One generation will praise your deeds to the next. Each generation will talk about your mighty acts. Ps 145:4 GOD'S WORD translation

So recently, while sitting at Starbucks, I took some time to really listen to the music of Jesus Culture. I have heard of them and even caught snippets of their music, but never really stopped to listen: I am glad I did!

What struck me most about the music and I assume it is representational of the musicians and their movement, was the passionate hunger for Jesus. Songs like "You Won't Relent," to me was like a duet of God's passion for us and a hungry soul longing for intimacy with Him. It was all I could do to keep the tears from flowing (after all, I was in Starbucks!).

As my mind reeled with thoughts, I began to ruminate on the generational differences. The next generation's expression of faith is not the same as ours and godly leaders need to recognize this and liberate them!

In this thought process, I was taken back to a discussion I had in Albany GA with Vincent Hunt, a progressive thinker of the generation following me. We were discussing that there did not have to be a generational divide, but an empowering and releasing from one to the next. The illustration we discussed was a bow and arrow.

In short, the purpose of the bow is to propel the arrow forward as it is released hit the mark. Neither is effective without the other. It is from the bow that the arrow receives power and direction. The bow and arrow are different from each other, but their purpose is to work together to accomplish a mutual task.

The problem arises, when you draw the bow and attempt to hold the arrow to long. The tension that builds will result in an increased potential for the arrow to go astray and miss the mark: neither bow nor arrow will fulfill their purpose.

The idea here is each generation is different. It is the responsibility of the "older" generation to provide direction and empowerment as they RELEASE the next generation! The "elders" are to pass on the truth and testimonies of faith to the "younger" generation and trust Jesus to do his part as they walk out their faith, just as we did.

In my communications with individuals of the generations following after me, the main comment I hear is that they want spiritual fathers that will nurture, love them and trust them. I admire one characteristic statements from the Jesus Culture website: "They would be connected with spiritual fathers and mothers and aligned under their covering." I believe there is a generation ready to step up: IF they can find the generation above them to empower and release them!

For years, I have heard 1 Chronicles 12:32 preached regarding the times we live in. The New Living Translations puts it this way: "From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take"  (emphasis added). In my opinion, if there is ever a time for this to be true it is now.

The necessity of this text is not because of the evils of the world, but because of the transition of the ekklesia (church) into kingdom manifestation. We are at a crucial karios moment in God's plan: not just a generational change, but also a spiritual mindset transformation. We are at a time and place that my generation of ministry (I'm only 51) notches the arrow, pulls the bow back AND releases the arrow!

So, my final challenge:

• To the "older" generation, find the "young" person, invest in them, love them, trust them and release them!
• To the "younger" generation, find that "older" person who is trying to understand, be patient with us. Seek the wisdom of our scars, listen to the story of what God has done, and use it to build your faith!