There is a chasm in the Lord’s church. A gap is seen as you walk through the doors of a church building. A divide is felt as one moves within the body of Christ, from worship, Bible studies, and fellowship. This division is not due to doctrine or differing opinions, but age. Older members tend to associate with other older members, while younger members often connect solely with their peers. Our youth meet for devotionals and family gatherings, while our older members have game nights and coffee. Rarely do these two groups interact outside the worship assembly, and even then, they seldom do so. This is not a sign of a healthy church. A bridge is needed to heal this chasm. That bridge is the counsel that our older members can provide for our younger ones. Let us consider some practical applications to establish and maintain this bridge. When there is a bridge between the older generations and the younger generations, there is victory.
Brothers and sisters, how invaluable is the godly counsel older members provide for our congregations! Proverbs 11:14 says, “When there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” If we want strong, healthy congregations, assemblies that are victorious, we must bridge the age gap through God’s Word and godly counsel. In Titus 2, we see a wonderful example of a bridged chasm. In verse 2, the “older men” are commanded to practice certain Christian traits. Why? They could urge the “younger men” to model their behavior. Likewise, in verse 3, the “older women” are called to demonstrate Christian characteristics. Why? In verse 4, they are to encourage our young ladies to live as God would have them to live. How do we bridge the gap between generations? Our older people provide counsel to our younger people through their example and encouragement. This can be developed through more interaction. Interaction can be cultivated by having our young people serve our older ones. Interaction can be increased by our older members trying to meet the younger members. Interaction can be encouraged by our younger members sitting with our older ones during worship.
There is a chasm in the Lord’s Church, but God has given us a bridge in His Word. If we want the Lord’s Church to grow and flourish, may we all strive to bridge the gap between our older and younger members. Solomon said it like this, “In abundance of counselors, there is victory.”
-Bryce Mayfield