RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians
View related threads:
(in this forum
| in all forums)
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/23/2007 10:03:29 PM
|
|
|
Giulia
Posts: 865
Joined: 9/29/2005
From: Giulia
Status: offline
|
I think we all have our own ministry if we are truly born again. I am studying, but I minister too, actually sometimes I feel like I am getting ministered to. I have been getting heaps of compliments lately, I have been told I look 30 many times, I get told I look like I am in love, I tell em yes, with Jesus. Then to top it off I am getting propositioned by many 20 year old men, and women (the women are fewer), so perhaps young men have a thing about older women? I don't know. But I do know it's a nice compliment. I do however have a few aches in my lower back, I do a lot of stretches for those, I also understand infatuation better (I think).
I am doing bits and pieces in the prison ministry, also I have grandkids and I minister to them a lot. I also find I minister a lot to my co-students, they will ask me questions about my faith on the quiet. And of course, I minister on paper with my writing.
_____________________________
Captured by His love. Justified by His grace.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/25/2007 12:47:56 AM
|
|
|
CalRed
Posts: 165
Joined: 12/20/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Exegetist
this looks like a fun thread. Is this where we explain away the aches and pains or try to understand why we are having them.
By the way CalRed, I can remember the 10 cent (computer boards don't even have the cent key anymore) ice cream bar. Miss those.
cheers!
Believe it or not,d I still have a TI-99 and A Commodore Vic 25.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/25/2007 4:08:33 PM
|
|
|
Exegetist
Posts: 284
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: CalRed
quote:
ORIGINAL: Exegetist
this looks like a fun thread. Is this where we explain away the aches and pains or try to understand why we are having them.
By the way CalRed, I can remember the 10 cent (computer boards don't even have the cent key anymore) ice cream bar. Miss those.
cheers!
Believe it or not,d I still have a TI-99 and A Commodore Vic 25.
OK, the mind is the first thing to go..... what are you talking about here?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/25/2007 8:24:39 PM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 1585
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
I started with a TRS-80 (the Trash 80) and jumped ahead to the Commodore 64 (sans hard drive, just cassette).
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/25/2007 10:48:35 PM
|
|
|
Exegetist
Posts: 284
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Eutychus
I started with a TRS-80 (the Trash 80) and jumped ahead to the Commodore 64 (sans hard drive, just cassette).
WOW, that could be worth money as an antique in the not too far future. right now it's just old. Well, you probably threw it out, right. haha!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/25/2007 11:08:57 PM
|
|
|
kate_paints
Posts: 11
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
|
I'm 53, have 8 year old twins, left software development this year (I used punch cards when I started... no PCs in 1972), and am teaching 6th grade math at a Christian private school. I don't consider myself old at all. I hope to teach kids well into my 80s. I just don't relate to you "old geezers". I did the sex, drugs, and rock and roll thing. Lost. Total goof. It was my life before Christ. Maybe when you find Christ late, as I did at 35, the clock starts ticking then. That makes me... 18. Yup. I'm 18 with wisdom. LOL!
_____________________________
Thank you God, for all the blessing I so don't deserve. That alone is proof enough for me.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/26/2007 1:36:58 PM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 1585
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
The last I used punch cards was to make a text banner of Santa, reindeer, and Rudolf. That was a nice stack of cards to serve no purpose other than that. But, hey, it was a government facility...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/26/2007 7:47:09 PM
|
|
|
jn1010lf
Posts: 235
Joined: 4/20/2005
Status: offline
|
Hello oopsmartin
I'll tell you where many of the 40+ are. They're back there in traditional churches growing stale. Most of those in the kind of church I attend are under 40. Yup. There are a lot of youth and young adults. Most of us want the fresheness of the Holy Spirit.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/26/2007 9:16:36 PM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 1585
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
Smart alek kids who don't know up from down...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 12:41:25 AM
|
|
|
kate_paints
Posts: 11
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
|
What's a "traditional church"? You mean organ music and white helmet-head ladies in the front? I haven't seen one in a long time. I'm 50+. I don't get the comment. But I have sometimers and little kids and teach math at a Christian school.
_____________________________
Thank you God, for all the blessing I so don't deserve. That alone is proof enough for me.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 11:04:28 AM
|
|
|
pruned
Posts: 1107
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: kate_paints
What's a "traditional church"? You mean organ music and white helmet-head ladies in the front? I haven't seen one in a long time. I'm 50+. I don't get the comment.
Yes. Those churches still exist.
I do think that "traditional church" with organ music can still be accomplished meaningfully and with honor. Not all traditions should be discarded for something new. Our church as a traditional worship service and a contemporary worship service. The traditional service will be getting an uplift since we have recently acquired a talented and educated worship leader. Previously in that service we sang 2 hymns, offering, 3 hymns, sermon. Very dry, boring, no choir even. This service definitely needed an upgrade and is gettng it slowly. Our leader has only been on staff about a month. I can see great potential ahead for our "traditional church."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 11:11:52 AM
|
|
|
pruned
Posts: 1107
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
I'll tell you where many of the 40+ are. They're back there in traditional churches growing stale. Most of those in the kind of church I attend are under 40. Yup. There are a lot of youth and young adults. Most of us want the fresheness of the Holy Spirit.
I think some of our senior citizens want that too, but they have not been offered a "fresh" approach to traditional worship. I think it can be done, we just haven't wanted to expend the effort.
However, I would agree that I see in some people in that 50-60+ age group who are quite comfortable if the Holy Spirit doesn't come to call on Sunday morning, and God forbid if He were to ever want to actually move in people's lives and effect change. Unfortunately, in my church, our oldest saints are our least mature believers.
Finally, I would also observe that house churches are truly making a needed segue into our tradiional church culture. Even mega churches emphasize the need for small groups and cell groups. The BOOK is based on relationships. It doesn't matter if our church is traditional or contemporary, a house church or a mega congregation, if we have not developed meaningful relationships therein, we have missed the point.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 12:10:19 PM
|
|
|
CalRed
Posts: 165
Joined: 12/20/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
I think some of our senior citizens want that too, but they have not been offered a "fresh" approach to traditional worship. I think it can be done, we just haven't wanted to expend the effort.
I can't help but wonder what you mean by "fresh approach". In most churches it is the "elders" who keep things on an even scale. Sure a much younger person can become a "deacon" but how many of them keep the commitment and attitude required to keep the church afloat?
God requires elders to be men of integrity, wisdom, dignity, and virtue. But even though the standards are very high, God doesn't require perfection. If He did, no one would be qualified to lead the church because we all fail.
James 3:1-2 says, "My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment. For in many things we all stumble. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
Only a perfect man doesn't stumble and offend. Therefore we shouldn't rush into church leadership without first giving careful consideration to the severe judgment that comes upon leaders who fail. This warning should not discourage us however from wanting to follow God's call to serve. Even though we aren't perfect, by God's grace and the power of the Spirit we can meet His standards.
A church leader should not hold himself up as a perfect example because we all have sin, struggles and failures in life. It would be dishonest for a leader to do so.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 1:22:28 PM
|
|
|
pruned
Posts: 1107
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
CalRed, I think you're talking about leadership and I was talking about worshiping. But that being said, please note my quote:
quote:
Unfortunately, in my church, our oldest saints are our least mature believers.
If we want godly leadership in our church, we must look at our most mature believers, and in our church's case, they happen to be mostly under 40. I've never before been in a church where this is the case. But the younger folks are more capable and able leaders in the way you just described than our older and oldest members. Actually, it's quite sad. There's not many to mentor that younger generation, although there are a handful. And that handful is doing the best they can with what they have. It's that handful that also want that "fresh approach" to traditional worship.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 1:30:12 PM
|
|
|
mabel
Posts: 181
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
I get what you are saying Pruned. I attended the same church for 20 years. I recall when I started there, I was a new believer and I looked at some of those "muture" ones as if they were spiritual giants or something. In my mind they knew their bibles so well, etc. But now, 20 years later, they are still in the same place as they were then. They had and still have knowledge, but their relationship with God hasn't really changed.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 6:11:36 PM
|
|
|
CalRed
Posts: 165
Joined: 12/20/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: pruned
CalRed, I think you're talking about leadership and I was talking about worshiping. But that being said, please note my quote:
quote:
Unfortunately, in my church, our oldest saints are our least mature believers.
If we want godly leadership in our church, we must look at our most mature believers, and in our church's case, they happen to be mostly under 40. I've never before been in a church where this is the case. But the younger folks are more capable and able leaders in the way you just described than our older and oldest members. Actually, it's quite sad. There's not many to mentor that younger generation, although there are a handful. And that handful is doing the best they can with what they have. It's that handful that also want that "fresh approach" to traditional worship.
Frankly I believe that if your most mature believers are 40 and under it is a good sign for the church. I'm assuming of course, that the knowledge and passion of your elders is still there and effective.
The older ones are dying off and a great deal depends on the minister. Perhaps there was a time when those now in their 50s and 60s did not receive nearly as much "Bible Preaching" as the younger ones now are. It could be because of a change in church leadership, minister, or it could even be, believe it or not, the current minister found the truth.
Whatever the cause I believe it would be a reason to rejoice, that is unless the older ones have just "given up." Many churches are trying very hard to get more young people involved. New 'blood' always helps and don't feel bad if some have been around so long, they would like a little break to enjoy their families, etc.
As far as the "fresh approach", that would concern me if it involves "updating" the Bible for today's world. A different method of "teaching" God's word would be fine but I am not sure what you mean by "fresh approach."
Some friends of ours in Tacoma Washington are members of a church where they decided to try a "fresh approach." Their's involved not having to dress in suit and tie all the time, much more music than one or two hymns, more weekly social activities, more participation of the children, including a brief "children's church" in the main assembly (and after the children went to the nursery) and such things as that. God's word and teaching did not change. Everything there worked out fine. I hope yours does as well.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 7:44:29 PM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 1585
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
Their's involved not having to dress in suit and tie all the time, much more music than one or two hymns, more weekly social activities, more participation of the children, including a brief "children's church" in the main assembly (and after the children went to the nursery) and such things as that. God's word and teaching did not change. Everything there worked out fine. I hope yours does as well.
Describes my current church, where we have been the last 20 years.
Maybe other churches are boring and the over 40 crowd is next to useless, but its not like that here. BTW, we run roughly 1300 in Bible study on Sunday morning.
_____________________________
-Euty
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 7:47:30 PM
|
|
|
pruned
Posts: 1107
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
I think in our church our members got saved and settled. They didn't grow much beyond that. It's truly sad. I'm not sure our oldest generation were ever "spiritual giants". Sure, we had a few, but by and large, this group would not be categorized as a group which truly loves the Lord, His word, and desires to be changed by it. The pastor and another Sunday School teacher and I were discussing this phenomenon recently, and they agree wholeheartedly with this assessment.
On the other hand, it is very exciting to see the young people flood in and their spiritual desire. I'm amazed and in awe of what God is doing. Yes, it is an answer to prayer that many of us had prayed for some time. In fact, we had one lady (a 60+ y/o) who just sat in an empty nursery Sunday after Sunday and prayed it would be filled. We now have about 30 children under age 5 using one of three nursery / children's church areas. Yes, the young 'uns are a definite answer to prayer! 
I guess what I mean by a "fresh approach" is providing something challenging to this group in our most boring worship service. We have 20 people or so who once "choir" was mentioned showed up. Even just adding a choir singing hymns with the congregation will help that service. And then, by choosing the worship hymns carefully by sermon and by meter, key, etc. with musicians who can actually play them will enhance that service also. A "fresh approach" might also be respecting these people in spite of their spiritual immaturity. When they are sick, we all should go see about them, etc. This group was honestly marginalized and minimized for a number of years under a previous pastor who was more or less just waiting until they died off. Now that he has chosen to move forward to another ministry, and we have a different pastor in place with a music minister who knows what she's doing (including the hymns at tempo rather than drone), these elements will provide a "fresh approach". I've seen the order of worship for Sunday, and we're also adding a Scripture / Meditation kind of thing to that service.
The one thing I do have to absolutely compliment these older folks on is how faithful they have been in attending, even when the "complaints" I mentioned above. These are things I've heard again and again from them - but they keep coming, Sunday after Sunday with little "noise" about those elements. For the younger generation, I believe they would voice their concern, and if something wasn't changed soon thereafter, they would find another church. The oldest generation is definitely "brand loyal."
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/27/2007 7:56:33 PM
|
|
|
pruned
Posts: 1107
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
I guess what I'm trying to convey but not doing well is that traditional church does not have to be dry and boring and predicitable and dull. Without compromising the Word or doing too much dramatically different, LIFE can flow into such a service. Just because an organ and/or piano only are used as instruments and we sing hymns, does not make this a sub-service. It can be just as rich with the Presence of our Master as a service with a different music style.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/30/2007 1:32:49 AM
|
|
|
Exegetist
Posts: 284
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: pruned
I guess what I'm trying to convey but not doing well is that traditional church does not have to be dry and boring and predicitable and dull. Without compromising the Word or doing too much dramatically different, LIFE can flow into such a service. Just because an organ and/or piano only are used as instruments and we sing hymns, does not make this a sub-service. It can be just as rich with the Presence of our Master as a service with a different music style.
Quite true. and size of congregation doesn't dictate boring or lively either.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/30/2007 11:47:18 AM
|
|
|
linssue55
Posts: 6
Joined: 8/9/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: oopsmartin
There are quite a few of some of the old gang I've been missing. We used to have quite a bunch of theologians, teachers, pastors, etc who were 40 yrs and above. Wondering where you all are.
Not going to name names cause I cannot remember all and don't want anyone to feel slighted. Just hoping that some of you will show up and we can make this a general chat thread.
Besides the fun of reminiscing, which we all love to do about everything, I thought we could examine the changes we've gone through as church workers. Being older and being church workers we do have our own peculiar set of problems.
I'm keeping it loose so you all can decide on the ebbs and flows of our conversation. But I look forward to conversing with fellow workers who are also in the same age ranges.
grace and peace,
M. 
Well over 50......closer to going home to be with the Lord.
I remember the Pop, the Charelston and Mashed Potatoes.
Getting into the theatre for .50 cents, with enough let over for a drink and candy bar.
I remember the first black and white tv's with the Mickey Mouse Club.
I used to wear can-cans and bobby socks.
The hoola-hoop was the craze.
A & W root beers in a freezing mug.
No sex on tv.
Valued principles, virtue, and integrity.
Family's would go to the drive-in theatres, kids in their PJ's. We'd sit on top the car.
etc....etc...etc....etc....etc....etc>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
_____________________________
"The word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder, the soul and the spirit, the joints of the marrow, and is the thought and critic and intense of the heart. All scripture is God breathed
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/30/2007 1:40:20 PM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 1585
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: linssue55
No sex on tv.
I remember NO TV.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Where are all the 40+ church workers and theologians - 1/30/2007 9:47:49 PM
|
|
|
Jim1927
Posts: 2
Joined: 7/13/2005
Status: offline
|
The traditional service is my cup of tea. Nothing can replace the old hymns,,,There is a Fountain,,,,,The Church's one foundation,,,Jesus is all the world to me.........the centrality of the pulpit..the small choir,,the dedicated soloists,,not always the best singers, but......
I walk into a modernized church with the screen up front and the "songs" displayed, choir staff rocking 'n' rolliing as they "get" into the music, and I wonder what theatre I have entered by mistake.
I was preaching in one church and during the pastoral prayer, I heard the rat-a-tat-tat of a drummer behind me.........I stopped praying..looked about, and there was the drummer having the time of his life, in the empty baptistry......not my idea when talking with God in behalf of the whole congregation.
I thik we have lost a sense of decorum and decency in the modern church. Well, my opinion anyway, but then, I am 80, retired now, but pastored since 1948.
Cheers, and God bless,
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
