This generation doesn’t want your money! They want your time!

There are numerous times that people have told me that they want to be a spiritual mentor to me… Usually it comes when God is stirring their hearts to do something for a younger generation so they figure they will take a hold of me because I’m a worship leader and they think that would be easier than reaching out to someone else who seriously needs help; however, that is another story altogether.

For now I want to take a look at the approaches that many people take to ministering to this generation. Pastors have become so busy now that they don’t have time to spend and pour into the lives of the ones who desire to learn from them and be discipled; however, that is exactly what needs to be done. I can remember spending time with some pastors and sharing my heart and visions with them only to have them tell me that they think I should go to a master commission or a bible college to get more training if I want to see those vision and dreams come true. They would give me money because that is how they felt that they could help and show their love and support for what God was wanting to do in my life; however, That left me feeling so empty because I didn’t want to go away to be filled, and I didn’t want their money. I wanted THEIR love and I wanted to be discipled by THEM and have THEM pour into me; however, it seemed that they did not have the time.

The youth of this generation are completely different than the one that went before us. A good friend once said that the previous generation are like eagles and those in this generation are doves. Eagles are usually soaring alone and rely on their own learning and their own techniques to survive. They are perfectly fine soaring alone; however, Doves are animals that are not generally found by themselves. Doves are found in groups of two or more. They symbolize love, affection, and bonding.

I believe that describes this generation so much more than we think. The youth of this generation love to spend time together and just be in community with each other. They will drive around for hours just to be with someone they care about. They are so in tune to the need for each other and the need for community that it confuses the leaders and people who want to pour into their lives. To pour into the lives of this generation it doesn’t take money. It doesn’t take lavish gifts. It doesn’t take sending them off to a bible college or bible training program. It takes YOUR time. They want YOUR affection. They want YOUR love. All they want is for you to spend time with them and pour into their lives.