RATs in the church

I was speaking to someone this week who was at a church were there was no-one over 50. They realised that they were missing out on not having older people in their congregation. In the bible the picture of church life is one were there are people of all ages.

In Colossians 4:16 it is clear that the letter was to be read out to the congregation. In chapter 3 verse 20 Paul addresses not parents, but children when he says 'Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.' This means children were to hear the congregational reading of scripture!

Paul instructs Titus to 'teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.' (Titus 2:2) and 'likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.' (Titus 2:3-4). Here we see a wide age range in the congregation, and the relationships that exist between them.

In our church there are not only a wide range of ages, but the older people are one of our greatest assets! I was talking to a friend and he was telling me about the RATs in his church. That is, people who are Retired, Available and Teachable.

Many people treat retirement as one long holiday. Christians take holidays now and then but are always engaged in the work of the Lord. How good is it to have people who are self-funded, available and willing to serve our Lord Jesus in his work. Praise God!