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Commentary

Why the GARBC Needs Old People, Part 4

By July 9, 2010June 20th, 2014One Comment

One of the gifts of age is the ability to gain perspective. “Perspective” is defined as “the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship.” In other words, it is the ability to put together the big picture from the relevant details of a situation or relationship. With age comes experience, and with experience can come perspective.

George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I like to paraphrase this quote, “Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.” A wise person will seek the counsel from those who have endured, persevered, and/or experienced the lessons of history.

As a younger man in the fellowship, I am thankful to be among friends and colaborers whom I can call or e-mail for counsel. Over the past year I have had the privilege of seeking counsel from several men in the fellowship to help me navigate tricky situations in ministry and find resources for sermon preparation. I am thankful for godly men who have made themselves available to younger men like myself to answer questions and give direction.

Have you had any experiences when an older person has given you perspective that proved invaluable? I’d like you to share with us.

One Comment

  • I learned pastoral care from Warren Birdsall in Shickshinny, PA. I learned the value of an association from my father-in-law, Don Lumeree, Worthington, PA. I learned to think through theological issues from my senior pastor when I was his assistant, Gordon Lewis, Kingston PA. I learned international courtesies from my predecessor, Mark Jackson. We are all standing on others’ shoulders. We are what we are by God’s grace and because of the input of older godly men. All these men were 20-30 years older than I. I agree the GARBC needs old people. Now I am one.

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