For Every Generation
by Ron Hamilton, Conference Minister
Plans are being finalized for the 2014 Annual Family Conference, to be held at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Providence, Rhode Island on July 21–24. The theme for this year’s gathering is “For Every Generation.”
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)
We celebrated the 65th annual conference of the CCCC last summer. In doing so, we remembered God’s faithfulness to our movement for over five generations. A generation is generally thought to be about 20 years. Here are the generations that have been around since the beginning of our Conference.
| ____ | Title | ____ | Years of Birth | ____ | Current Age | |
| Builders | 1925-1945 | Ages 70s – 80s | ____ | |||
| Baby Boomers | 1946-1064 | Ages 50s – 60s | ||||
| Generation X | 1965-1979 | Ages 30s – 40s | ||||
| Generation Y | 1980-1994 | Ages 20s – early 30s | ||||
| Millennials | 1995-2010 | Ages children – teens |
Sociologists have written on the character and values of each generation. We know that it is a challenge for one generation to understand the generations that have gone before and the generations that follow. But one thing is constant — God’s ways and God’s will are consistently applicable to each generation. The life-changing power of the Gospel is relevant to every person in every generation.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
While we celebrate the great heritage that we have in our Conference, we are working to develop a ministry that is relevant in this generation. In a recent conversation with our Vice-President, Todd Venman, he said, “It’s exciting to have a front row seat as we observe God’s work in our Conference.” These are exciting days in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
The Board of Directors recently laid out a CCCC Way of Life built on these things:
● Our Passion — to live in obedience to Jesus as we love God, love others, and make disciples.
● Our Pathway — the Seven Guiding Values.
● Our Priorities — Conference Care, Church Development and Church Multiplication.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, recently said that the Church of England is just “one generation away from extinction.” Lord Carey laid the blame at the feet of church leaders who he said should be “ashamed” of their failure to bring youngsters into their services.
We are far more optimistic about the present work of God in our fellowship and His future work in and through our Conference. We rejoice in what the Lord is doing and are working to share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to this generation and beyond.
