On Being a Multi-Generational Church

I served for eight years as a student pastor upon graduating from college. Then, I continued to serve an additional four years as an itinerant preacher to students and young adults. I have been a pastor for nearly thirty years. Still, today I have the privilege of not only leading a church that highly values our students but regularly serving them as I preach during our Sunday, large worship gatherings, where they are participants.

Here at Crosswinds, our students serve. They don’t merely serve within our student ministry but throughout the church. This makes sense. After all, they are not the church of tomorrow. They are part of the church of today. God has gifted and equipped them as part of His body, the church.

Crosswinds has had a long history of placing the needs of our children and students above that of adults like myself. This is reflected in our building on our Canandaigua campus. It is expressed in our choice of music during our worship gatherings and in our budget and staffing.

The death of any church is when adults stop thinking about legacy and begin placing a higher priority on themselves. Thoughts like, this is what I want, versus what will raise up generations of believers is stifling to growth, both in depth and breadth. A church’s decline can be seen in leadership striving to be heroes rather than hero makers.

This does not mean that all generations aren’t important in a multi-generational church. In fact, another hindrance, I believe, to the advancement of the gospel through a local church is a church that doesn’t have a multi-generational presence. However, without a willingness of the older generation, which I am a part of, to sacrifice wants and desires for the ability to reach the generations that follow, a church is headed toward declining kingdom influence.

I know I am preaching to the choir, so to speak. Our church family is so appreciative and supportive of our children, students, and their parents, as well as our ministry to them and with them. I believe God has honored this and will continue to do so for years to come.

One verse I have been mindful of as a parent and pastor is Deuteronomy 11:19, “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” It’s crucial that we disciple the next generation. Imparting God’s Word to them. The two pairs of opposites (sitting/walking, lie down/rise) suggests any and every time, place, and activity, we are to be mindful of sharing the gospel in word and deed to them.

I can’t overstate how much I appreciate being a part of a church that keeps the main thing the main thing: knowing God and making Him known. We don’t waste valuable time and energy arguing about carpet color, décor, music style, or volume. Instead, we realize everyone is working hard to serve in their areas, giving their utmost for His highest and ensuring God’s workings in and through us ripples for many generations to come.

One last note. Our students face challenges to their faith today, unlike many in past American generations. So join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and God’s power for them and their parents, mentors, and caregivers. Perhaps, even prayerfully consider serving in Crosswinds children’s ministry or student ministry. The impact you make today will make a difference for years to come.

God is at work throughout our church family. We are making a difference in our homes, workplaces, schools, community, region, and beyond. God is being glorified, we are being blessed, as others are blessed through us. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!