June 2025
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Dear Church Family,
I’m sure in hindsight, we can all see places where pride has (for better or worse) shaped our interaction with the world. When I was in college, I took a lot of pride in being among the youngest students in my calculus classes. Being a freshman and going head to head with seniors on differential equations was a boost to my self esteem (nerd?). They likely could have cared less, and were just hoping to pass and graduate. To me, there has always been something strangely invigorating about being the youngest person in the room - like it’s a medallion of maturation, that I’ve found a shortcut others missed, and have fresh insights on the world those older than me must cherish. But as they say, pride comes before the fall … as I see myself rather well situated into middle age, I’m getting a little nervous that there aren’t more younger people in the rooms I’m a part of. My children tag along with me, but hardly count if they are not participating of their own volition.
It’s been known that echo chambers - communal spaces in which the people we gather with reinforce our beliefs rather than offer diversity of perspective and thought - are a growing trend in general for our community engagement. I sense this also happens generationally, that we stick to those within our general age range and life stage, which is natural because there is a sense of comfort and understanding with people who ‘get it’. But I can’t tell you how many times my life has been enriched by the diversity of community from the generations above and below me. Both offer insight and challenge to the ways that I think, assurance and perspective when my vision is limited, and honestly just shades of color I didn’t know I needed. Church has historically been a place of opportunity in these kinds of intergenerational relationships - offering connections for mentorship or simply proximity in worship and learning environments for crossing those generational barriers. Modern advancements in technology and community spaces have lured us into what is easier or more catered to our desires, and what the Church used to offer as a community hub isn’t what it used to be. It takes a bit more intentionality to cross the barriers, build relationships, and create community beyond our echo chambers.
What does it take to cultivate intergenerational spaces? Where interactions between young and old not just happen, but are somewhat natural and expected? Where we operate with curiosity and grace for one another, rather than settling into our comforts and familiarities? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, what kind of welcome do I make to those who are younger than me - am I waiting for them to be curious about me first, or do I break the ice and ease conversation to explore who they are and how they see the world? Am I entering into spaces that appeal to a variety ages, why or why not?
The Apostle Paul, for all the work he was called to in his life of ministry, is particularly marked by his practices of discipleship and mentorship. His role with Barnabas and with Timothy in particular come to mind - they weren’t without their challenges and rubs, but they found a way through. They committed to seeking understanding with one another, to value the work God was doing in each other, and the particular invitations God placed in their hands and hearts to share the good news. And ‘passing on the faith’ has much more to do with learning together than telling someone what to believe. Would Paul have become who he was, have known the living God in meaningful ways, without the companions he traveled with along the way?
I am an extrovert, so perhaps this is easier for me to say, but I am eager to build connections with folks older and younger than me so that I might know God better. That I might see scripture with fresh eyes (fresh being different than mine!), and experience the Spirit’s movement beyond my own perspective. Where do you find a longing for connection in generations different than your own? Sometimes we feel the barrier to entering conversation is too great, that they aren’t interested, or we don’t have the opportunities. But practicing curiosity first, and praying for God to put people in your path can really make the way forward. Perhaps it’s people in your family who would be eager for that connection, but are also wary of making the first move. Maybe there are community spaces that long for people to start showing up and interacting, and are waiting for you to try!
May we be people who not only talk a good game, but actually live the good news to the world around us. May you find yourself with the opportunity to see God at work in a generation different than yours, and may the Spirit offer you the words, the curiosity, and hospitality, to make the first move.
Blessings,
Pastor Becca
