The Gift of an Eternal Mindset: Dan Parotti
Inspired by role models decades ahead, Dan and his wife Shani are special examples of younger leaders who see the intrinsic value of adults in life’s second half. And as that second half chapter ends for some under his care, Dan sees more clearly how eternal life with Christ doesn’t start with death. It begins much earlier when we invite Christ into our lives.
Assuming the senior adult pastor role in his mid-forties, Dan’s life has been enriched through his ‘acquired taste’ in serving alongside adults much older. He has learned much from seasoned and patient listeners … who then gain access to speak into the lives of others.
Inspired by role models decades ahead, Dan and his wife Shani are special examples of younger leaders who see the intrinsic value of adults in life’s second half.
And as that second-half chapter ends for some under his care, Dan sees more clearly how eternal life with Christ doesn’t start with death. It begins much earlier when we invite Christ into our lives.
We’re already living in eternity!
Intergenerational Worship: Ryan Marcella
Ryan Marcella is a Worship Pastor in Modesto, California, and is also a member of our YES! Board. In this podcast episode, Judy and Ryan discuss ageism in the church and the importance of intergenerational worship.
Ryan Marcella is a Worship Pastor in Modesto, California, and is also a valued member of our YES! board.
At 30 years young, Ryan recognizes how much older influencers have impacted his life, even surpassing his peers’ influence.
His weekly free-flowing hour of prayer with retired pastor, Dr. Michael Wright, is a beautiful example of intergenerational relationship, an infusion of peace into Ryan’s busy life.
In this podcast episode, Judy and Ryan also discuss ageism in the church and the importance of intergenerational worship.
Rather than simply succumbing to the “cool factor” in worship, Ryan prioritizes good theology, unity, and full engagement together worshipping God.
We are incredibly blessed to glean from younger Christ-followers like Ryan, with a big-picture heart that encompasses a passion for older people.
Doing Life Together: Mike & Lorelei Schmid
Mike & Lorelei have discovered the joy of doing discipleship in community rather than isolation. They love seeing what God will do synergistically as generations unite around the Word of God. They stress the importance of experiencing life together—not just knowing Scripture—but also observing as apprentices the living out of Christian faith through relationship.
Mike & Lorelei have discovered the joy of doing discipleship in community rather than isolation. They love seeing what God will do synergistically as generations unite around the Word of God.
They stress the importance of experiencing life together—not just knowing Scripture—but also observing as apprentices the living out of Christian faith through relationship.
Mike reminds us that 'generations' was God's idea of family, complete with the grandpas and grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings---the whole gamut. And they point to continued investment in lasting, lifelong relationships, even as miles separate.
Serving with the Navigators over four decades, the Schmids have enjoyed a lifetime hiding God's Word in their hearts and helping others do the same.
We love Mike's closing prayer, "Lord. make us one across the generations that the world might know that Jesus is the Son of God."