It's Time to Let the Younger Generations Lead!

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by steve p

Having "discussed" this many times at the present church I attend; we finally came to a conclusion that one of the most important things the church had to do was "make a place" for people of all ages, races, cultures, etc. Just recognizing the music that younger people like and making a place for it speaks volumes. It doesnt mean you have to do away with the music "my" generation prefers. There IS a place for all in the church. Just as there is a place for ALL at the foot of the cross.
Just my mindless wanderings......
Blessings!

That is not mindless wanderings I think it's wisdom.

[My Own Eyes]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

Older saints love their music, we have always had difficulty where ever we went, when we wanted to implement new music.

I wish they could see new music is the best way to connect with young people.

Other wise I love the older generation and appreciate their love and wisdom.

My Mom and I visited this progressive non-denominational church a few times. That has very young, very loud and rocky music.

The thing that drives me crazy, is that she is fine with the music at the church, but if I try to play the same kind of music in my car when she is along? "turn it off....it's too loud....it's got too much bass....it gives me a headache....."

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

Older saints love their music, we have always had difficulty where ever we went, when we wanted to implement new music.

I wish they could see new music is the best way to connect with young people.

Other wise I love the older generation and appreciate their love and wisdom.

We try to give them a little of what they want, we have a "songbook" song during worship time every other Sunday, but honestly, it was surprising to me how few of them really were seriously unhappy about it.

I love to see most of our white-haired saints worshiping to modern worship music, it is such a confirmation that it really is all about praise. If it is really praise and worship, and it is really from the heart, then if you are really interested in worshiping God, it really doesn't matter what era the song is from!

Actually the biggest problem that we have had is over promotional and topic videos that the pastor has shown. There are a few of the older saints who just can't deal with it. It is kind of comical in a way, but it has been a real head-ache.

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

We try to give them a little of what they want, we have a "songbook" song during worship time every other Sunday, but honestly, it was surprising to me how few of them really were seriously unhappy about it.

I love to see most of our white-haired saints worshiping to modern worship music, it is such a confirmation that it really is all about praise. If it is really praise and worship, and it is really from the heart, then if you are really interested in worshiping God, it really doesn't matter what era the song is from!

Actually the biggest problem that we have had is over promotional and topic videos that the pastor has shown. There are a few of the older saints who just can't deal with it. It is kind of comical in a way, but it has been a real head-ache.

This reminds me of one of Keith's aunts who has been basically backslidden for 40yrs, she started going to church again about 8 yrs ago and everything was going ok, until she decided to get mad about the monitor in the church lobby.

The monitor ran a video that let people know up and coming events ect. But when she was in church 40yrs ago they didn't do that, so why should they now. She got mad left church and hasn't been back since.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

This reminds me of one of Keith's aunts who has been basically backslidden for 40yrs, she started going to church again about 8 yrs ago and everything was going ok, until she decided to get mad about the monitor in the church lobby.

The monitor ran a video that let people know up and coming events ect. But when she was in church 40yrs ago they didn't do that, so why should they now. She got mad left church and hasn't been back since.

When I installed large monitors in the walls over the platform for our Powerpoint system, I had people crying, and the exact words were "I never thought I'd live to see the day that we would bring televisions into the church".

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

I had an epiphany this weekend.

I visited a church where I was music director from the late 70's to late 80's. I really helped the church by starting a choir and bringing the music quality level up! We brought in drums, bass guitar to go along with the piano and organ.

We were suddenly attracting a younger crowd because we had music that they liked. The older folks didn't like it at first, in fact some of them left.

The bottom line is that the Lord blessed and moved in our congregation in a new way.

When I visited the church again for the first time in twenty years, things had changed. They no longer had a choir, and (gasp!) the acoustic piano was traded in on two keyboards! They had taken the pews out of the choir loft to add a drum cage and space for the different guitars. I was thinking that the music had gone to pot after I left!

When church started it sounded like a rock concert with songs on the screen that I was not familiar with. But.......the spirit of worship was extremely strong with praising and dancing before the Lord. It used to take a really good black choir song to get people that exciting in worship!

As I looked around, I noticed that 3/4ths of the congregation were probably under the age of 30! They had found a way to connect to the younger generations. I was impressed with the way the youth were on fire and worshiping God.

I asked about the church attendance, and they told me that attendance had doubled in the last two years since they changed the worship type and format! They are now running about 800 in two Sunday services. (400 each)

I realize that the style of church music that I like usually attracts folks that are my age. My daughter (age 27) that was with me loved their music!

Maybe it's time to let our young leaders (age 30) take the lead in reaching this new generation. As long as our older preachers are leading, nothing will change! Please let our younger leaders take the reigns before we lose a generation and get closer to extension.

Folks my age may not be comfortable at first, but they'll get used to it once the power of God starts moving in the church like never before!

This happens with every generation. It would be nice if everyone would have the same epiphany as you, Pianoman.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

When I installed large monitors in the walls over the platform for our Powerpoint system, I had people crying, and the exact words were "I never thought I'd live to see the day that we would bring televisions into the church".

We had the same basic problem, with just a few people, but it just boggles my mind.

Of course, these are the same people who can tell you how every department in the church needs to be run, but have never actually accomplished anything in their own ministry.

Now I'm just meddlin.

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

When I installed large monitors in the walls over the platform for our Powerpoint system, I had people crying, and the exact words were "I never thought I'd live to see the day that we would bring televisions into the church".

They are worried about a dumb monitor in the church, but haven't brought anyone to church-

Thats my meddlin' self.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Jeanie

They are worried about a dumb monitor in the church, but haven't brought anyone to church-

Thats my meddlin' self.

Or everybody elses children when their own aren't even serving God!! Sis., we are going to get ourselves in trouble here!!

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

Or everybody elses children when their own aren't even serving God!! Sis., we are going to get ourselves in trouble here!!

Can I get an amen?

AMEN!!!!

Well it's the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!