Episode 24 - How Do I Influence and Lead Older People As A Young Leader?

In this episode, Jonny and I answer a question sent in by Tyler Eiland. He asked about how to lead people who have been attending the church he pastors for twice as long as he has been alive... Good question Tyler! Many of us younger leaders have to deal with that reality. In this podcast we give eight ideas for leading and influencing the older people in your church.

Follow @chrchcurmudgeon on Twitter

Jonny and I had a blast talking on this topic. This is a world we live in 24/7. Although I (Jeff) am 50 years old, there are members in their 80’s who have been in our church for 60 years, and Jonny is, well, just young! As usual, there is a lot in this podcast, but here is the general outline. Enjoy the podcast!

Episode 24 Outline:

We are making four assumptions about young pastors in this podcast:

1. You believe you have something worth leading others toward
2. You want their best more than your agenda
3. You are committed to their growth
4. You are committed to them as a pastor, shepherd, and leader

How to influence and lead people who have attended your church twice as long as you have been alive:
1.   Show them respect – in speech and in action
2.   Build relationships
      a.   Time
      b.   Communication
      c.   Shared experiences
3.   Ask about their lives and experiences
4.   Learn from them
      a.    Listen
      b.   Ask questions
      c.    Learn from their successes and failures
5.   Serve them, we mean really serve them in a tangible, helpful way
      a.    Visit (during life crises or hospital stays especially)
      b.    Listen
      c.    Honor requests whenever possible
      d.    Compromise when necessary
      e.    Assist them practically as they need it
6.   Lead by example
7.   Speak your mind
      a.    With passion and conviction
      b.   Repeatedly
      c.    With clarity
      d.   With patience
8.   Do not apologize for your views, and always respect theirs
      a.    Listen
      b.    Really seek to understand them
      c.    Tweak your views if necessary
      d.    Tell them what you appreciate about their point of view