Most of us would agree that using slanderous words to describe a race, gender or socio-economic class is not only politically incorrect, tasteless, or in poor judgment –it is immoral. Using a wrong word these days could cost you a job, a relationship, or even an election.
It seems perfectly acceptable, however, to use demeaning words when referring to persons who are living for a long time, a.k.a. “older people.” Our conversations, entertainment, greeting cards, and even Facebook posts are laced with words and phrases that oftentimes poke fun at the behavior or supposed maladies of older adults. For years I’ve advocated against what has been defined as “ageism.” I simply cannot bear such bias.
Surprisingly last week it became very personal. The speaker at a meeting I attended described people in their 60’s as those who are ready for the “old-age–or whatever you call it-home.” He saw them as inflexible, unchangeable and clearly not a part of today’s vibrant church culture. He echoed these sentiments several times throughout his presentation and each time I felt a little less valued and a little more trashed. And hey, I’m only 61 years old. Don’t trash talk me!
Later at the same gathering, I heard another pastor talk about an upcoming vote at his church. “For sure,” he avowed, “we won’t be talking with the Empty Nesters class about the change. We’d just get too much resistance.” Wow. I’m an empty nester. I don’t want to be excluded from the decision making.
What’s going on here?
I believe we are seeing an insidious ageism spreading through the body of Christ. Sadly, it often comes from the top as leaders announce radical changes being implemented in the church. Trust me, it’s not just about worship styles, volume, dress or other “traditions.” It’s about elevating a culture of youth at the expense of losing the mature. It’s about trashing a generation. It’s trash talk.
What can we do?
As in our younger days, we could stage protests with signs proclaiming, “Hell no, we won’t go.” We could exit out the back door and find another church, or skip it altogether. We could stay and experience the nagging pain of marginalization. Or we could step back, and ask God to Re-ignite our passion for life and ministry and explore new opportunities to serve in our families, churches, communities and the world. We could ask for a new vision for caring for the next generations. Boomers are rich with experience, skill and passion. We shouldn’t waste it. Such treasure should not be trashed.
Oh, and it would help if pastors and leaders would watch their attitudes and words and stop the trash-talk. It’s just not right.
Written by Leona Bergstrom, Director, Re-Ignite
For more on this subject, read a great blog post written by Pastor Jared C. Wilson.
