Share this
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Googlize this
Blinklist
Facebook
Wikio
Print
E-mail
I didn't know it then, but although my zeal was very high, my knowledge faced a huge learning curve. I thought I knew it all, and sometimes I did have knowledge greater than some of my teachers. Since I was bold in my faith, others thought that I was mature in the faith as well. Consequently, I was given leadership for which I was not prepared.
All of this came to my mind a few Sundays ago when our congregation was electing a new class of elders. The nominee was named for "youth elder," and I smiled to myself as I thought about this oxymoron. The teenager being elected to the session was bright, articulate, and very winsome. She would do very well in representing the younger generation of the church, but therein lay the real problem.
As Presbyterians, we have allowed the American political process to overshadow the true nature of representation in the church. Slowly, but surely, we have drifted toward the concept of having every constituency or peer group represented in leadership. Historically, this has not been the case. In the past we have understood that elders are to represent Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. Elders, therefore, are to be people whose faith and life have been tested, demonstrating that they have the capacity to discern the mind of Christ that comes primarily through prayer and meditation on Scripture. Elders are to have proven character, refined through the lessons that only living long enough can provide. We do our youth and our church a disservice when we establish representation on any other basis.
Does that mean that our youth should only be seen and not heard? No, not at all! Any organization would be wise to hear from various constituencies, giving the leadership the perspectives and information it needs. There are sensitivities that come by listening lovingly and carefully to those who are different from us. However, in the end there is but one voice to be heard--that of our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
I celebrate the enthusiasm and freshness of youthful thinking. It is good to have a strong dose of idealism and passion. It is energizing to be around young people. May our churches and our General Assemblies be filled with them! Let us continue to give them voice in committee and in plenary. But, in committee and plenary, give the vote to the elders. Restore the leadership to those whose wisdom and character have been proven. I would hope that our young people have the wisdom to support this historic understanding. That would be wisdom beyond their years.