By Kyle Bjerga, TGC.
God used life-on-life discipleship to grow my faith. He placed an older and wiser man in my life who somehow knew everything I needed to hear, even when I didn’t want to hear it. That man asked me the tough questions no one else would. He pointed me to Jesus through his words and life. I saw him repent from sin and seek out forgiveness. I saw him take God’s Word seriously and love others well.
At the time, I was an immature and selfish teenager. I needed this man in my life more than I knew. It still boggles my mind that amid his work, family life, and other responsibilities, he’d make time to pick up a high school student, take me to coffee, open God’s Word, ask me questions, and challenge me. But I know why he did it: Someone did that for him. He was the product of a generation of disciple-makers.
Could you tell someone your testimony without naming the people who shared the gospel with you? It’s probably impossible, because God ordinarily uses people to reach and disciple his people (Rom. 10:14–15). Now, when you think about the people God has used in your life, were they older than you?
The chances are good they were—and in many believers’ testimonies, they were much older. My faith journey includes five men the Lord placed in my life at different moments. Their spiritual investment shaped me into the husband, father, pastor, and friend I am today.
What might it look like to cultivate intergenerational discipleship for children and youth in your local church?
What Is Intergenerational Ministry?
In many evangelical churches today, discipleship ministries for children and youth are primarily age-specific. Yes, older volunteers serve in those ministries. But there’s often less intentionality about helping younger generations build relationships with older saints who aren’t in volunteer roles.