Resources for Understanding the Generations
The book of Psalms talks a good bit about the generations, here’s one example:
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart from generation to generation.
Psalm 33:11 (CSB)
The topic of generations is one I’ve studied for years, probably as far back as the last 80’s and early 90’s. This is when I remember asking the question: “how do we reach the younger women?” This question, asked by many women’s leaders back then, led to the “new women’s ministry” movement. (For those of you younger women, the church has always had some type of ministry for women, but it wasn’t what we know today, nor did it have the title of women’s ministry…just a little historical lesson since I’m old enough to have lived through this part of history!)
It has been an exciting 35+ years it’s been since then trying to keep up with what the Lord has been doing (and is still doing) among women.
I led workshops on this issue for years while still at LifeWay, and numerous times since retiring. Once again, I am preparing to teach this topic at our Tennessee WMU Relentless Faith conference in April in Gatlinburg, (info on link, join us!)
Recently I also responded to a women’s leader’s inquiry for help on the issue of the younger women she is seeking to minister to and sent her a list of resources I recommend. So, today I want to share those with you on this post in case you, too, are needing direction.
- denisonforum.org
- lifewaywomen.com
- girlsministry.lifeway.com
- lifewayresearch.com
- jasondorsey.com
- growingleaders.com, Tim Elmore
- Generation iY, Tim Elmore
- Just Lead! A No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church, Sherry Surratt & Jenni Catron
- Organic Mentoring, Sue Edwards, Barbara Neumann
- iGen, Jean Twenge
- Generation Me, Jean Twenge
- Parenting People Who Are Deconstructing Their Faith, Spotify Prayer Clinic podcast, Leighann McCoy
I pray these resources are helpful as you continue to learn about the generations, and especially as you seek to reach back to bring along in the faith those who are coming behind you. So ask that same question I asked a long time ago, “how do we reach the younger women?” Then pray for God to help you answer that question as you reach women in a new time in history.
My people, hear my instruction; listen to the words from my mouth. I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past —things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the LORD, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed. He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation —children yet to be born — might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands.
Psalm 78:107 (CSB)
The future depends on how well we do this today!
