Ministering in a Generation Gap!

Ministering in a Generation Gap!

As a pastor in his 50’s I find myself ministering in-between two generations. I refer to these two generations as the puritans and the progressives.

The puritans define the generation before me; the generation I grew up under and served in ministry under. This generation might be referred to as fighting fundamentalists. They were and are characterized by an unwa…vering commitment to the purity of God’s Word as found in the King James Bible. They hold to a traditional style of worship with hymns as the main stay in their services. They have taken a strong stand on ecclesiastical separation opposing men such as Reverend Billy Graham and the forefathers of the new evangelical movement. They are known for their strong convictions and high standards regarding personal separation. Their churches are very traditional with the cross displayed prominently behind the pulpit, where pews accent the auditorium, where suits and dresses remain the acceptable attire, and where technology has yet to become a central part of the worship service.

The progressives define the generation that follows me. While they too should be characterized by a commitment to the purity of God’s Word they are looking to cast off the archaic language of the King James Version for a modern translation of the Bible. Their style of worship has changed as they have moved away from traditional hymns to a more contemporary style of music. Rather than one person leading the music there may be a worship team to lead the congregation in song. Their focus is not set upon ecclesiastical separation but a spirit of unity with those who are theologically fundamental. They may have differences in areas of convictions and standards yet these differences do not divide them. Their churches may resemble a more modern auditorium where large video screens and media presentations become the focus to relay the Word of God.

It is in-between these two generations that I find myself ministering. As each of these generations want to be understood by the other I stand in the middle wanting to be understood by both. To reach out to either generation, to try to bridge the gap between the two, seems to have a negative consequence.

I can keep the members of the puritan generation family happy by holding to the KJV, by being steadfast regarding the traditional hymns of the faith, by holding on to the strong standards and convictions of this generation, and by maintaining the shirt and tie appearance. However, in doing so I am possibly alienating a generation of young people and watching them slip away from the Independent Baptist Church to the contemporary church or no church at all.

I can move to a more modern translation, to a blended style of worship music, to a more causal style of dress and try to reach a younger generation but in doing so I may be condemned as a compromising truth and possibly causing division or even a split within the church.

Yes, I am a pastor ministering in-between two generations who just wants to reach and be understood by both!