The Middle Generation
Apr 17, 2012
by Dr. John Goetsch
I grew up as the middle of three children. My sister Virginia was three years older, and my brother Mark was nine years younger. Early on, my sister was in charge! We used to “play” church, and she was always the song leader, the announcement giver, and the preacher! All I got to do was take the offering. On August 30, 1957, I told my mother that I wanted to be saved. I really didn’t understand much about salvation, but my sister had gotten saved, and I wanted to do what she did. I made a profession of faith that day but never had any assurance that I was saved. I had simply followed a leader. (I’m thankful I got my salvation settled on August 1, 1967, at the age of fifteen.)
My brother was born when I was nine years old, and while I was excited about a new member in our family, we really didn’t have a lot in common. He was only in third grade when I graduated from high school; thus, we were not really close and did very little together. My sister, on the other hand, set a good example for me by going to Bible college and on into the ministry. She, along with many of her college friends, prayed for me that I would surrender my life to Christ and serve Him.
While I was growing up, I was very aware of what my sister was doing and how she was living her life. I didn’t realize at the time, however, that my little brother was focused on me. I knew that I was following, but I didn’t realize that I was also leading. I’m glad that he too went on to Bible college and into the ministry, but I wish I had been more cognizant of my role in his life as a leader.
As graduates of West Coast Baptist College, it is thrilling to us that you are following the examples of your pastor, your parents, your teachers, and those who mentored you here at West Coast. It is important that we look to those who have run the race before us for wisdom and counsel. But don’t forget about those who are following you! You may feel like a follower, but in reality you are a leader!
Moses was an outstanding leader. At his death, the Bible records in Deuteronomy 34:10, “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” Aaron, Moses’ brother, had witnessed firsthand this unusual relationship that Moses had with God; no doubt, he highly respected Moses and desired that same closeness with God. We all know, however, that while he may have focused on following Moses, he often forgot that the children of Israel were following him! (Exodus 32 gives one example in the story of the golden calf.)
Thanks for being a good follower. But as the next generation of Bible believing Christianity, you must focus as well on being a good leader! As you preach and teach, you may talk about Dr. Chappell, Dr. Rasmussen, Dr. Weaver and others; but those in your congregation or class do not know us. They know you! I’m glad that you still have a generation ahead of you that is alive and influential in your life, but as the “middle” generation, don’t just look up to those ahead of you. Look back at the generation that is following you, and lead them!
-
by Dr. John Goetsch
I grew up as the middle of three children. My sister Virginia was three years older, and my brother Mark was nine years younger. Early on, my sister was in charge! We used to “play” church, and she was always the song leader, the announcement giver, and the preacher! All I got to do was take the offering. On August 30, 1957, I told my mother that I wanted to be saved. I really didn’t understand much about salvation, but my sister had gotten saved, and I wanted to do what she did. I made a profession of faith that day but never had any assurance that I was saved. I had simply followed a leader. (I’m thankful I got my salvation settled on August 1, 1967, at the age of fifteen.)
My brother was born when I was nine years old, and while I was excited about a new member in our family, we really didn’t have a lot in common. He was only in third grade when I graduated from high school; thus, we were not really close and did very little together. My sister, on the other hand, set a good example for me by going to Bible college and on into the ministry. She, along with many of her college friends, prayed for me that I would surrender my life to Christ and serve Him.
While I was growing up, I was very aware of what my sister was doing and how she was living her life. I didn’t realize at the time, however, that my little brother was focused on me. I knew that I was following, but I didn’t realize that I was also leading. I’m glad that he too went on to Bible college and into the ministry, but I wish I had been more cognizant of my role in his life as a leader.
As graduates of West Coast Baptist College, it is thrilling to us that you are following the examples of your pastor, your parents, your teachers, and those who mentored you here at West Coast. It is important that we look to those who have run the race before us for wisdom and counsel. But don’t forget about those who are following you! You may feel like a follower, but in reality you are a leader!
Moses was an outstanding leader. At his death, the Bible records in Deuteronomy 34:10, “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” Aaron, Moses’ brother, had witnessed firsthand this unusual relationship that Moses had with God; no doubt, he highly respected Moses and desired that same closeness with God. We all know, however, that while he may have focused on following Moses, he often forgot that the children of Israel were following him! (Exodus 32 gives one example in the story of the golden calf.)
Thanks for being a good follower. But as the next generation of Bible believing Christianity, you must focus as well on being a good leader! As you preach and teach, you may talk about Dr. Chappell, Dr. Rasmussen, Dr. Weaver and others; but those in your congregation or class do not know us. They know you! I’m glad that you still have a generation ahead of you that is alive and influential in your life, but as the “middle” generation, don’t just look up to those ahead of you. Look back at the generation that is following you, and lead them!
