Generational Leadership

I’ve worked with teens going on 10 years now. A major passion of mine is bridging the generational gap between the younger and older generations. There are differences in preferences, lifestyles, and hobbies. One thing stands true in almost any generational tension, misunderstanding. We’ve all heard it. Younger people saying the older people are stubborn and over-critical. Older people saying the younger people are lazy and sensitive. The issue is that these people are simply not doing two important things.

1) Reading what God says about these unique groups of people.

2) Getting to know each other. Past the casual drive-by conversations. I’m talking about really learning about someone’s soul.

The Bible actually clearly defines what we are to do with the older and younger generations.

The older to the younger: Teach them. Lead them. Pass the baton to them.

The younger to the older: Respect them. Follow them. Learn from them.

In what ways are we to act towards our elders?

1 Timothy 5:1 - “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father…”

Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.”

In what ways should we act towards the younger generation?

Ephesians 6:4 - “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Titus 2:6–7 - “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good.”

From the scriptures mentioned above, we can conclude two things. 1) We have clear directives from God on how we should interact with the other generation. 2) The focus of the interactions is Christ-centered, not self-centered.

The issue with the misunderstandings mentioned at the top is that they come from a place of selfishness. How they do things is different than how you would do things. Surely if someone doesn’t do something you’re way that means they’re against you right? No way! Each generation is different. But God and the Bible never change. Cling to what God says and you will grow an admiration for each that you didn’t think was possible.

I would encourage each group to think about these questions this week:

The older generation: In what ways are you investing in our youth? If they modeled your behavior, would they grow into a deeply rooted faith?

The younger generation: Are you seeking out your elders for knowledge? Are you willing to approach their advice with humility?