Rejuvenation

The Cuban President, Raul Castro, the younger brother of Fidel Castro, has announced that from now on the retirement age for politicians will be 68. As he and his brother are much older, their days in leadership are over. But the reason for this brave decision is that he sees that the Communist Party needs rejuvenation. If the old guard keep all the power, then the Cuban revolution will die with them.
The same truth applies to all organisations. The inevitable ageing of every generation means that special attention must be given to training up new leaders and visionaries, who will shape the future in positive ways. Church history is littered with those churches and groups which never planned for handing on responsibility to the next generation.
Jesus surrounded himself with a group of followers who could take his ministry onwards. Their training in leadership was to spend time watching and learning from Jesus. In this Holy Week, there was much to learn. When some Greeks came, wanting to see Jesus, his response indicates the way that rejuvenation and new life comes about. 'Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man[e] to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. (John 12.23-25)
What was literally true in the life of Jesus - being willing to die in order that new life might come to others - is true for churches and Christian communities. If we live for our own life and comfort, we will die, and deserve to, in our capacity to bring new life and hope to the communities around us. Individually and together, we must look to plan for rejuvenation - by giving away our right to a safe life - and living for others.
Best wishes,
Richard