Weariness weighed down my heart as I prepared for another meeting. Disappointment over a mediocre event distracted me from the purpose of our gathering. Just be obedient, you know what to do. Try to push it aside.
Sarah arrived a little late, flustered. She apologized for her tardiness, but we were used to that. Young and inexperienced, she had yet to master many of the nuances of adulthood.
Sliding into her seat, she leaned forward, eager to share her ideas. With twinkling eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, she began to pour out all the Lord had shared with her.
I would love to tell you that her fresh take on event planning inspired me. Instead, I interrupted her with a curt response.
“We’ve tried that in the past, and it doesn’t work.”
Crestfallen, she paused as others shared. I caught the disappointment on her face, but continued through the meeting’s agenda. Frustration loomed as I didn’t feel we were getting anywhere.
“We need to stop and pray,” I said.
Honestly, it was more like a last-ditch effort than the necessary first step. Sighing, I submitted the meeting to the Holy Spirit and waited. The correction was gentle, but clear. Listen to Sarah, ask her to repeat her thoughts.
Turning back to her, I apologized for my lack of vision and patience. As she once again shared her ideas, I saw the freshness in a young colleague’s ideas. Yes, she was inexperienced, but her youthful vitality began to encourage and inspire the rest of us.
From there, the older members of the team layered their knowledge over the skeleton of her original thoughts. Their wisdom, combined with her inspiration, brought a fresh approach to a familiar event.
As the meeting closed, I stayed behind in the room reflecting on the powerful lesson I learned from an unexpected source. The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us, no matter our age, if we are willing to listen.
This is the day the Lord showed me the necessity of an intergenerational team. Each generation brings something different to the table. The Lord delights in using each of us at every stage of our lives. Listening to each generation builds in richness to our lives and our ministries. Our goal is to live as Paul described in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (CSB): “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
The Beauty of Each Generation
To work well together, we must first learn how each generation views the world. As I’ve explored these characteristics, I recognize that we might not be able to gather them around the same table. But that doesn’t hinder us from reaching out to each of them for their input.
Traditionalists (born 1928 – 1945) – These matriarchs possess a wisdom that far surpasses many of us. Born during a turbulent time in history, they share with us the tenacity to overcome circumstances out of their control. You may need to visit or call them for their good counsel, as age may prevent them from attending your meetings. We need to recognize the relevance of their wisdom as we minister to today’s culture.
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) – Did you know this generation is most likely to have intergenerational relationships? Boomers show genuine interest in other people and often follow up with questions to clarify what others are saying. Boomers appreciate a step-by-step process with clear details to complete assigned tasks.
Generation X (born 1965 – 1980) – This generation is independent and often feels it is better to do the work on their own. An extremely private group, they measure their words carefully. This generation has a harder time delegating and working in groups. Give them an assignment, and they will deliver excellence.
Millennials (born 1981- 1996) – This generation is the champion of group projects. They embrace dialogue and will dig deep into learning about the subject at hand. However, they treasure authenticity above all, so come to the table as your true self. It is harder for this generation to trust and therefore commit, so you may need to build a relationship before you invite them to your team.
Generation Z (born 1997 – 2012) – Bursting with enthusiasm, this generation will be all in once they are on your team. They are brimming with talent but lack experience. Mentoring is essential for this generation, but they also possess insight into the world around you that you may not be aware of.
God calls us to honor those who have gone before us and to value, not dismiss, those who are coming after.
Questions: Do you have a voice from another generation that gives you wisdom for your ministry? Who is that person and what have you learned?
About Leslie Schonfeld
Leslie is married to David and is the mother of three: Mark, Elizabeth, and Hannah. Her family grew in the fall of 2022 when John married Elizabeth. Leslie loves speaking and writing about the intergenerational Kingdom of God. She previously served as the Women’s Ministry Leader at Christ the King Church in Oxford, Michigan, and currently serves as the Family Life Pastor at LakePoint Community Church in Oxford, Michigan. Connect with Leslie at https://dragonflyministry.com/
Leslie, this is such a good word for all of us! It took me back to many years ago, to a women’s ministry meeting. I was the younger one and another woman, a bit older, spoke rather abruptly in response to something I said. The next day she called to ask my forgiveness. I was touched by her humbleness and her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. I respected her even more after that experience. Even when we misstep, God can still use us to show others, and those coming behind us, how to navigate relationships and how to lead with humility.
So true, Kim, our ability to come to others with integrity and authenticity opens dialogue and builds relationships.
This was a well written outlook on how we can all work together as both a team and a society! Let’s face it, we need each other, and I believe that this is what God has called us to do. Yes this could be a little awkward at first but it could lead to something beautiful; projects that appeal to a variety of people and less loneliness.
So true, Linda! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.