The relationship between older and younger generations in the New Testament: A philological study

Churches experience tension between the ministry needs of younger and older generations in the congregation. A focus on either one or the other brings polarisation in congregations between younger and older members. The profile of the Early Church as sketched in the New Testament, however, draws a picture in which both younger and older generations are ministered. This study investigates texts from the New Testament philologically which sketch this picture and attempts to draw conclusions therefrom which can provide possible solutions to the tension between the ministry needs of younger and older generations in congregations. From this philological study it appears among others that the congregation must consist in its nature of younger and older members and that ministry practices must do justice to both groups. They are indeed all part of the household of God and thus spiritual brothers and sisters of one another. A healthy relationship between younger and older generations in the church is built on reciprocal respect, love, humility, and willingness to serve. When congregations implement these aspects and others in their ministry practices, they move closer to the New Testament image of a church in which both young and old believers have a place to serve and to be served.