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Twitter Writer: Annabelle Ang-Bok
Darlene Zschech. The Great Generational Transition—Practical Insights For Every Leader. Emerald Press, 2009: Sydney, Australia.
For many who have long years being intensely involved in church ministry, the notion of bridging the generational divide and preparing for future handover can be hugely complicated.
Veterans may be afraid that overenthusiastic young upstarts will naively wind up destroying everything they’ve worked to achieve, or more negatively, they may be jealous of these youngsters’ potential to overshadow them. Young adults and adolescents may be frustrated by their elders’ perceived traditionalism and resistance to change, or more negatively, they may actually be repressed and held back from exploring the rich potential of the gifts that God has placed within them.
An old friend who shares my concerns about church, ministry and the transitions between generations recommended this book to me, and I’m here to pass on the recommendation. I may have read this book in one night, but it’s left a powerful and lasting impression—I’ll be revisiting it many times to get a clearer and stronger understanding of the many insights and leadership values shared in it.
Inspiring as the book’s back cover copy (quoted below) is, it doesn’t fully convey the impact that Zschech’s actual content will have on the sincere reader:
“Generational diversity has always existed in churches… often tearing down relationships and building up resentments, crippling those involved on both sides of the generational fence. …the church has struggled in this area, almost resisting the thought that both emerging and established leaders can and must work together to ensure strength into the future for this desperate season in history. …Can it be done? I absolutely believe it can.”
Reading this book, you will laugh, cry, and be challenged to consider the many things that you need to change or to start learning to do in order to prepare both yourself and the generation to come for the coming changes in both the physical and spiritual realms. Also, you will be invited to partake of Zschech’s infectious faith and conviction that we can make a difference—yes, every single one of us. All it takes to start is passionate love for the Lord and for people, because this love is the root from which all of Zschech’s fourteen essential leadership values spring from.
Don’t have that kind of love yet, whether for God or for people? Don’t worry, because the many testimonies and stories that Zschech has chosen to include in this book will stir your spirit and encourage your soul, and bring you closer to the belief that with God, all things are possible.
Come, pick up this book today and see where it takes you—after all, the stuff in it is the stuff that’s brought Zschech to where she is today.
“Veterans may be afraid that overenthusiastic young upstarts will naively wind up destroying everything they’ve worked to achieve, or more negatively, they may be jealous of these youngsters’ potential to overshadow them. Young adults and adolescents may be frustrated by their elders’ perceived traditionalism and resistance to change, or more negatively, they may actually be repressed and held back from exploring the rich potential of the gifts that God has placed within them.”
I have seen only one successful role model for this transition and it was so beautiful, because it encapsulated the Father’s heart for me. The older pastor mentored, guided, and was there while the younger pastor rose up. He made frequent references to the move, and he gave feedback privately on the newbie’s preaching etc. What was so beautiful, and so fatherly, was the gracious dance between – giving and receiving, honour and respect, love for each other regardless of any change.