Relevance

Having just visited another small rural church in NSW, I was not at all surprised that my wife and myself, in our mid 50’s, even apart from our adult children, were the youngest people at the church service. 

Though I could have been, I was not disappointed.

As I mature in age and character, I am learning to accept the reality of most people’s situations.

I think it is likely that most average, main stream Protestant churches in outer suburban and rural locations are made up of smaller, ageing congregations, meeting in historical church buildings with many empty pews.

How significant is the lack of younger generations?

Does this imply a failure in theology, planning, integration, teaching, training, zeal, true (as opposed to nominal) faith?

Or is this the judgment of God now upon the church, for our secret past sins?

Is the current church simply a historical remnant of an ideology doomed to failure?

Could a new generation of fervent believers reverse or improve the state of a dying church?

Or is the reality of the future church in Australia to be the ongoing ministry of Pentecostal or para Pentecostal movements such as Hillsong, and the inevitable demise of mainstream denominations, some slower than others?

My honest answer is I don’t know.

But what I do know is that the elderly congregants at this mornings service were actively and joyfully involved in the celebration of Gods word and in the sharing of communion.

Their (our) age does not disqualify us from relevance in God’s family.

In fact it was elderly people who first recognised the holiness and true identity of Jesus as an 8 day old infant ( Simeon and Anna) in the gospel of Luke.

What if God is happy to “waste” the skills of thoroughly trained and gifted ministers on small, frail, elderly congregations?

Who can say that God cares more for young families than elderly people?

Does a large congregation made up of employed people with children deserve more faithful and theologically relevant teaching, as well as better sound systems and general use of technology, than older, smaller, dying congregations?

Society today would say yes.

But God, what would God say?

If we were to take the comparison across into offensive territory, we could suggest that these small, elderly, dying congregations should simply be closed, officially, after all, they “serve no useful purpose”, and they are clearly on the way out. Like euthanasia for the terminally ill, these geriatric meetings should simply have their life support turned off.

Yes, I have suddenly diverted to that morally loaded issue of euthanasia.

Is it even possible that a church would consider the case for mercy killing? Sadly, the answer in Australia at present is yes.

“The smouldering wick he will not put out and the bruised reed he will not break.”

“Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there”.

Does God write-off the elderly, the feeble in mind and/or body?

The scriptures (God’s word) sound a resounding “no”, to those who willingly and faithfully look for His answer.

For even from frail and feeble hearts, God receives true praise. And this sacrifice of praise is acceptable to him. While ever we have life and breath, let us honour the name of our wonderful Saviour, as well as the faith of our brothers and sisters, no matter what age.

May God flood our land with a hunger for righteousness, drawing all people to himself.