Dear Millennials, 

I am reluctantly a part of the club. Though no one seems to agree on exactly what years hem in our generation, my birthdate is comfortably cushioned within most all estimates. So with much chagrin, I accept it. 

In some ways, I roll my eyes hard at those who give us a bad rap—you know, the folks floating through life on the raft of their over-inflated self-importance. I know we're better than that. Other times, however, I am hopelessly a product of our generation—so pass the avocado toast and locally-roasted, fair-trade coffee. Let's have a heart-to-heart.

I Don't Wanna Grow Up

No way is my membership to the club more clear than in my reluctance "to adult." (It's ok, Boomers. I'll wait while you look it up.) Growing up on the younger end of a large extended family meant that most of my life has been spent with plenty of others to defer to, a real adult in the room at all times. They were the decision-makers, the caretakers, and the dispute-enders. They were responsible for the complicated and weighty logistics of life. Meanwhile, I was free to go daydream outside until someone rounded us up for supper.

However, as the years pass and the generations grow older, we are increasingly losing the insulation of our elders. We’re becoming the adults, the ones making decisions, securing logistics, and taking care of others. We are responsible for ministries, for people's well-being, and for the proclamation of God's truth. 

That both excites me and makes me want to run and hide. Tell me that's not just me?

Ready or Not

Fortunately and unfortunately, God seems to give us no choice in these matters. He thrusts us into places of leadership and responsibility. He has continually forced me out of my comfort zone and into places where I must be decisive, dive headfirst into messy ministry, and prophetically speak God's Word even when it is unpopular. 

But that's a lot of responsibility, guys. And adulting is hard. It's not that we're lazy; it just seems easier to ghost our problems.

So friend, if you are with me, I have some encouragement for you. Scripture gives us plenty of reason to put on our big kid pants and take ownership of the work He's set before us. The task is terrifying but it's well worth it.

Here We Go

God's story throughout Scripture continually reminds us that we are not alone. God will not abandon his children—and yes, we can be His children no matter what age or roles we may have. I've found this encouragement especially true in the Book of Hebrews. Go give it a skim… or do what we do, and watch a summary on Youtube. As the book winds down in chapters 11-13, God gives us hope to press on even when life is hard. 

We can learn from others who came before (Hebrews 11). These "heroes of the faith" certainly weren't perfect and were often negative examples, but they had faith in God's promise and were approved by God. They paved the way and redirect us to Jesus as the ultimate Source and Perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2).

This kind of wisdom isn't limited to those preceding us by thousands of years, though. Connecting you to people who have leadership knowledge and experience is part of what we do at UBA. Together we can better learn to delegate, identify and raise up other leaders, live more healthily, avoid burnout, communicate our vision, and more. Use the resources of “elders” that already exist in your community.

Our Father's love encourages us to move forward on His good path (Heb 12:12-24). God gives us specific instructions, and they're for our flourishing. So, is it hard to strive for holiness and peace with everyone? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Even more so. God is parenting us even as we're adulting, so we can walk in grace with our heads held high and do the hard things.

Because God is with us, we don't have to fear (Heb 13:5b-6). We don't have to stress out about what other people will think. We don't even have to worry about if God approves of us! Jesus is the ultimate adult, consistent, honest, and true. He has purchased our freedom, so we can trust Him and His calling for our lives.

Even if our life of ministry is the worst, we're promised better later (Heb 13:14-15). We may not see how our efforts will pay off in the here and now, but we can trust God's promise of a better future. So, pray for your friends in ministry, and live with a clear conscience. 

Now, may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

God will always be the greatest adult in the room. We can put our hope in and defer to Him on all matters. 

So, breathe with me. You're going to be ok. Now, go have that hard conversation. Forgive that snarky comment. Do that hard thing God is calling you to today. Look to Jesus, and press on, my friends. It's going to be worth it.

Blessings, 

Marie B

Marie Burrus is a UBA Church Consultant and Communications Specialist. Her primary responsibilities are consulting on mission engagement and church communications. She also manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets.