They don’t run away when the going gets tough or flee at the first sign of conflict. They recognize the pluses and minuses of the community in which they worship and serve. Older folks understand commitment, and many can’t wait to get back to church following an illness or a stint in the hospital. They are eager to return to church and get back to work.

Article after article has been written about how the church can reach millennials. Many of those articles make good points the church can and should incorporate; however, is anyone asking what millennials can learn from older folks?

Many say millennials want authenticity. I like what authenticity means, but the word has worn out its welcome. Authenticity is a buzzword much like “missional.”

Everyone is saying it, but what does it mean? Everybody wants everybody to be authentic, except I’m not sure that’s what we really want.

Rather, we want authenticity on our own terms. The kind that jives with our preferences, attitudes, opinions and beliefs. In other words, “I want people to be my kind of authentic.”

Despite the overuse of the word, let’s think about its actual definition. According to Webster’s dictionary, authenticity means “worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact.”

Let’s use that definition to frame the question: “What is ‘worthy of acceptance’ in the lives of older folks?” The short answer is: a lot.

So what can younger generations learn from older folks?

• They don’t retire from missions.

There is a 92-year-old lady who works at the clothing closet and food pantry every week at Scottsville Baptist. I wish you could see how she treats every shopper with dignity and respect. I am learning about how much God loves the poor by watching her. It’s inspiring.

• They give sacrificially to the church and nonprofits.

Statistics tell us young people are less likely to tithe to the church. “But they give to other worthy nonprofits!” you say.

While this is fantastic, do you know what we can learn from older folks? They tithe and give to nonprofits, such as Heifer International. They give sacrificially and support a child through Compassion International.

They believe in the work of the church and they demonstrate this belief through their tithes and volunteer service.

• They are loyal to the church.

Many are members of one faith community for decades. They don’t run away when the going gets tough or flee at the first sign of conflict. They recognize the pluses and minuses of the community in which they worship and serve.

Older folks understand commitment, and many can’t wait to get back to church following an illness or a stint in the hospital. They are eager to return to church and get back to work.

Read More.