word of truth.” (2Tim2:15 NKJV+HCSB) Was the Apostle Paul irrelevant because he was an old man? Was he not sending for his parchments even at the end of his days? Did he have to wear skinny jeans and converse sandals to be relevant? What I am saying is this: old age is a physical reality, but acting like an irrelevant, lazy person who does not want to learn is a very negative attitude that needs to be shut down.
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new language and preach in it. Learn to preach a different type of sermon…stretch yourself. YouTube is a great tool for learning anything you would have gone to college for in the past. You are living in an age where the average millennial has learned how to learn quickly, using technology. This means you better know what you are talking about. This dog is not through learning new tricks! In the coming
If you throw down the excuse of being an old dog that cannot learn, you are committing pastoral suicide.
As for me, I just can’t relate to this, even though I often hear these words from Pastors of churches in need of renovation. I have determined that I can still learn and you can determine that you can still learn as well. So, learn to use a computer better than the young guys, learn to do marketing, learn to speak a
months, I will be going to language school to increase my Spanish skills. At 60 I received a Doctorate in Leadership and have become an adjunct professor, teaching pastors overseas to become pastors. The young value my experience and expertise, because I don’t sell myself short to the young
pups. I still study the latest in church growth and go to conferences. I will not fall behind the men I lead in technology, in training, nor devotion. I don’t wear skinny jeans and red converse tennis shoes in an effort to identify with the young by looking like a hipster. My dress is neutral and contemporary, yet designed to command respect. I boldly and relevantly proclaim the never aging Gospel of Christ. Can you lead your church and make disciples? Can you write a sermon that brings out the deeper truths of God? Can you hold the interest with your people using fresh material mixed with experience and love? Can you analyze your situation and not make excuses using your age? Make a choice today to breath new life into your ministry! Pray hard, study hard, research hard and determine in your life not to buy into old man excuses. Surround yourself with the young and command their respect. Learn with them and listen to them so you can see the world they are seeing!
Rob Myers is the Pastor of Miami Baptist Church a turn around church located in the multi-lingual community in South Florida. Rob has been in ministry for more than 39 years. He has been in church planting and pastoral leadership for 36 of those years, which includes 15 years as the Senior Pastor of Miami Baptist Church. His is Adjunct Professor of Indiana Wesleyan University and President of Baptist World Charities. Rob has an earned Doctorate in Ministry Leadership from John Wesley University, a M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a B.A. From Palm Beach Atlantic University. 61