This week I relished in conversation with a peer regarding the challenges of ministry with Boomers. We lamented over the marginalization of older people, chuckled about Boomers’ reluctance to move forward into new seasons of maturity, and pondered ways to engage this generation in purposeful pursuits.
It is fairly obvious to us that our Boomer cohorts are loaded with experience, skills, gifts, and abilities. After all, we are an educated lot that has pursue vocation with passion. We agreed that our communities, churches and the world, for that matter, are filled to overflowing with significant problems and needs. It seems so obvious to us that our generation has been abundantly blessed for the purpose of giving back to others.
Jesus gave us clear instructions to care for the poor, feed the hungry, love our neighbors, fight injustice, and spread the good news of joy, peace, and salvation. Our purpose as a generation and as individuals is to use our gifts to heal a broken and hurting world. Perhaps we, like Queen Esther of the Old Testament, are called “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
I was actually taken aback when my friend concluded our conversation with rather strong words: “God have mercy if we don’t respond. God have mercy on us if we fail to discern our purpose and calling. God have mercy on us if we waste the opportunity.”
Indeed. God have mercy.
by Leona Bergstrom, Director, Re-Ignite
