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I am sure that many of you have opinions about the youth worship movement and may think this article should provoke a bit of conversation regarding that. I’m sorry to disappoint you but this article is not a rant about the noise that comes out of the youth chapel at your church. Rather, my aim is to impose a particular responsibility upon the elder crowd and those who have attained some bit of spiritual maturity through authentic ministry experience.

In my estimation there is a somewhat rampant trend among many churches that celebrates youth, particularly their contribution and participation in the Worship Arts. While there is definitely much to celebrate about your children and grandchildren being put up on the stage and asked to “lead” a congregation in worship there is a also a good deal of conversation that should be going on as well. In my opinion (and that’s all it is at this point) the church is in danger of falling prey to the typical Western exaltation of youth. Youthful appearance, style, energy, etc… If it is new and young it must be better. I would like to argue that while youth does have some appealing facets, absent of the wisdom and leadership of those with more experience it is a slippery path. Young worship music artists are popping up all over the place. Talented musicians, creative songwriters, tech savvy producers… Some are around for awhile but most seem to become relatively obscure within a year or so. I believe that with some apprenticeship and mentoring wonderful things could occur in the lives of young and old alike. The next generation is a viable and important thing but it is not independent of the current generation. In fact, the next generation is a functional and important part of this generation. No generation is exclusive to itself. Each has influence on the succeeding generation.

The big question is how does the preceding generation use its influence? Personally, I don’t know if I am young or old. I am smack dab in the middle of the biblical promise of “three score and 10” but can still relate to “20 somethings” pretty well. Heck, truth told I run through sprinklers with as much exuberance as my 6 year old. Perhaps I’m not as spry but…I digress. Because of my years of ministry experience I feel I hold a responsibility to engage those with less experience as a teacher or mentor friend. That said, I just want to put this out there… What are we to do? Shouldn’t we encourage and guide the less experienced and mature to think independently and develop a personal relationship with God instead of trying to form them in the mold of a previous generation’s tradition? It is not our mandate or responsibility to replicate ourselves. As I understand the better part of the Proverbs, our job is to impart understanding, wisdom and knowledge. There are many common practices and ideals that transcend generations. I am not aware of anything in the worship culture so innovative that it completely diminishes the former thing. The role of the elder (be it however slightly elder…) is to invest in, teach and aid in the development of the younger. I think it bids sincere thought. Comparatively, how much time do we all spend arguing over musical styles and appearance versus having coffee with one another sharing experiences that unite us to accomplish our common goal of glorifying God and enjoying him forever…In music and in life? “Encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thes. 5:11)

Reader Comments

Hey Aaron,
You really made me think. You touched on a subject I find myself in the middle of right now. Helping youth truly experience the power of the Holy Spirit and be extreme for God. You are right, we do want to encourage and help them but we don't want to glorify their youth. We want to help them to remember their gifts are from God. We cannot fully utilize our gifts without some wisdom. Wisdom, of course, is not what youth are typically known for as age and experience help with wisdom. We want to help our youth without trying to make them be replicas of us, but we cannot speak into a youth's life without relationship. Coffee talk is a good idea!

As always, your writing is inspiring and insightful
Michele

Thanks for the responses... After re-reading my own article I discovered that I do this to a degree but not like I should. It seems that coffee talk is amiable to all. Good thing I know a guy that works at Starbucks...

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