Leading Across Generations

https://www.thewoodsoninstitute.org/post/leading-across-generations

Have you ever hosted a meal for a large group of people?  If so, you likely planned a main menu then added modifications to accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of your guests. As host or chef, you need to be aware of allergies, dietary restrictions, and even customs to make sure everyone enjoys the meal.  Leading across generations in ministry settings can be the same way.  Leaders should always be in tune with the differences at hand to ensure that each generation feels loved, known, and valued. 

Some secular marketplaces attempt to find success in leading intergenerationaly by merely appealing to specific age groups based upon their preferences.  Others have learned that it is better to “build an open and transparent environment where employees of all ages can thrive, work together, and learn from each other."  While the same can be true in ministry contexts, Christian leaders should remember that God designed the model on reaching generations!  The family unit was the first “workforce,” and within the balance of the family there was intentional “passing down” of spiritual wisdom and legacy that led to the success of the people or lack of success when there was an imbalance within the structure. 

Throughout the Bible, it's easy to see the strong generational focus. There's a consistent emphasis on passing down God's law and love through intentional generational teaching and discipleship. He commands fathers to teach their children and remind them of He works (Psalm 78:5-7). Psalm 145:4 declares, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” We even see intergenerational discipleship modeled in Paul’s relationships with Timothy and Titus in his pastoral letters. 

As Christians we can avoid threats of generational gaps by focusing on godly examples set forth in scripture by leaders like Moses, David, Elijah, and Jesus.  When we embrace all generations instead of appealing to only one specific age group, we emulate biblical succession models.  It is important to recognize that the goal for teaching each generation will always be the same: love from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith (1Timothy 1:5). We must note, however, our approaches may need to be modified so that each student, regardless of age, matures in Christ (Colossians 1:28). 

Here are a few suggestions for leading across generations effectively.

Lead with love.  (Galatians 5:13-15) We should be diligent to serve each other regardless of generation “through love,” because this is the fulfillment of God’s law.  Doing so prevents unwarranted discord and tearing down barriers and cultivating relationships.  It also builds trust, which is critical when asking individuals to work together.  Leading with love encompasses all the things needed to work with varying age groups because it is patient, kind, trustful, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, and dedicated. (1 Corinthians 13:4—7).  God leads us with love, so we should lead others the same way!

Lead with others.  (Exodus 18:17-23, Deuteronomy 1:15, Acts 6:3) Choose a team of able, wise, and spirit-filled leaders to carry the load so that neither you nor those you serve become overwhelmed with the weight of the task.  Ensure they each represent different generations of your community so that everyone has a voice “at the table.”

Know and understand your demographic.  Don’t assume you know all there is to know about each generation.  Different ages equate to different stages of life.  And with the different stages come different needs and values.  Humans are shaped by their experiences as well as their environments and values.  It is therefore important to understand the varying ages and stages of those under your leadership.  What appeals to the average young adult will not necessarily appeal to the most senior member of your group, and what impacts them will probably differ as well.  Understanding all stages of all the players on the teams allows for better communications and may even foster easier knowledge transfer.  

There will of course be differences, but it is important to allow this diversity to bring the group together instead of separating it.  We must always remember that the body was created to work as one, and that includes generationally.  (Romans 12:4-5, 1 Peter 4:10) 

Pay attention to learning and growth needs. Before making everything digital or cloud-based, make sure you have a plan for the non-tech savvy!  Likewise, we should be careful to not present everything as a lecture or a demonstration.  Instead, capture the various learning needs and styles while implement as many of them as possible.  Find balance with methods that complement each other and use them simultaneously when feasible.

Learn from each other. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”  We should create environments that intentionally foster mentoring and discipleship relationships across generations.  Doing so plants seeds for wisdom to be garnered from both young and old (Proverbs 13:20a, Titus 2:1-8). It also nurtures humility for all.  

Foster inclusion, not isolation. (Ephesians 4:11-16) The body of Christ is to be built up for maturation, and the whole body is to be equipped to work together.  The whole body grows and works properly when the joints hold it together.  As leaders we can be the equipped connectors needed to prevent gaps in the growth of the body.

Evaluate your methods often.  Times change, and so do people!  It’s good to evaluate your ministry community at least annually to ensure that the core values are being upheld and growth is apparent, even if in small doses.  Celebrate the progress and pray for effective ways to remedy any cracks within your systems.  But above all remain consistent in the desire to please God by serving His people.

Leading across generations is easier when leading with love to find ways to harness differences into fuel to move the community forward.  Let us be diligent in creating an ethos that embraces the wisdom of the past and hope of the future for lasting generations of legacy in our faith.