Finally! (A story about change.)

Charles Siburt opened the Abilene Christian University Retiree Ministry Conference this week with a keynote talking about his "cloud of witnesses" -- older folks, some living, and some dead and still living -- who cheer him on. He calls them "Balcony People," those who cheer you on as opposed to "Basement People," those who try to drag you down.

My favorite story was about the patriarch of a church where Siburt had preached years ago. This man had served as a elder for a long time, but had now stepped aside from that position, and was the oldest man in the church. He still held a lot of influence, and frequently the current leaders would seek out his advice.

On one occasion a few years ago, they came to him, and said, "We're thinking about beginning to use a praise team in our worship. What do you think about that?" "FINALLY!" the patriarch responded. "We haven't always been so narrow, you know. In my youth, I sang with a gospel quartet, and we often sang during the worship service, not after the final prayer."

On another occasion, they came to him and said, "We're thinking about having a Christmas program this year. What do you think about that?" "FINALLY!" he responded. "We haven't always been so narrow, you know. In my youth we had Christmas pageants and even a Christmas tree at church."

There are lots of lessons to learn from that story, but here are three that I hope to remember.

1. Never assume that you know how someone else will respond to a proposed change. Ask and listen. You're almost certain to learn from them.
2. Never discount the importance of church patriarchs and matriarchs. They have untold influence for good, and we all have much to learn from them.
3. Don't assume that the older folks are the ones resistant to change. Often they are more aware of the needs for change than those of us who are younger, and are happy to help us accomplish it.

Intentional Grandparenting -- Steve Wages

Intentional Grandparenting -- Steve Wages

Parenting is much more difficult today.

In the past, childhood was an internship for life.

We're in battle for hearts of children that begins at cradle and never
ends this side of grave.

Grandparents can increase the odds that a child will grow up
successfully.

"Give grandkids the big head." Paul Faulkner

It's difficult being a child these days.

Less time = less influence.

IRT. Individual relationship time

Every child (grandchild) wants to be an only child.

Grandparents are the only adults who have time.

Legalism 2: Why It Matters

Legalism affects every relationship in a negative way.

It skews our image of God, making Him someone to hide from rather than
someone to embrace.

It skews our image of others, making nearly everyone else wrong so
that we can be right.

Legalism keeps us from being able to live out the core of Jesus'
teaching: Love God, Love Others.

Legalism is all about me, about making me right at the expense of
others.

It's not pretty, and it's not what God calls us to.

And in the end, we all lose, and especially the one immersed in
legalism. We can't have the relationship with God we most desire, and
we can't have the nurturing relationships with others that are life-
giving.