Fanning the Flame of Missions: Why Younger Women Need Older Women in the Church

I was around twenty-six years old the first time I met Mrs. Evelyn Moss. She and a few other women wanted to meet with me about a new ministry opportunity. I remember feeling unqualified and unsure about stepping into the leadership position they offered me, because I was young and inexperienced in ministry work. “Are you sure you want me to lead? Someone else is probably better for the job,” I said to Mrs. Evelyn. She just smiled at me, reached her hand across the table, and tapped mine. “Oh, we’re sure,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’ll be here to help guide you along the way.” Over the years, that is exactly what she did.

Mrs. Evelyn was an IMB missionary who served 38 years in Africa with her husband, Zeb. She has done amazing, inspiring things throughout her lifetime, and yet she is one of the most humble people I know. Mrs. Evelyn has always been an example of radical obedience to God for me and so many others. She graciously poured into me, and I have learned invaluable lessons just by watching her live out her relationship with the Lord.

Mrs. Evelyn helped to fan the flame of missions and Kingdom service in my heart. She has inspired me to pour into others just as she has poured into me. If not for her and the other Titus 2 women in my life, I’m not sure I would be where I am today, not only in my ministry work but in my relationship with the Lord.

I find myself in deep admiration and appreciation for women like Mrs. Evelyn, who see the importance of investing in the next generation. I am thankful for older women in the church and the many ways they serve, teach, and lead younger women. It is because of older women in the church that I know about women like Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, missionaries who pushed the boundaries of their time and stopped at nothing to fulfill God’s call on their lives. It is because of their teaching and influence that I understand the importance of praying for and supporting missionaries, living a missional life, and making disciples. There are many reasons why I am thankful for the guidance and leadership of older women within the church, but a few come immediately to mind.

I am thankful for…

• Their many talents and gifts and the ways they use them to bless others.
• The wisdom they have and their ability to see situations from different perspectives because of walking in faith with the Lord for a long time.
• The ways they are brave for the Gospel. They have a burden for the lost and are ready and willing to serve.
• Their encouragement and the way they walk through hard seasons with grace and strength.
• How faithful they are in praying for the Church, missionaries, and countless others.

The relationship between the older and younger generations is vital to seeing churches grow and remain healthy.

Now, in my ministry work, one of the greatest joys I have is seeing the impact of investing in each generation. I see strengths and gifts in all age groups, and I strongly believe that we need each other. There is a unique bond that can occur between the older and younger women within the Body of Christ if we open ourselves up to it.

Older women, you are wanted, valued, and needed in the Body of Christ. You are excellent leaders, mentors, prayer warriors, Bible teachers, and friends. The work of the Church cannot be done without you. You have knowledge and experience that needs to be shared with other generations.

Younger women, you too are wanted, valued, and needed. You are the upcoming generation of leaders who are part of sharing the Gospel and love of Christ in a way that is unique and special to you.

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 are a wonderful reminder for us.

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.”

If we want to continue to see the Gospel spread and others come to know Jesus, we must see the importance and value of working together. We must pray for one another, learn from one another, and invest in one another.

In doing that, we not only make an impact on our own generation, but we are fanning the flame for the generations of women who will come behind us.