MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK
(Powerpoints used with this message are available for free. Just email me at mnewland@sstelco.com and request #396.)
SCRIPTURE TEXTS: Ephesians 4:1-6; Acts 13:36; Colossians 3:11
ILL. Maybe I should have realized it earlier, but during the first few years of our marriage, it dawned on me that my wife & I are different in a lot of ways.
For example, Ethel plans carefully & thoroughly, & goes to a great deal of effort to get everything done well ahead of time. Now I make plans ahead of time, too, but I’m likely to be putting the finishing touches on at the last minute.
That really bothers her – particularly when I’m hollering for help because it’s taking longer than I had anticipated.
And when we go places together, she believes in getting there a few minutes early, while I’m content hitting it right on the dot. Then again, she’s an early morning person, while I’m more of a night owl. The result is that her brain begins to shut down around 9 p.m., while mine is just beginning to hit its peak.
We’re different in a lot of other ways, too, but we long ago realized that the differences between us could either be a source of conflicts, or the building blocks of some of our greatest strengths. And it didn’t take me long to decide how fortunate I was not to be married to somebody just like me.
Our differences have created opportunities for us to mature, for her strengths to compensate for my weaknesses, & vice versa. Our differences, when nurtured, have led to new & sometimes exciting experiences.
We could have chosen to sink into selfishness & manipulation, but we chose openness & cooperation. And we have been richly blessed because of it.
A. Now why did I share this with you? Because I want you to realize that
differences between people, even in churches, don’t have to divide us.
The apostle Paul talks about this in Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIrV). “I am a prisoner because of the Lord. So I am asking you to live a life worthy of what God chose you for. Don’t be proud at all. Be completely gentle. Be Patient. Put up with one another in love.
“The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one. Let peace keep you together. There is one body and one spirit. You were appointed to one hope when you were chosen.
“There is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. There is one God and Father of all. He is over everything. He is through everything. He is in everything.”
Paul is saying that there is a basic unity within the church. Did you notice? Paul tells us “The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one.” Even though we have become one, it doesn't take long to discover in the church what I discovered in my marriage - there are differences between us.
Paul acknowledges that in Colossians 3:11 where he points out that in the church there are differences in race, education, social standing, wealth, gender, & religious background. And at times these differences will challenge us.
B. That's why Paul says, “…try your best to remain as one.”. Even though the Holy Spirit has brought us together & made us into one family, because of our differences, keeping that oneness, that spirit of unity, will require a lot of effort.
PROP. Now I have been ministering here for quite a while, & one thing that excites me about Ridge Chapel is our diversity. And this morning I’m going to talk about various generations in our congregation, & what is special about you.
But before we do, let’s remind ourselves that God can & does use all kinds of people - people with different gifts, preferences, & backgrounds – people of different ages - to build His church & accomplish His will in the world.
Now I don’t know how much you know about the subject of Sociology –defined as “the study of the history, development, organization, & problems of people living together as social groups.” But I’m going to take advantage of some of its thoughts & pass them on to you.
And the very first thing they teach is that there are differences between generations. Of course, we could have figured that out ourselves. But sociologists have given names to the generations, & have identified some of their common characteristics
Now before I mention those generations I need to say that one size doesn’t fit all, that all parents didn’t treat their children the same, & that whether you were the first child, or a middle child, or the baby of the family sometimes made a great deal of difference. But despite that, sociologists have lumped you into certain groups according to when you were born.
I. DIVERSITY IN AGE
1. The first generation we mention this morning was born from 1924 to1945. This generation experienced World War 2. Some of us remember the hardships & sacrifices of those years, & many lost family members & friends during the war. The ideals of God & country mean a lot to us.
Sociologists named us the “Builders” generation because as adults we played a big part in the building & expansion in the United States & the rebuilding of a devastated Europe after the war.
By the way, it would be helpful this morning if, as I mention each generation, we could get an idea of just how many in our congregation I’m talking about. So, if you’re a part of this “Builders” generation, would you please raise your hand for a moment? Thank you!
2. Now the next generation, those born from 1946-1965, is called the “Boomers.” You were born after World War 2, during the “boom years” economically. Jobs were plentiful & almost anybody who was willing to work hard had access to the “American Dream.”
The United States was rich & powerful & the leader of a free world embroiled in a “cold war” with Communism. There were problems of course, problems that included a “police action” in Korea, & an undeclared war in Viet Nam.
And it was during your time that prayer & the Bible were taken out of our schools. It seemed to be a great time to be a teen-ager, but as you became adults things weren’t always easy for the “Boomer” generation.
Again, if you’re part of the “Boomers” generation would you please raise your hand? Thank you.
3. A third generation was born from 1966–1985. You are called the “Buster” generation because a lot of things were “busted’ in your lifetime. The disintegration of the family, the deterioration of moral standards & leadership, the drug culture, even the hypocrisy of some religious leaders – all that & more caused many in your generation to have little respect for anything or anyone.
Now I hope I haven’t discouraged you “Busters” but I do want to know how many of you are present today. So if you’re part of the “Buster” generation, would you please raise your hand? Thank you.
4. And there is a younger generations, those born from 1986-2005. Would those of you who were born from 1986-2005 please raise your hand. Thank you. You’re called the “Millennial” generation.
Sociologists are still analyzing data about you. You were the first generation to be fully educated, in the major cities & universities at least, without the influence of God & country. And the sociologists are still arguing about you because the results are not what some hoped for or expected. But I’m glad you’re here. And we’re praying for you, too!
Christians are reminded about the words of Hosea, the O.T. prophet who warned, “They sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7)
5. And of course, we have a 5th generation, children of the Millennials – those born from 2006 on. Sociologist are calling you Gen.”Y” until they decide on a better name. Some are even calling you Gen. “Z” because they say you’ll be the last generation because mankind is going to destroy itself soon.
Most of the younger ones here today in this generation are in Children’s church, but if you are an older Gen. “Y” would you please raise your hand? We’re very happy to see you here today also!
SUM. As a congregation, we serve all 5 generations. And it isn’t always easy.
That brings me to Acts 13:36 (NIrV) where the apostle Paul is reminding the people about their ancestor, King David. He says, “David carried out God’s purpose while he lived.” That is what God is calling us to do, too.
SUM. So let’s look at the church & how our different generations relate to it. Now this could be controversial, so please, let’s do this in a spirit of love, taking each other’s feelings into consideration.
II. DIVERSITY IN PREFERENCES
A. When it comes to church, the Builders have some definite preferences. We like a well-planned & carried out program, whether it’s a Bible study, prayer meeting, or worship service.
And our idea of an appropriate worship service is one filled with a spirit of reverence, with hymns & music that cause one to feel close to God, & express a depth of faith & trust & commitment to Him.
The sermons that appeal to us are sermons that open up the Bible & explain what happened & why, & how God is trying to work in us today.
That which motivates a Builder is a sense of duty. We feel a responsibility to those who come after us. So wel sacrifice, we give of our time & talent & treasure, not for our own benefit, but for others.
Builders, as a congregation we’re indebted for the contributions you have made, & that you continue to make today. I thank you for being who you are.
B. When it comes to Boomers, they have their preferences, too. Sociologists say they’re not as concerned about programs as they are about relationships. Boomers are drawn to events that allow them to relate to others & find fellowship.
They like “How-to” sermons. They want to know how to grow spiritually, how to be better parents & grandparents, how to deal with anger & depression & other problems that arise. They welcome some talking back & forth between the audience & teacher, questions & answers, sharing the concerns of their hearts.
That which motivates them is family & friends & fulfillment. If what is being done will make a difference in their relationships, & give them a sense of fulfilling Christ's commands, then they’re ready to do what they can.
Boomers, you began this process of change in society & in the church, & we need you. We value what you have done, & what you're continuing to do. You’re a vital part of the future here, too.
C. Once again, the Busters are a whole another generation, & sociologists are still debating about you. They are saying that your attitude can be summed up in one word: “spontaneous.”
Busters are at their best - not when things are structured or formal - but when they have a chance to be spontaneous. Change is a very real part of their makeup.
I mentioned that a key word for a Builder's style of worship is reverence. But do you know what a Buster prefers? Energy! A Buster seems to worship best where there's volume & intensity. No wonder there are sometimes tensions between the generations!
And it's important with them to address the issues. The Busters want to tackle some of the tough issues – “What about premarital sex? What about abortion? How does a Christian respond to poverty or war?”
Do you know how to motivate a Buster? Through a challenge. A Buster will buy into a cause or a project. They will sign up for short-term mission projects. And if a Buster sees a real need, he or she will often rise to the challenge.
I applaud your dedication to the causes you believe in. We need you. People used to say that you were the church of the future, but now you are the church of today. We need you, & we appreciate you.
Now what about the Millennials & “Gen. Y”ers? I’ll have to save my remarks because this sermon is getting too long. Don’t worry, I have a lot of good things to say about you, too.
But I’m also worried about “Gen. Y”. Our congregation has a problem working with you, & we need to consider seriously what more we should be doing to help you.
SUM. Can you see how different sociologists say we are? The differences between the generations can be a source of great tension in the church. Or they can become our greatest strength.
III. DEMONSTRATE OUR UNITY
What would it take to demonstrate our unity? Well, at least 3 things.
A. An important first step is to recognize & appreciate how different other people are from us. Life would get pretty boring if everyone were just like me.
Each generation makes a unique contribution that other generations can't make. Just imagine the impact if Ridge Chapel were able to demonstrate how to be united in the Body of Christ.
Listen to the apostle Paul again, “I am asking you to live a life worthy of what God chose you for. Don’t be proud at all. Be completely gentle. Be Patient. Put up with one another in love. The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one. Let peace keep you together.”
B. Determine what’s worth fighting for. Do you remember all the things I just told you about the differences between Builders, Boomers, & Busters? I’m sure you don’t. But we could label that whole list with one word: “Preferences”.
The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3-4, “Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves. None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.”
We will fight for God's Word; & we will battle for His commands. Those are worth fighting for. But we'll never battle over our preferences. Once in a while, when differences come up, I think we need to ask, "Is this issue a timeless command or principle of Scripture, or is it merely one of our preferences?"
Remember, "Methods are many, principles are few; methods always change, principles never do."
C. Finally, get to know & love someone from another generation. You see, people tend to trust those whom they know & love.
I challenge you – get to know someone new from a different generation! Don't even tell them what you're doing - just pick someone. Find out what makes them tick. Pray for them, & love them.
ILL. On the 2nd Saturday of every month, a small group of men, Builders, Boomers, Busters, & a Millennial meet here for breakfast, Bible study & prayer. And during this time our friendship, understanding, & number has grown.
On the 3rd Saturday a group of our ladies meet for Bible Study. Wednesday afternoon a few of our ladies meet here for prayer. And on many Wed. evenings there are those who meet here for Bible study, learning new songs, & prayer.
We’re seeing Paul's words come true: “In this new man of God’s design there is no distinction between Greek and Hebrew, Jew or gentile, foreigner or savage, slave or free man. Christ is all that matters for Christ lives in them all” (Col. 3:11 Phillips).
INVITATION: What kind of people can God use? God uses people of every age & background who are willing to do what David did - serve God’s purpose in our generation. Will you do that?
Will you commit to Jesus as your Savior & Lord? Or as a Christian already, will you come to make Ridge Chapel your place of service in His kingdom? We invite you to come & share that with us as we stand & sing.
(Note: I do not remember where I got the original idea for this sermon. But I have worked & reworked this message so much over the years that I think it is mine. If anyone knows my original source, please let me know.)
