Earlier this week, I wrote about the 5 “Disastrous” Results of Inviting Emerging Adults into Leadership. I came across an article this week that I wanted to share with you concerning making room for Emerging Adults within the leadership structure of the church.
Here are a few points that I would like to make:
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1. If you do not “make room” for young leaders, then they will not feel welcome. Through the years, most young adults know that when it comes to church leadership that the “Young Need NOT Apply.” We must be proactive in making room into our leadership structures and inviting them to join us.
2. We must fight ageism within the Church. In the author’s words, “Don’t expect the worst of fellow believers, regardless of their age. Let the gospel go to work on your subtle age-prejudice.” People from all generations must stop bashing others, and seek to build bridges.
3. Good leadership knows how to release power to others. Unfortunately, the power of leadership is drawing, and causes many to clutch it for too long (I am hearing the words of Gollum – My Precious). Larry Osborne has a great quote,
The seniors never graduate (at least not until they’ve become literal seniors and start dying off). They hog the leadership table, shutting out the next generation. It’s one of the main reasons that most churches stop growing and lose their evangelistic touch (and cultural relevance) around the twenty-year mark.
Enjoy the article by David Mathis the executive editor at desiringGod.org.
