Together, in Mission

Editorial by Kenia Reyes-de Leon

Our churches and organizations are full of thriving, exciting ministries where members from different backgrounds come together to serve with their gifts and talents. Working in Youth & Young Adult ministry for many years, both as a conference employee and at local churches, I have heard many opinions on what a healthy church looks like. Some believe our churches have grown too old and are out of touch and, therefore, need young people to take over. Others believe young people need to wait their turn and earn their place at the table by proving they’re serious about the church. Yet, the real need is not for one generation to replace another, but for both to serve together to further the church’s mission.

As we look to the Word of God for guidance, we see how the early church was formed through various relationships. One relationship that helps us understand how we build a fruitful church is that of Paul and Timothy.

Timothy was a young man of great potential and with a great passion for the gospel and the church of God, which was blossoming across the land. Paul took Timothy under his wing and treated him as a son. As a true mentor, Paul spoke words of encouragement and gave continual counsel to Timothy, telling him to “fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:19, NIV).

As a church, it is our responsibility to prepare others who are to continue forward as leaders for the upcoming generations. I am sure many of us advise and uplift the young people around us, but Hebrews 13:7 tells us that we, as church members and leaders, are to be remembered for sharing God’s Word with those we mentor, the outcome of our life, and our steadfast faith.

Paul taught Timothy everything he knew about God and the mission entrusted to them. Even in his darkest times, Paul trusted in the Lord and demonstrated this through his actions—and his legacy endures to this day as a testament to how Jesus can change a life. Timothy grew not only from what he was entrusted to do, but also from what he saw in his mentor’s life.

Their relationship is a great example of what God wants from His church: to work as one body, alive in mission, together. We cannot keep missing out on the blessings our Father is ready to pour out by allowing differences in age to divide us, but rather see them as the strength they are to finish the mission laid out before us. The church is strongest when young and old serve together in one mission.

Are you ready to lead change in your church and help unite the generations?

Kenia Reyes-de Leon is the Youth & Young Adult director for the Chesapeake Conference.