Appreciate every generation

Carl and Dani Johnston explore the blessings and significance of generational unity in continuing the legacy of faith

In the story of Abraham, the Lord made a covenant with him, promising that anyone who came from his lineage would be blessed. Following him was Isaac and Jacob and God began to refer to himself as the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’, highlighting the significance of the generations. When the Lord makes a promise with one generation, it flows down to each following generation, and they inherit that same promise.

In the fast-paced, constantly changing world we live in, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings and opportunities that come from the generations before us and the ones to come. For those of us in Elim, this generational continuity is not just important – it’s foundational, and we should appreciate what each generation brings to our movement.

Thinking about the blessing that comes from those who have gone before us, they are the pillars of our movement with stories full of God’s miracle-working power, his provision and the lessons learned along the way. When we listen to them, we’re not just hearing tales of the past; we’re receiving a rich inheritance of faithful insight and resilience. Their experiences remind us that no matter how challenging life gets, our faith in God can see us through.

One of the most profound blessings within Elim is the opportunity for inter-generational invitation and involvement to all that God has for us. While it may seem like there’s a gap between generations, this gap can be the most incredible fertile ground for growth.

When we intentionally create spaces and invite all generations to fully engage and participate in full-life discipleship with one another, we foster a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. We need to intentionally invest in the younger generations, fully equipping and releasing them to be all that God has called them to be. The seasoned wisdom of the elders is also much needed and helps create a healthy environment where everyone benefits and thrives. Furthermore, the opportunities for love and memories shared across the generations are powerful reminders of God’s presence in our lives.

It’s easy to see the blessing of generations within our own movement – in fact, for both Dani and I our lives reflect this very blessing. Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties, siblings, and children who have served and continue to serve within Elim. We are all part of a larger, God-ordained story with each generation being able to receive fully from God himself and the family of God, where all contribute to the rich tapestry of our shared faith and desire to see our nation transformed with the good news of Jesus. By embracing this, we invite and involve each other, creating a way of living that is deeply fulfilling and eternally significant.

So, next time you are in church, take time to look around and not only appreciate all the generations but engage with all the generations. How can we intentionally invest in and learn from those younger than us, and what can we learn from those who are more seasoned in their faith? Listen to the stories of the elders and faithfully encourage the dreams of our young people and children, searching them out. Recognise that together we are a living testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Making room for one another, as a form of worship, brings attention to the ongoing work of God in all our lives. We continue to celebrate and nurture the generational blessings and these incredible gifts God has given us, ensuring that the spiritual legacy of the Elim movement will flourish for generations to come.

Carl and Dani have served as pastors at Letchworth Garden City Church for eight years and have served within the Elim movement most of their lives, having grown up in Elim churches. They have two children, Evie Mae (15) and Rosie Grace (12). They have a passion for discipling and equipping all generations both within the church and the local community.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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