Last week when the plumber came to look at my busted pipe, he inspected it, and instructed on what material to buy.
He came back to do the work Saturday….
And brought his son with him!
The plumber had all of the wisdom and experience in the world after doing the work for many years. But in his advanced age, he didn’t have a strength to do some of the work anymore. So he provided the brains, and his son provided the muscle.
It was fascinating to watch the two of them work together as the father carefully examined his sons work, and told him what needed to be done next. It was clear the son respected his fathers wisdom and experience by asking questions, and doing exactly what he was told.
Watching them Saturday. Was reminded ministry works best when the wisdom of maturity (old-age) is blended with the energy of youth.
Sadly it often doesn’t work out that way
- The mature don’t give control over to the younger generation till it’s too late
- Or the younger generation refuse to listen to the wisdom of the older
- It’s usually a combination of this as the two sides struggle working together
Thankfully there is a solution to this problem….
The older train the younger through apprenticeship
During my years in Australia I learned that students who aren’t interested in getting a job that requires a college degree were allowed to drop out of school during their Junior year. They were only able to do so in order to become “an apprentice” to an older worker. For instance, a young man who wants to become a plumber would become his apprentice for three to five years. By the end of that time, they would be able to start becoming a plumber themselves!
In the same way, older Christians begin mentoring young Christian apprentices i their early years (during high school). They help develop Godly habits, gain ministry experience, teach important lessons, and help them take steps of faith.
This apprenticeship would be much like the plumber and his son who works together to accomplish the Lords work. In later years the mature saint will bee able to step back and let the apprentice do the work under their watchful eye.
Seeing the plumber and his son working together so well reminded me ministry must always be passed on to the next generation
Johnhwilburn.com 
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