My husband and I are members of a young church located in Baltimore. We didn’t intend to become part of a church in the city, but the first Sunday we visited changed and challenged us. We were surrounded by young people who welcomed us and desired to know us, and by pastors who said, “We need people your age here! We would love it if you would stay!”
As we drove home that Sunday, we concluded that God was calling these two 60-year-old believers to serve in this church. At our age, when a group of young people says, “We need people your age in our lives,” a resounding “Yes!” is the only response.
Over the years, my husband and I have observed many of our peers becoming tired and discouraged. Disillusioned with the church and resistant to change, some have lost touch with what’s going on in the world and with the culture, and they can’t relate to younger generations. During the months we spent looking for a new church home, we experienced congregations in which older and younger generations were divided, neither group expressing a need for the other or making an effort to build community outside their friend group.
We wanted to avoid falling into such patterns. Although we understand why someone might be tempted to give up or grow weary, we don’t want to miss out on the calling of Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Now isn’t the time to disconnect.
In every season of life, Christians have an important calling and can contribute to the local church. Consider how our identity, purpose, and calling equip us for ministry at every age.
Identity
In her book Aging with Grace, Susan Hunt writes, “We need an identity and purpose that transcends it all, which is exactly what God provides in the gospel. The gospel is big enough, good enough, and powerful enough to make every moment of every season of life significant and glorious.”
Disillusioned with the church and resistant to change, some can’t relate to younger generations.
At times, I’m tempted to focus on how others might view me, to become insecure because of my age, or to wonder what I have to offer. God faithfully reminds me that my identity is found in him, not in my reputation, my age, or what I can do.
Galatians 3:28 reminds us that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus”—and there is neither young nor old!
As believers, our identity is defined by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We need to rehearse daily who we are in Christ, allowing the truths of God’s Word to settle into our hearts and motivate us to embrace our calling to be God- and others-oriented.
Purpose
When looking for a church, my husband and I sought a place where we could serve and have a sense of purpose. It feels good for us to have purpose, especially as we age. But we need to remember that our purpose isn’t about us. We exist to know God and to make him known. To live for and glorify him (Rom. 15:5–6; Phil. 1:21).
We do this by sharing the gospel, making disciples, teaching God’s Word (Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 10:17), living holy lives, being engaged and active as church members (Heb. 10:24–25), and learning and growing in Christ in community. Although it looks different from season to season, we never “age out” of or retire from this purpose.
Calling
Older believers have had a lifetime of being molded and shaped by God. He has used every experience to conform us into his Son’s image and wants to use it all to bless and encourage those coming behind us.
We need to remember that our purpose isn’t about us. We exist to know God and to make him known.
The later years of life should be devoted to intentionally living out Titus 2:3–5: Older, mature Christian women should teach and disciple the younger women, and mature Christian men should display a godly life and disciple younger men.
We have the opportunity to come alongside younger believers to proclaim God’s faithfulness, declare his mighty acts, and tell of his greatness so they’ll be inspired to trust in his faithfulness. Being planted in this young congregation reminds us of the need to be faithful to our calling in this season of life.
We’ve been committed members of this body of believers for almost four years now and have found that pressing into our identity, purpose, and calling has been life-giving. We’re blessed by the community and grateful to be used in the lives of, and to learn from, the younger generation.
The Gospel Coalition