SMITCHing

This post’s title sounds a little like a restaurant in the Pearl, “Young & Elder.” It can also seem like a contradiction in terms until we read Paul’s words to a young elder: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 This verse shows that age has precious little to do with leadership. However, sharing an exemplary life with others has everything to do with it. Often that sharing happens across generations, with older people offering hard-won wisdom to younger generations. However, Paul’s words to Timothy also make space for younger people to lead those who are older. Timothy’s example makes it clear that giftedness, calling, and character matter more than age. The Holy Spirit is not constrained by someone’s birth date.  Age ≠ Always Equal Caracter and Wisdom Many prominent Evangelical leaders have fallen recently, and these tragedies teach us a har...