The Next Generation

Interest in missions seems to vary considerably by generation.  For many in the Builder Generation (born 1928-45) missions was seen growing up as an exotic activity done by a few spiritual giants.  For many Millennials (born 1982 and after), it is something that they do, not that they support financially.  OK, those are caricatures, but they do bear some resemblance to reality, right?  Several people recently have talked to me with deep concern about missions committees at churches with which they are familiar.  Some are heavily populated by seniors and not well connected with contemporary trends in ministry including local outreach and short term teams. 

The feature article that I just posted takes its viewpoint ten years in the future to challenge pastors, councils and missions committees to make changes now so that missions is alive and strong in the 2020s, should the Lord not return by then.  This certainly is not meant to denigrate the immense contribution that seniors can and do make to missions, but it does point to the importance of broadening the commitment to missions throughout the congregation, generationally.  I'm eager to read what people think of it.