Generations

By Daniel Vestal
Nov. 1, 2011

The recently published book, “Millennial Momentum” by Michael Hais and Morley Winograd describes the generation born between 1982 and 2003 as “the most racially diverse and ideologically tolerant population the U.S. has ever known.” They then tell how Millennials are changing the way the U.S. will live, learn, vote, govern, work and play in the future.  

To say that this generation lives off a different cultural script than mine is an understatement. They simply see the world through a lens that is significantly different than mine or even the two generations between mine and theirs. Each generation is like that. Each generation has its unique qualities and characteristics, experiencing and interpreting reality in light of numerous factors.

This presents a real challenge for churches because each generation interprets Scripture, understands the gospel, views worship and ministry in differing ways. Yet churches should be “intergenerational.” They should be the places in our society where generational differences (just like other differences) are transcended by our oneness in Christ. Doesn’t the Bible say, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus”?  Shouldn’t churches be able to say the same thing about generational diversity? 

Since the announcement of my retirement I am doing a lot of reflecting. Let me offer some thoughts on why I am very hopeful for CBF’s future, the first of which is that IN THIS FELLOWSHIP WE HAVE GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY. I see that as strength and not weakness. We have not been very successful in creating racial and ethnic diversity, but by God’s grace there is a growing generational diversity. The result of this diversity is a richness and energy in our gatherings, in our conversations and in our ministry. Sometimes that diversity creates disagreement. But if we as Baptists – who value freedom, the priesthood of each believer and the autonomy of each church – will live in mutual love and respect for one another, that diversity will create an even stronger  and more robust fellowship.

My generation of Baptists loved freedom enough that we resisted fundamentalism and created a place where even though we might differ theologically we could find ways to work together and live together in the gospel. The following generations of Baptists may not face the same threats and challenges that my generation faced, but make no mistake, each generation will face threats both to freedom and to cooperative ministry. Can CBF be a place where we learn from one another, listen to one another and love one another even though we are separated by age and life experience? I believe we can.

Another reason I am very hopeful for CBF’s future is because IN THIS FELLOWSHIP WE ARE EXPERIENCING A REDISCOVERY OF THE GOSPEL. I see this in the serious theological reflection that is taking place in seminaries and divinity schools. I also see it in the actions and activities of local churches who are becoming immersed in their communities and involved in global missions in ways that even 25 years ago would have seemed unimaginable. No longer are Baptist Christians content to simply sit on the sidelines and commission someone else to do missions. They want to be involved personally. And they want to be involved in transformative, sustainable and holistic ways. They want to see the world changed. They not only care about the transformation of character but about the transformation of culture. They are committed to ministries of reconciliation, justice and peace as well as to ministries of evangelism, church planting and disciple making. And I might add that this concern is intergenerational. 

The good news is that the triune God is on a mission to reconcile, restore, recreate and renew all things. The good news is that God loves this world and that God the Father sent God the Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. The good news is that God raised Jesus from the dead, and through this risen Jesus promises to transform all things. The good news is that God the Holy Spirit (which is the Spirit of the living Jesus) can transform our personal lives and empower us to participate in God’s mission.

I see evidence of a gospel rediscovery in the Christian academy and among denominational and congregational leaders. An exciting conversation is taking place about the nature and mission of the church. The practical involvement of laity in “hands on mission” has awakened the conscience and raised the consciousness of everyone about the transformative power of the gospel. There is a new examination of Scripture, a fresh understanding of the global church as well as the availability of images and information on television and the internet. God is awakening Baptist Christians (as well as other Christians) to the truth and expansiveness of the gospel, which creates vision and passion for mission across generational lines.

Finally, I am hopeful for CBF’s future because IN THIS FELLOWSHIP WE HAVE CAPABLE LEADERS ACROSS FIVE GENERATIONS. Randall Lolley is fond of saying, “There’s a Baptist way to be Christian, a CBF way to be Baptist and a North Carolina way to be CBF.”  In all of the states and regions where CBF is represented there are geographical distinctives that enrich the whole. The same could be said about generational distinctives. Across multiple generations are evidences of creativity, loyalty and generosity. This is good for our present and future.

Hebrews 11 is a roll call of faithful leaders. It chronicles how women and men of faith lived, suffered and persevered in their time. The chapter ends with those profound words, “Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God has provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.” Generations are incomplete in themselves. Each is interdependent on the other. God’s purposes transcend and connect them.

Daniel Vestal has served as executive coordinator since 1996.