Piano Player
We live in an ageist society that portrays the process of getting older as a failure. Our culture tends to view the older generation as burdensome and less useful than those around them. In fact, these views have been so woven into our society that they can be difficult to recognize. I personally didn’t understand ageism was really a thing until I started reading Breaking the Age Code by Dr. Becca Levy. I got this book for my 61st birthday. As I worked my way through Dr. Levy’s writing, I must admit that what I found was that all along, I was wrong about aging.
The Gift of Aging
As I’ve gotten older and as I’ve watched my parents get older, it’s clear to me that, far from a burden to society, they are a gift. They’re 85 and 86 and, though I’ve watched them age, they are still vibrant. They are alive, inquisitive, and strong. I’m still learning from them. Not just about aging, but about love, life, family, and dealing with illness.
Many of you are pastoring churches with people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or even centenarians. For so long, we have bemoaned the aging of the church. But I have a different take on it now. I think that when you’ve got people in the later stages of life, you have wisdom, tenacity, faith, perseverance, graciousness, compassion, and kindness. You’ve got the best of the best!
Of course, there is nothing wrong with youth; we want youth! But there’s nothing wrong with old people, either. And certainly, there is no reason to mourn an aging congregation.
A New Mindset about Aging
In Breaking the Age Code, Dr. Levy writes about how our own beliefs about aging determine how long and well we will live. That’s actually the book’s subtitle: “How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live.”
That’s a very Jesus-like thing to say! Jesus always said, “Your faith has made you well.” There is something about our mindset and our attitude – what we believe and our perspective on the world – that shapes our life experiences.
Dr. Levy has proven that our beliefs are stronger than our DNA, our environment, and our genetic history by demonstrating that what we believe determines how long and well we live.
This is good news! Because we’re all getting older every day. And so are your people and your churches. We do not need to bemoan that or think that aging is a disease of our ministries or churches. It’s not! It’s the beginning. It’s the beginning of a new kind of ministry with people who have wisdom, life experience, and love to share with the world.
Next Steps
You have a tremendous resource in your church. And you are a tremendous resource. Hold your head high and feel good about aging! We have a God who created us all with unique gifts and desires in mind. I, for one, want to grow old.
If you need more help in embracing all of the generations you lead, join me for my upcoming workshop: Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times. You’ll learn how to work more effectively with others while increasing your own ability to lead and love. Build on the strengths of the Golden Rule as you discover the secret power of the Platinum Rule. This fun and interactive workshop promotes self-awareness, motivation, empathy, social skill, and self-regulation.
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