Praise for the Perennials

According to many social media outlets, books, magazine articles, speeches, sermons, etc., it’s all about the millennials. How are we going to relate to them? How can they be won to Christ? How can they be integrated into the work of the local church? How may we use their talents to further the cause of Christ worldwide?

Contrary to what some might think as they read that paragraph, this is not being written by some old codger who has no use for anybody younger than he is. I must plead guilty to being “of an advanced age.” I will not plead guilty, though, to harboring resentment for younger people merely because they are younger.

After all, I remember when my generation’s wardrobe, music, and tastes were questioned and sometimes openly attacked by those who were older. What on earth could they have had against Nehru Jackets, love beads, mood rings, and the like? So what if we didn’t share their enthusiasm for Glenn Miller, the McGuire Sisters, and others? Did all of that make us bad people?

I may not understand all that the millennials are about, but I can honestly say that there are many good things to be said about them. Like my generation (when we were their age and now that we are our age) there will always be room for improvement.

At the same time, let me express my deep, deep love for another group that I fear may get overlooked way too often. This group is not made up of individuals of one particular generation. There are people of all ages in this group.

I love those perennials.

You know the ones I’m talking about, don’t you? They are the ones upon whom you can depend. They are reliable. They are steady. They are “always there” when they need to be.

I fear that, in an effort to serve or appease one particular group, these perennials are either forgotten or feel like they are forgotten. That is so sad to me because, in many cases, it is the perennials who have helped a particular congregation maintain its viability during the years. In some cases, it is their effort, their prayers, and their finances that are keeping the work going now.

How about a novel idea? Why don’t we all – boomers, busters, generation x, generation y, millennials, and whatever else I’ve left out – all relate to one another and truly develop hearts of servants.

In other words, why don’t we all purpose to be perennials?

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58, ESV)

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