The Power of Generativity

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

I recently came across a term that caused me to furrow my brows in consternation (if you've ever seen my eyebrows you know that's quite a bit of furrowing going on). You've probably had it happen to you as well--you're reading, sailing right along, and then all of a sudden you stumble across a word that doesn't register. It happens to me quite a bit. The term this time was "generativity" and while I recognize words like "generate" I had never heard of "generativity" before. It might be made up for all I know and maybe hasn't found approval from Webster, but now that I've run across it I believe it's an important word in the life of a Church.

It was defined in the book that I was reading as "the positive caring for the next generation by giving of self."

How does that apply to the Church?

We have so many opportunities for adults to pour themselves out and give to others in our local Church. There are opportunities for the application of spiritual gifts. There are opportunities for usefulness in the Kingdom of God. Each follower of Jesus is a gifted minister!

The concept of generativity is at the center of the teaching ministry in a local Church where adults are teaching preschoolers, children, youth and young adults the life-changing and worldview-forming truths of the Bible.

As adults, when we accept God's call to teach and lead others we are the ones who grow in Christ. I've experienced it personally in my life, and it's the testimony of many of the teachers in our Children's Ministry. Do you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus? Give yourself away for the sake of others who need you to pour yourself into their lives!

I believe God has called each of us as adults to a self-giving & self-sacrificing ministry, also known as generativity. So, the question remains: how are you giving yourself away and serving others in the local Church? If you're not, it's time, and I'd be more than glad to point you to a few possibilities! Feel free to call me or shoot me an email!