This is a part of a series called Preparing the Church.

When I worked as the Discipleship and Missions Minister in 2022, I felt strongly that the church, local and universal, should be preparing the next generation. I suggested using the overarching theme of “Prepare the Next” and Psalm 78:1-7 as our foundational scripture churchwide. Many churches seem to be finding themselves where most congregants are 50 and older. It seems that some Pastors do not appreciate all the wisdom in the churches where they lead.
We live in a time when seniors (ages 60 and up) are losing their voice and influence in the church, and when this happens, everyone loses. I've heard countless stories from seniors who feel "pushed" out of being able to influence the church where they have served, some for their whole lives. Leadership seems to be ignoring the seniors to bring in the "younger" generations. They seem to overlook that the only people who can “prepare the next” generation are the seniors in the church. We need them, and the next generation(s) need them. They have more to offer than we allow them to give. I am admonishing Pastors not to shut them out but to open the doors wide for them to aid in preparing the next generation to be disciples of Christ and become spiritually mature Christians. Our seniors have been on the battlefield for the Lord for a long time; the Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha need what the baby boomers, the silent generation, and even the greatest generation have to offer. They need to know what it takes to serve in the Lord's army.
Here are just a few ideas:

The Greatest Generation (age 98 and up) can become mentors by sharing their life experiences, wisdom, faith journeys, and more with younger members. Provide opportunities for them to share their stories, including personal testimonies and even stories related to the church's history. This can be done in person or even by audio or video recording. What a treasure! I know what you are thinking, “98 is too old.” I beg to differ; my grandmother’s sister, who just went to be with the Lord this month, was 101 years old, but she was still in her right mind when she transitioned. There is no doubt that she had A LOT to offer up until the day she took her last breath! Don’t underestimate what wisdom The Greatest Generation has to offer. Perhaps that’s why they are called the Greatest! Wouldn’t you want to learn from the greatest?
The Silent Generation (ages 80-97)- The silent generation should be encouraged not to be silent in sharing their wisdom. Some can still take on teaching roles for Bible studies and Sunday school and provide the church with the stability and continuity that it needs in its Christian Education Department. They can also engage in supportive roles; some may want to be behind the scenes, such as prayer teams (they know about prayer), organizing events, and providing other logistical support for Generations Z and Alpha. You may be surprised at how the Silent Generation can aid in helping to establish endowments, scholarships, and other resources for future generations. Say to the Silent Generation, speak up! We want to hear what you have to say!
Baby Boomers (ages 61-79)- These men and women are often your church's wisest leaders. Engage them in serving on various committees and provide them with opportunities to equip and train the next leaders in your church. One way to do this is through intergenerational activities, such as family nights, service projects, social gatherings, and even workshops that can educate the next generation on life skills, financial planning, and spiritual growth. When the baby boomers are engaged in preparing the next generation, I believe that the church will not only be a blooming church but a booming church! It becomes a church with significant growth and vitality in attendance, active engagement, diverse ministries, strong community connection, vibrant worship experiences, effective leadership, spiritual growth, financial health, innovation, and adaptability, forming a positive reputation in the community.
Generation X (ages 45-60): This generation can help the church integrate technology, lead family-oriented ministries, and provide support to the parents of Generation Z (12-17) and Generation Alpha (6 weeks -12). They can also help the parents of future generations navigate single parenting, marriage, motherhood, fatherhood, infertility, and other issues that often impact them. They could provide community activities, mentorship, and prayer partnerships to equip and strengthen parents and their children to become spiritually mature.
I will be honest: I am concerned about Generation Z and Generation Alpha. If we don’t engage ALL of the generations in ministry to prepare them, I sincerely believe that we will begin to see more and more churches die. They need to witness intergenerational ministry to continue the legacy of those previous generations. But if the church continues to "shut out" the seniors, the church will die. And then who will tell them? About Jesus.
It’s time to be serious about Preparing the Next Generation. Let’s listen to the teachings of the Lord and open our mouths, sharing the hidden things that previous generations taught us, and then let us not hide them from the next generation; let’s declare the deeds of the Lord, his power, and his wonders! So that the next generation will know them, even the children yet to be born, so that they will tell their children and put their trust in God, not forget the deeds of God, and keep following his Word. (Adapted from Psalm 78:1-7)
Next: Preparing the Teachers: Teaching to Transform