From 1957 to 1964, there was a popular TV series called “Wagon Train” which depicted the journeys of a wagon train as it left post-Civil War Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts and Rocky Mountains.
It was apparent that the caravan had professionally trained leadership to give it direction, protection and unity. This leadership consisted of the Wagon Master, Chief Scout and several other scouts who looked after the needs of the people on this journey.
The women and elderly always rode in the wagons. The men walked alongside. The children generally brought up the rear when the circumstances permitted it. When they were under attack or one of the men was injured, the wagon train stopped and made sure no one was left behind or put in harm’s way.
Because of the influence of Willow Creek and the emphasis on being “seeker sensitive” toward the Baby Boomers, the church has generally reversed the caravan model by putting the younger people (children, teens and 30-40 year olds) in the wagons and relegated the “Seasoned Believers” to walking alongside.
I can hear some of you saying, “HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!!”
After researching several Bible Colleges’ open ministry lists, I found that out of a total of 593 ministry positions (excluding pulpit ministries) that were listed on nine web sites, 429 (72%) were for people who were trained to minister to children or youth. There were no ministry openings for Adult or Senior (Seasoned) Believers.
Abraham, on his journey to the Promised Land, went as far as Haran. It was there he stopped. Then the account says, interestingly, that Tarah, his father, had died.
Why do you suppose Abraham stopped the caravan when he did? He did not want to leave his elderly and ill father behind!
We will explore other Scriptural examples in future blog entries.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
RON
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1 comment:
Hi Ron,
Again, great word picture! Gives a whole new meaning to the term, "Circle the wagons!" I agree the Seasoned Believers have been put "in the wagons." It's really poignant when you think about the reasons the wagon train did this with the women and children:
1. They couldn't keep up and would impede progress
2. They were seen as "weaker" and couldn't contribute to the movement of the wagon train
3. They were never given weapons to defend themselves, but had to rely on the skills of others to be protected.
Wow. Double wow. No WONDER so many boomers are dropping out...we feel like a hindrance instead of a help!
Thanks for the thoughtful fodder...
Wagons, HOOOO!
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