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Building a Bridge to the Next Generation

Dr. Jim Engel Give Candid Advice for Narrowing Generation Gaps
Lucinda Armas | Outcomes, Jul/Aug 2006

Editor's Note:  In the late 60s and early 70s, Dr. James F. Engel often stood between protesting students, the National Guard, and the Ohio State University administration. As a professor and an active moderator on campus, he listened to students' points of view and respected them for their convictions and desire to seek justice. 

For decades, he has bridged generations. When Boomers were considered the "new generation," Dr. Engel prophetically challenged the evangelical world to think about how to nurture and channel their involvement. We asked him to draw from his vast experience to help Baby Boomers now build a bridge to the next generation.

There were many terrific insights that surfaced from our conversation with Dr. Engel.  Below, we've summarized a few key points—some "don'ts" and some "do's".

Don't oppose this new generation.

"One of the first things I would say is quit being an opponent of the postmodern generation," declares Dr. Engel. "Sometimes we act and talk as if this generation is somehow off the wall and not trustworthy, that they don't believe in the Word of God or aren't authentic in their beliefs. Personally, I have really been disturbed by the number of people who put this generation down, saying they're no longer really evangelical." 

Dr. Engel sees an unspoken clash [between the generations] regarding the Kingdom of God. "Granted, there is a different outlook on what should be our priorities. While younger Christ-followers may not like being labeled evangelical, their hearts are for God's Kingdom. They're just going about it using a different way of planning and thinking."

Do mentor them.

"Help the next generation fulfill the vision God has given them." That's his advice. "The good manager is going to be a mentor," Dr. Engel challenges. "A good manager is going to care about his or her people. The implication for Christian organizations is clear. There needs to be serious emphasis on mentoring staff."  

Dr. Engel, himself, serves as a mentor in his church. As co-director of The St. David Kenya Partnership Group, his role is to help encourage team members, accompany them to Kenya, and help them think about the world in fresh ways. "Mentoring plays a big role in this project," he explains. "My co-director is a woman 30 years my junior—sharp as a tack, but green as grass when it comes to ministry," Engel says candidly. "But, boy, is she doing a great job." 

"The younger generations need the encouragement of older people. I think the Boomer generation has done a wonderful job. They're the ones who started thinking fresh, breaking out of the box. Thank God they did!"