31: Your Role in the Local Church

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

PROVERBS 27:17

WE IN THE 55+ AGE GROUP have such a key role in the local church.

God’s plan has always been that as we age, we become “sages” for those who are younger. I believe that the process of iron sharpening iron becomes even more pronounced for those of us who are older, given the experience the years have taught us. If we’re not engaged in the lives of others, then may I suggest that we’re not fulfilling what God asks of us. Take some reflection time and define the word engage for yourself.

As I think about the word engage, I realize that I want to exemplify the following attributes:

• I want to be free of any addictions; the Bible uses the word temperate.
• I want to be a person of integrity, one who’s worthy of receiving respect.
• I want to be self-controlled in all areas of my life.
• I want to be on solid ground in what I believe and where I place my trust. I want to be motivated by a self-sacrificing love (agape).

So how does this translate into being engaged in your church?

Here are five issues that may affect how the 55+ generation fits into the church body. Consider how you might communicate these perspectives to your church leaders. A dialogue would certainly increase understanding.

1. Please understand that we aren’t against change. Help us to understand why particular change is important. Help us understand how we can support our leaders.
2. Reach out to us and don’t be afraid to ask us to serve.
3. Prayer is so key. Trust us with concerns you want us to pray about. (An elderly colleague of mine said he was so honored when a pastor came to him and asked him to pray about a specific situation; he took that very seriously.)
4. Realize that our grandkids are a big priority in our lives. We may need to seek counsel from those who are younger to help us better understand the issues our grandchildren are facing today.
5. Know that we want to connect with younger generations. We have much to learn from young people, and there are things younger people can learn from us as well.

Purpose is a huge motivation for the 55+ age group. Let’s sharpen each other so that we’ll be engaged in the local church.

Questions

1. What’s your current role in your church? What roles have you had in the past? How has your involvement changed over time?
2. Reflect on the two lists of points in the devotional. In what ways do you identify with these ideas? How do these points pertain to your role in the church?
3. What values and attributes do you want to be known for? How do these affect your role in the church? Consider sharing your ideas with the leaders in your church.