Well, what role do young Christians play in leading and guiding a local church, a local

congregation?

It's a good question, especially in light of young Christians honoring older Christians.

Here's the email, Pastor John Hello.

I am a young pastor in Missouri.

The lately I've noticed older Christians in the church appealing to 1 Peter 5.5.

It has been used to silence younger believers in the church.

What should be the role of younger members of the church related to older members in

say church business meetings, for example, when older members seek to shut down conversations

and to avoid discussing uncomfortable topics?

I would love your input on how to navigate through this sticky and confusing topic.

It seems to me that most human cultures from around the world give evidence that something

is written on the human heart to tell us that younger people should respect older people.

Now by respect, I mean accord them a certain deference, a certain honor, a readiness to serve

them and give serious attention to what they say.

And I think that's what the scriptures say.

For example, Leviticus 1932 says, you shall stand up before the grey head and honor the

face of an old man and you shall fear your God.

I am the Lord.

And Paul cautions Timothy in the exercise of his pastoral authority toward older members.

He says, this is 1 Timothy 5.1, do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would

a father.

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