says who… on the “less young” in our congregations

Glenn describes himself as “a young man in 53-year-old skin”, well, I had a great experience from someone else in a 60+ skin today. But first, something else. The congregation in which I grew up tought me a great respect for the older people in the congregation (no Glenn, I’m not talking bout the 50-somethings when I say “older”:-)). I got to know them not as those simply opposed to change, against the young people, and with too much time on there hands to meddle in others affairs. Instead, I got to know them as people who are more than willing to change if they understand it, as people with grandchildren who would do anything for there grandchildren to learn the story of Jesus which meant so much to them, and as people who have a burning passion to help those in need.

Today I attended a conversation called Y-knot, I’m not sure what it stands for, but it’s a conversation between about 10 congregations about there youth ministries. This is held every 2 months or so, and inbetween the congregations have to research certian stuff in the area and talk to certain people in the congregation. I came into conversation today, a couple of months along the line, because the congregation where I will be doing my practical year, Kameeldrif, is part of the conversation.

It’s a very interesting group of people, spanning from high school age up to 60+, representing most generations inbetween. But the highlight of the day must have been when “oom” Willie shared his dream for the youth ministry 5 years from now. Actually, what he shared was more like a dream for the congregation. Now, oom Willie represents the 60+ group, but he just shared that everything will have to change. Our idea of church will have to change, he said. All along we thought that we should call people to us and then preach to them, but instead, we should go out to our community.