“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head” (Prov. 20:29).
About four years ago John Greening, national representative of the GARBC, noticed the absence of young people at the GARBC Annual Conference and spearheaded an initiative to foster conversation and community among the younger GARBC pastors. He and others at the Resource Center invested time and resources to connect and energize the younger guys with the heart of the Fellowship. I personally am thankful for a man who is committed to engaging the younger guys in the Fellowship. One might naturally ask, “What is the value of the younger guys?”
I’d like to offer a few benefits of the “young” guys . . .
Fresh perspective—One of the great resources of the young is their desire to rethink and reevaluate former paradigms of ministry. Young people open the doors to new and effective models for reaching people’s souls with the transforming power of Christ, Who was crucified and rose again.
Fresh energy—As Solomon affirms, the glory of youth is energy and vitality. Young people can breathe life into a struggling church, fellowship, or community. This energy can also be directed at pursuing common goals and initiatives for greater Kingdom impact.
Fresh relationships—Our younger pastors have been called to receive the baton from the proceeding generation and strive to reach the next generation (2 Tim. 2:2). Jack Wyrtzen, founder of Word of Life, says, “I believe it is the responsibility of every generation to reach their generation for Christ.” Jesus Himself chose young men who would later turn the world upside down.
