“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” – Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
I used to run relays for our school track team (this is where those that know me now but didn’t know me then raise their eyebrows, for I do not look like a track runner anymore). We spent a large amount of time practicing passing the baton back and forth. Sometimes at full speed over very short distances. Sometimes we would go for a long run and constantly pass the baton back and forth among us. The idea was for passing the baton to become second nature. Passing the baton was critical, especially in shorter distances (I ran the sprint relays, not the distance relays – didn’t have the stamina). Just ask both the men and women’s U.S. Olympic 4 x100m relay teams from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Both teams dropped the baton during the semifinals and were disqualified from the event.
One of the generations (legs) we are in danger of dropping the baton with consists of those finished with High School that have either completed college, are in college, or are taking an alternative route to reach their goals. Some of them are just starting careers, families, or both. Some of them are still looking. In keeping with the relay race analogy, some of them start in one lane, life happens, and they change lanes. For various reasons, many of this generation leave their relationship with the church and God, never to return. Fortunately, in this race no one is automatically disqualified for not staying in their lane. They may have to start the race over. They may have to go back to the baton handoff box and try again, but they get to continue the race. Unfortunately, some of this generation move to a lane of open rebellion against God or walk off the track completely, disqualifying in the process.
A wise friend and fellow elder identified the danger of dropping the baton of faith with this generation and we are trying to do something about it. First, we’ve given this group a name of their own, “Generation Faith”. We have some faithful members in Generation Faith and they will provide a good foundation for years to come. Second, we have dedicated ourselves to focusing more of our shepherding on them this year by creating a ministry of study and action they can call their own. Third, we are looking to hire someone to run this ministry over the summer as this group grows during college breaks. Fourth, we want to capitalize on the momentum gained over the summer to continue a healthy ministry both for and with Generation Faith so when our college members move back to school the ministry will continue and we can add to the existing foundation of faithful members. Finally, we are praying God will bless Generation Faith as He has us.
So this is what we are doing to pass the baton of faith to a specific generation in our congregation. I would love to hear what you are doing in your congregation to pass the baton to this generation or any others.
The Shepherd's Pen 