, I have made myself a bond servant to everyone, so that I might gain the more [for Christ]. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to men under the Law, [I became] as one under the Law, though not myself being under the Law, that I might win those under the Law. 21To those without (outside) law I became as one without law, not that I am without the law of God and lawless toward Him, but that I am [especially keeping] within and committed to the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. 22To the weak (wanting in discernment) I have become weak (wanting in discernment) that I might win the weak and overscrupulous. I have [in short] become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ]. 23And I do this for the sake of the good news (the Gospel), in order that I may become a participator in it and share in its [blessings along with you]. Times change. By influences,the way we look , talk, & conduct affairs change. medicine and tecnology advance. Music is revolutionary...we are constantly changing, culture is diversifing. We as christians win souls to Christ, not by being ...ummm(this is difficult for me to find the words...), unreachable, unprepared, unproductive,& unreal, but by being attainable, ready to roll, creating, and genuine. |
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It's time to untie the hands of our most creative and talented young ministers! They have a calling to win their generation! |
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One of the key things that has helped our church through significant change is to examine each situation individually and honestly ask ourselves, do we do it this way because of tradition and habit, or because it is based on biblical principal. When you look at it from that perspective, change is a lot easier to take. |
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The most successful businesses are those that are constantly adapting to changes in the everyday habits and expectations of the people in our culture. The ones that hang on eventually will be outdated and out of business! When the generation that they are reaching dies, they die too! |
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:D |
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