Stepping Aside and Stepping Up

A Generation goes and a Generation comes – The earth remains!

The young and the restless move the needle. We, the old and restless, can help.

It was just over four years ago that I stepped aside from leadership in the Jerusalem ministry that Sally and I began in 2006. Together, we led fifty-plus tours to Israel and Palestine. More than 1000 folks followed us over the rocks and roads, through the valleys and up the hills and mountains. This adventure was great fun, and the most rewarding days of my life.

Our son, Josh, took over this ministry, and Sally stayed with him.

Preparing under the wings

Josh was with us from the very beginning. He travelled with us several times, slowly began to do some of the teachings. I wrote over 500 blog posts during that period. Josh edited every single one. He helped me write sermons that I preached all over our denomination, the Reformed Church in America. (My brother Tony was the “age” piece in this team.)

I delivered those messages in Jerusalem as well, at the English Speaking Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, a stone’s throw away from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

His Time

Josh needed an opportunity, and I gave it to him. I stepped aside, and in so doing, I believe, I stepped up.

Josh and Sally share a passion for the people, especially the Palestinian people. I cared more about the teaching, the archeology, the history.

The two of them have transformed this ministry. The primary step Josh took was to network with a host of activists in Israel and Palestine, both young and old. Together with colleague Eric Schrotenboer, and with the support of his supervisor Luis Ruiz, and Global Missions leader JP Sundararajan. Josh is making a documentary that will reach thousands of people and change hearts and minds.

I Help

I would not have done any of the things Josh and Sally have. What we were doing was good enough for me, and it was good too, so that’s not the point. Josh had vision and energy to take this whole thing up a notch, because that’s what the young and restless do.

I help. I earn money with a part-time job which goes to support their travels and other expenses. I sometimes go along to be their got-your-back guy.

There comes a time when old wineskins need to give way to the new. Knowing the time is essential, I think. Older folks like me need to think of how we can support the young ones who are waiting to lead, but can’t get in front because we won’t step back and let them.

It was hard to let go of this ministry, but it was absolutely the right thing to do.

You’ll see.