Young-er Days

Sunday afternoon, we had somewhat of a "God-timed" moment. We were unable to decide what we wanted to do for lunch after church and whether we wanted to get lost for a few or perhaps go somewhere out of the way. After having driven by the new Five Guys Burger joint that recently opened, I pulled into the shopping plaza thinking, perhaps, I'd figure out where to go rather than aimlessly driving on the road. It turns out, the service drive circled back around to where Five Guys was. So, I made an executive decision, as my wife hadn't experienced the place yet.

Meanwhile, part of my frustration was that it was just us. Which wasn't a problem, per se... usually it is, but for whatever reason, I was thinking it'd been cool to hang out with some friends for lunch But alas... such was not the case this day. Shortly after order, my wife looks out the front window of the joint... "Isn't that....?" Yep.

Sure enough, friends from church... coming to five guys for lunch!! 

During our conversation, we got to talking church stuff and the young pastors that have recently come on staff in the past year. That's when my wife's friend commented... it's not that the pastors are getting younger; it's that we're getting older! It's true!

We don't consider it so much for other professions... you graduate with an engineering degree, you have a 20-something engineer. Teaching? You have young teachers. Suddenly a pastor comes on staff, recently out of seminary... man, that pastor is young. Like the universe feels amiss, that your kids' ministry pastor was being born while you were in youth group. And now, they are spiritual leaders in the things of God.

That perspective alone, makes you want to pray for them, doesn't it?? Seriously though...it's great. It's how the kingdom of God advances. There is always the next generation to invest in, so they will lead the generation that comes after them. We need to pray they do it right and do it well; for this is how families, churches and communities veer off course.

So, thanks for joining me in prayer, this #youthPastorWednesday. Pray that this next generation of pastors would be men and women of prayer and of the Word; holding true to the faith they profess and seeking God in all aspects and arenas of life. May they be influenced by pastors who have fought the good fight, as Paul writes, stable in ministry and healthy in leadership. Pray a grace, as they grow and learn; for mistakes will surely be made as we all do; whether with 30 years behind us or 30 days. May their fire and passion for ministry never fail or burn out; that there would always be a support, to encourage, guide and teach as God establishes their ministry for His glory.

May their youth not be looked down out;
For God has great plans in store for their lives.
Who knows what they will accomplish,
For the glory of God 
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC