Rediscovering the Gift of Aging: A Theology of Renewal and Intergenerational Wisdom

Episode • Apr 3, 2017 • 49m

How adopting a biblical view of aging reshapes our identity, deepens community, and reveals the unexpected vitality of growing older. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the difference between two Greek words for “new” — neos and kainos — to explore how scripture invites us to reimagine aging not as a decline, but as a spiritual renewal. From pop culture’s idolization of youth to the church’s neglect of its elders, they challenge our assumptions and offer a fresh, hopeful perspective on what it means to age in God’s kingdom.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Neos vs. Kainos – Mike breaks down the difference between neos (new in time) and kainos (new in kind), revealing how the Bible values a deeper kind of renewal not bound to physical age. • Reframing Aging as a Gift – Learn why the scriptures celebrate old age as a sign of wisdom, responsibility, and fruitfulness, not decline or irrelevance. • Confronting Cultural Ageism – The modern obsession with youth leads us to discard the value of elders. Mike and Andy advocate for repentance and renewal in how we view and relate to different generations. • Intergenerational Exchange – Exploring how scripture calls both young and old to invest in each other through care, wisdom, and mutual honor, leading to shared growth and community transformation. • Caleb’s Bold Declaration – Even at 85, Caleb believed he was as vigorous as ever in declaring God’s promises. His story offers a powerful model for spiritual maturity and resilience in later life. • A New Vision for the Church – Mike discusses how recapturing this theology of aging can transform discipleship, mentoring, and church culture, highlighting the importance of older voices for spiritual formation.

Resources Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – A foundational scripture on inward renewal. • Psalm 92 – The righteous still bearing fruit in old age. • Joshua 14 – Caleb’s strength and courage at 85. • Ancient Near Eastern cultural references on honoring the elderly. • Timothy’s pastoral instructions on treating older members with honor.

Join the conversation by rethinking what it means to grow older in a youth-obsessed culture. Whether you’re 20 or 70, discover how God renews us inwardly, day by day, and how we’re called to bless and be blessed by every generation. Subscribe, leave a review, and share your story with us on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and to engage in conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY