We’ve been doing this badly, folks.  Here are three simple steps to help my generation of Baby Boomers become better at disciplining the next generation.

What’s up with this new generation?  The quick answer?

Nothing.

Nothing is wrong with the current and upcoming generations that hasn’t been wrong with every previous generation.  With one possible exception.  They don’t have the elders and mentors that almost every previous generation before them has had.

And why is that you ask?  Because (I hate to say it) my generation of Boomers is not disciplining the next generation, as well as previous generations, did for us.

Boomers, It’s Time To Become Elders

If you, like me, are a Christian and a Baby Boomer you need to know that our primary mission at this stage of our lives is to become the elders and equippers that every generation of the church always needs.

Instead, too many of us stand back, cross our arms and complain that Millennials are entitled, they’re lazy, they’re loud, they’re (insert your complaint here…on second thought don’t).

The biggest “sin” millennials have committed in the eyes of many of my Boomer colleagues is…not wanting todo church exactly the way we did.

Each generation needs to honor God, worship Jesus, disciple believers, reach their community, and teach the unchangeable truths of God’s word in the way God leads them to do it.  Not in the way they’re parents are most comfortable with.

A Generation Ready To Be Mentored

Like every generation that proceeded them, today’s young believers need the wisdom, kindness, and counsel of previous generations to become the mature disciples they want to be.

If we step up, they will listen.  But we can’t become the elders the church needs by complaining, demanding or whining about them.

Here are three ways we Baby Boomers can start to become the elders the church needs.

Stop Isolating, Start Engaging.

We won’t be heard if we refuse to participate.  We need to show up, help out, and worship with all heart and passion, whether we like the music or not.  We can’t lead, guide and help younger generations if we’re cutting ourselves off from them during the time the entire body should be getting together.

Stop Complaining, Start Encouraging

No one will open themselves up to learn from a person whose default response is to complain about everything – or most things.

‘Complainers have little influence.  Encouragers have a lot.  Too many compliments?  Too much flattery?  Those are a problem.  But there’s no such thing as too much encouragement.   If you want to have influence start by being an encouragement.

Stop Demanding, Start Equipping

Now I’m going to get blunt.

If you’re a mature believer, you need to act like one.  Show up at church to serve, not to be served.  Out yourself in a position of influence by becoming the servant Jesus calls all of us to be.

Stop demanding that the pastor, the worship leader and the young people (if your church as any) do church your way, and start asking how you can help the next generation serve Jesus with even greater passion and wisdom than previous generations.

We have the years.  The experience.  The tools. The maturity.