PART 2: THE GENERATION GAP

Ok, so I know it hasn't quite been a full week, but I need to get on the M-F schedule here. Know that you can post on the previous week's question, I check all the posts for new comments.

So, let's get to the question...This weekend I attended a forum for leadership in our division. Soldiery, leaders (current and potential), and officers where invited to participate in a discussion on the very things that I've come across in blogger-land. Anyway, there was one comment that made me wonder and wanted to get some more input from you. The comment was made by a young man, Do we minister to one generation well (young or old) or do we try to minister to a variety of ages in mediocrity? Considering the blogger-land understanding of the upcoming generation...how can we adequately serve/minister to one generation without excluding another? Is the generation gap impossible to bridge? If not, how do we do it? If so, what should be our approach to ministry/service?

PART 1: A DYING GENERATION

Hello again! During my most recent visits to blogger-land, I have been plagued with questions. I want to post them here in my 10-part series (don't freak..only a question per week). Part 1 is a dying generation because in my experience in the Salvaton Army and most recently as a Salvation Army officer, we have found it difficult to attract younger (and even keep those we have in our doors) families. I'm not talking soley about volunteers...we have a solid base of people young and old who flood our phones and offices with service on their mind. We are the center of service in our community. We have made so many connections in our community with youth groups, high school groups, advisory board families, and others who just want to give of their time. I'm talking about those who will come alongside and be discipled (and do the discipling). Those who have a passion for teaching the Word, modeling Christ, and getting involved as leaders in the church. So, again...here is my question..."How do get 'reinforcements' and fellow workers in the vineyard in this overscheduled and sometimes self-absorbed culture?"

Is Giftedness Gender-blind?

If you know me, I have a pretty strong opinion (maybe understatement) about women and their ministry in the Kingdom of God. To put it plainly, when we come to Christ we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (it says believer not male or female). When we receive this gift, He helps us use "natural" abilities to extend the kingdom and also "spiritual" gifts appropriated by the Father for our work. In our ministry, my husband and I don't have to think about who does what...we know each others strengths, giftedness, and abilities. There is no question as to who does finance (in case you are wondering..it's me) or who coordinates social ministry (that's his department). We don't make a big deal about it or even make an issue when people question it. What is disturbing is the ever present hurdles to such an approach to co-ministry. So, I guess my question to you is this...How can we as a church "plug-in" leadership based upon gender and not giftedness? Why is a woman as Chief of Staff a big deal (considering the lip service we give to women's equality in service)? Why should we be concerned that we have a numerically balanced ministry (so many men and so many women in positions) if we are basing it on giftedness and competence?

The Faces of Ministry

Recently I have found myself struggling with the concept of ministry. Especially that of an officer. It's not the "typical" service like the layperson, or even of other pastoral collegues. The Salvation Army officer is asked to take on several ministries and find connection, eternal significance, and kingdom building worth in each.

This has been a struggle until recently. When I think about the responsibility and blessing that has been placed on my plate, I am excited to see what lies ahead. What door will be opened by ministering to the owner of the biggest business in town? What exciting testimony will come from being faithful in adminstration of finances? What joy will come from knowing a child will not go hungry tonight?

The faces of ministry as a Salvation Army officer can be a wrinkled elderly woman who gives her heart and soul into casework and the ministry of social services. Or it can be the smooth face of a child that is struggling to attend school that only needs encouragement and help to see their potential. It can be the tired face of a single mother trying to survive life without an abusive spouse she finally decided to flee. It can be the distinguished face of a business owner that wants to do something significant with their time and fiancial support. It can be the pierced face of a young man who just wants to teach children how to play the guitar. It can be a middle-aged couple that is just starting on their faith journey.

These are only a small group of the faces that come into our lives daily. Do we risk alienating any generation to appease another? Do we turn from the spiritual needs of a group to draw in another? God is the answer to all these needs. How we present this truth is dependant on the individual groups needs.

Easy? no. But when all things work together because the Holy Spirit has directed your efforts...it is a blessing!