Generational Lift

God has no grandchildren. He treats us all as his very own children, recreated in Christ as His workmanship — ready to do good works. Each generation in our church has the same charge, the same Jesus, the same empowering of the Holy Spirit, the same covenant, the same mission to go and make disciples of all nations.  This has always been the case in the church, from Peter, Paul, Timothy, Lydia, and Epaphras to Clement, Ignatius, Ireneaus, and Justin Martyr to Hus, Erasmus, and Luther to you and me today. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13:8)! 

However, biblical and historical examples warn us of Generational Drift (Judges 2:16-19). So this year (2017), the Hampton Roads Church pivots to thwart generational drift and promote Generational Lift. We seek to raise faithful expectations for all generations as we live out Jesus.  We're not passing a torch here, rather we are standing on the shoulders of giants to help each generation see further and go farther for Jesus.

He gave us the great significance of a great commission in charging us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Ten days later this charge began to see its fulfillment at Pentecost. Peter rose up at the Temple Mount to preach to thousands — with  Jesus' recent ascension from the Mount Of Olives in full view — to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." (Acts 2:38-39) 

So as soon as Jesus' disciples began to execute the great commission, they did it with a generational focus. And now we stand on the shoulders of these giants of the faith to recommit and reclaim the commission for you and for your children and for all who are far off.

This page will serve as a repository of resources for each demographic, each generation as we strive to remember those who have preceded us in Christ, "those who spoke to you the word of God, consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Heb 3:7)


Lessons from Generational Lift Leadership Workshop

Keynote Lesson: Generational Lift by Ed Anton. Discern the Drift, Reclaim the Mission, Re Engage Every Generation, and Rewind to Fast Forward!

 

Women's Lesson: Miriam's Story of Generational Redemption by Deb Anton

 

Men's Lesson by Will Archer

 

Empty Nesters Charge to: Capture the Hill Country, Renew A Sense of Adventure, Run Your Race, and Everything Else by Kurt and Ruth Woodham

 

Young Professionals Lesson by Jeff & Kelly Throne

 

Young Professionals Charge to include your young family rather than protect your young family from Jesus and the "life to the full" that He offers to all.


Resources

The great commission rises or falls based on our submission to "obey everything that I have commanded." Solid quiet times are a bedrock to keep Jesus, his commands, and our discipleship in full view as we live out each day for Him.

Here's a bookmark that lays out a simple plan for daily and "sabbath" quiet times with the Lord. 

And here's the slide deck that explained the 35 Minute Daily Quiet Time Plan

Need a Reading Plan to complete the Bible in 2017? Here's a good one:

Slide Deck from the 35 Minute Quiet Time Plan presentation

Handout for the 90 Minute Bible Study Plan

Slide Deck from 90 Minute Bible Study Plan Presentation


The Leadership Retreat Lesson Slide Deck on Generational Lift