The old people are the ones with the most experience. They are the ones who have invested most in the church. They are the ones who have laboured and struggled. They are the ones who at various times in the past have had remarkable success in building the church. In many respects established churches belong to the old people. it is their church. And they are the ones where hope lies. But not in more activity and effort. They must use their wisdom, experience and love for God to hand on a blessing.
When old Joshua farewelled the leaders of Israel, he urged them to obey what the Lord had spoken through Moses. To be very strong. Not to be sidetracked by the other nations. (Josh 23.6ff).
When David was dying he charged Solomon to be strong. To observe what the Lord required. To walk in obedience to him. (1 Kings 2.2ff).
When the apostle Paul farewelled the elders of the Ephesian church for the last time he urged them to keep watch over themselves and the flock of which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers. He committed them to God and the word of his grace which could build them up and give them an inheritance (Acts 20.17-38).
There is the clue for the oldies. An inheritance to be received and to be bequeathed: a church built on the word of his grace.
The hope for the church in Perth lies in the old people handing on, while they are still alive, - to those who are younger - the commission to do what God has called them to do. To build his church.To make disciples. To feed and protect his flock.
It will be wonderful when the next history of this church is written, for this generation to be remembered as the ones who handed on, not a tradition to be preserved, but a commission to be carried out.
Who handed over not just permission, but commission to grow and build the church. Who handed over their church to others, knowing that it was always really Christ's church.
Dale