I hear a lot of people talking about how we have to raise the next generation of leaders in the church. I do believe this whole-heartily BUT I also see a lot of people being overlooked because of this focus.
There are many great leaders out there who are between 30-50 who will be overlooked because everyone is focusing on the younger generation. As I write this, I want to say this again, I do believe our job is to raise the next generation of leaders. I do not want anyone to think that I am dismissing that.
What I am trying to point out is there are many great people in the 40+ age range that is being overlooked. When I look at the age groups I kind of think that the best mentors are usually within 10-20 years older than the person being mentored. The reason is because this helps the communication between both people.
Think about it this way, someone 30-40 should mentor people between 20-30. People 50-60 should be mentoring people between 30-40. This just makes sense especially because mentoring is all about relating.
Have you see people 20 years a part in age who date or marry, do they last? Usually not and it all boils down to being able to relate to each other. Should you have mentors that are much older? Of course but you also need a strong mentor that is not far from your age.
I am sure a lot of people may disagree with this and that is OK. I am trying to look at mentoring from a different standpoint. Some mentors will last a long time in your life and some will be just a few months. It doesn’t matter how long they are in your life as long as you have some.
Now back to my main point, there are many great leaders out there who don’t realize that they are great. You can be the one who points them out. I also feel that God is trying to raise many people around 40 up to go preach or speak but many think if I haven’t done this by 40 then it’s too late.
It is never too late. If God is nudging you to preach then now is the time to move forward in Faith, no matter your age. God will not let you down. God will guide you every step of the way if you allow him to.
I want you to realize that God can use you where you are at. God is in control and God knows where he wants you. You have to take the hint and move. If you are reading this, then just maybe that’s you. I don’t know but if it’s you then take this and RUN!
It’s sad that I have seen many people around 40 who think their life is over. I am 42 and am actually excited about this next chapter of my life. Life is just starting in your 40’s. In fact some of the greatest achievements have started at age 60!
God is ready to use you at any age. This also doesn’t matter if you are really young. I know many pastors that knew at age 16 they were supposed to preach and others that God led them at age 60, so no matter your age, God is still God and he will work in and through you if you allow it.
So I guess where I am going with this is just keep your eyes on people in your church no matter their age and help them see their leadership qualities and who knows, you might have just helped the next Billy Graham find his calling.
Be Inspired or be Left Behind!
Chris Benton