Mike Farris:
Jeff, you say in your book that the now-retiring baby boom generation has failed to prepare the next generation to take their place in leadership. What can we do to remedy the problem now? How can we “pass the baton?”

Dr. Jeff Myers:
I look back at the life of Christ, because in three years of earthly ministry, he took twelve ordinary men, equipped them to change the world, and they did it.

Now Mark 3, verses 13 and 14, tells us that Jesus did three things differently:

First of all, He called his disciples out; He chose the ones he wanted to influence. We can do that as well. We can call the next generation out by raising the bar for them, saying things like “I think you have the potential to do great things.”

Second of all, Jesus took his disciples with Him everywhere He went. And we walk with others, especially the next generation, by living truth in front of them. We can say things like, “Not only do you have potential, but I believe I have some ideas on how you can help develop that potential.”

Then the third thing is, He sent them out. We send others out by giving them a blessing. We say things like, “Here’s what I see that you could do with your God-given gifts that would have a tremendous impact on the world.”

Mike:
Do you think we’re too late to really salvage this generation?

Dr. Myers:
The short answer is no, it’s not too late. In my ministry experience, I have seen that if folks start discipling the next generation, culture-shaping change can take place very, very rapidly.

Mike:
That’s tremendously important to hear, Jeff. Thanks so much. I’m Mike Farris.