There is an emerging generation that was born into a world of information technology, instant communication, and social media platforms. Truly, the global village envisioned in the prophetic mind of Canadian media theorist Marshall McLuhan. For the current leaders of the modern world, we live in a global community that could only be imagined in the childhood of the 60’s and 70’s. For the emerging leaders, this exciting new world is their childhood—they are the digital natives. The secular world has embraced and even to some degree harnessed the optimism, creativity, and passion of these emerging leaders. The question remains: has the Church?
God is Sovereign. So, while McLuhan seems like he was indeed ahead of the game, God ordains the ebb and flow of human history. Simply put, God knew and He knows; none of the systems, dynamics, or social conditions of our current world surprises Him. And as always, for every generation that He brings into this world, He is looking for those who will follow Him, wholeheartedly, regardless of cost, for the highest glory of His kingdom cause. Could this emerging generation rise to the call, to the utmost privilege? Do they have what it takes?
Of course they do. The LORD Almighty is the same God always—steadfast, faithful, true and omnipotent. And in these days of the New Covenant through Christ Jesus, His Spirit is poured out upon all flesh, sons and daughters, old and young. Certainly, this emerging generation has it in them because God has deposited it into them.
But there is also the reality of free will and choice which necessarily entails responsibility. We only need to look at examples like Israel’s 40-year turn in the desert, Jonah’s 180-degree detour, and the struggles of the Early Church to know that there are real-time consequences for our disobedience and complacency. There isa right response for every generation. For Joshua’s generation it was to go conquer the Promised Land; for Daniel’s, it was to flee and prosper in captivity. As leaders of this emerging generation actively make their choices, what can we do to point them to God, to center them on the Bible and help them aim towards eternity? How can we engage and raise the spiritual bar so they are inspired to excel rather than patronized into complacency?
The Genos Initiative of GACX was created to be an intentional platform where leaders, young and old, can connect, encourage, glean, discuss (yes, even debate) issues that not only concern today’s young leaders but will shape the world they live in and the state in which they will leave it in for their children. It’s an Initiative that aims to balance the generational mandate of Psalm 78 and Deuteronomy 6:7-9 with exhortations of 1 Timothy 4:6-16. If ever there was a need for leaders to reach back and grab a hold of a young leader to mentor, it is now.
As the pace of change accelerates and young digital natives are fish in water, the wisdom, experience, counsel, encouragement, discipline, and prayers of elders must undergird and be that steady platform rooted in the foundation of Christ. King David prepared as much as he could for Solomon to ensure his success in building the Temple that God did not permit him to build. In the same way, the current generation must recognize the emerging leaders to empower them for the world that is coming. There is no better time than now.
God is Sovereign. The emerging leaders, however they may be perceived, are His draft picks for this generation. We need the coaches to help them excel for such a time as this. Welcome to the Genos Initiative.
Questions to Consider:
Who are the young leaders in your community and what is your relationship like with them?
How can you encourage and empower young leaders to lead from where they are?
What are the prayer requests and hopes that the young leaders have for their generation?
If you would like to comment and share your thoughts on our emerging leaders, who they are and how we can encourage them, please leave a comment below.