Passing the Baton

In looking ahead at the future of Christian leadership I have two primary concerns. The first is the boomer generation, of which I am a part. In the sixties, my high school years, rebellion against convention germinated and, in the case of things Christian, gave birth to the Jesus Movement. Status quo was out. New music, new approaches and new expressions were in. Boomers led the way.

In the seventies, ministries such as Calvary Chapel, Maranatha!, Vineyard, and numerous Christian artists laid the foundation for the emergence of Christian music as a style and as an industry, spawning a new genre of church. Boomers led the way.

In the eighties, the seeker movement was born, Willow Creek and Saddleback took the spotlight, church planting exploded and the contemporary, culturally relevant church became the church-du-jour. Boomers led the way.

In the nineties, mega churches began to dominate the ministry landscape. Techno church was born with LCD projection, websites, video preachers on multiple screens at satellite locations, and anyone who could push a button was able to record his church's worship CD. Boomers led the way.

As Dr. Phil, a baby boomer, would say, "How's that working for you?" Answer? Well, the church is over eighty per cent in plateau and decline. Membership is down, giving is down, conversion is down, and influence is down. In boomer terms we've lost market share.

Here's my concern: The church under the leadership of boomers is not getting the ministry job done. And, just as we thought we were better qualified to lead than the previous generation, we think we are better qualified to lead that the next generation. Further, we're going to live for a long, long time. How and when will the next generation take the wheel when Dad always insists on driving? Bottom Line: The boomers that led the way are fast becoming boomers who are in the way, as yesterday's innovation has become today's rut.

My second concern is the next generation. If given the keys to church leadership, where will generation next go? I hear the complaints, I hear the criticism, and I even sympathize to a degree. Murmuring and grumbling are not new to the people of God. Read the Bible and you'll find plenty. But murmuring, grumbling, complaining and criticizing don't make things better. Boomers, admittedly egocentric and flawed, were willing to risk taking charge and trying to make a difference. Generation next seems content to drift into the shadows, claiming righteous indignation over failed leaders and homogenized, inauthentic religion. Bottom Line: If boomers are going to step aside, generation next will need to step up.