15 Practices Of Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant

15 Practices Of Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant

One of the greatest mistakes churches have made for decades is the marginalization and sometimes outright dismissal of aging Christian leaders.  I have had a front row seat to watch this play for over three decades.  Being a 49-year-old man, this deeply concerns me because there is a chance if I do not stay relevant, continually learn and “think young”, I too may be dismissed in the near future.
Today, I came across a USA Today article entitled 15 over 50: Older actors still hot in Hollywood.  As I read what made each actor and actress remain relevant, I felt the lessons had tremendous application for both myself and all other aging Christian leaders.
The following are 15 Practices Of Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant we learn from those in Hollywood:

1. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Continually Takes Risks – Tom Cruise’s action sequences, particularly in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal, continues to draw large audiences.
2. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Play To Their Strengths – Harrison Ford is reprising his role of Hans Solo in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
3. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Continually Surprise Us – While playing to your strengths is important, Bill Murray has taught us so is being eccentric and continually surprising us with your creativity.
4. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Stay Busy – Relevant leaders stay active and in front of their constituents.  Samuel L. Jackson will be in four movies scheduled to be released in 2015.
5. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Respect The Next Generation – With 19 Oscar nominations to her credit, Meryl Streep is generally considered the greatest actress alive.  However, she is equally beloved by insiders for the respect she has for those in her industry.
6. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Connect With Others – Angela Bassett’s ability to connect with real life African-American women is generally considered t0 be one of her greatest strengths.
7. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Have Developed Many Talents – They are not one-trick ponies.  J.K. Simmons can do comedy, drama, horror and voice-overs.
8. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Address Difficult Issues – Great aging leaders are not passive.  They lean into issues and problems.  John Leguizamo is one of Hollywood’s most outspoken critics of the typecasting of Hispanics.
9. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Are Statesmen – Alfre Woodard is often admired for her grace and intelligence.
10. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Expand Their Platforms – They want to continually make a larger impact in the lives of people.  In addition to still being an A-list actor, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment production company ensures his relevance for many years to come.
11. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Utilize Humor – Humor is your friend.  People simply enjoy being around leaders who do not take themselves so seriously.  Helen Mirren brings wit, charm and a sense of winsomeness to each role she plays.
12. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Understand Pop Culture – They stay with the times.  Julianne Moore continually engages pop culture.
13. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Keep Young People Around Them – As in-demand as George Clooney was as a bachelor,  he has gone to another level after his marriage with Amal Alamuddin.
14. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Are Deeply Respected – Morgan Freeman brings a sense of moral authority to every role he plays.
15. Aging Leaders Who Stay Relevant Place Their Family First – Regardless of your age, leadership begins at home.  The best leaders get this one right.  Sandra Bullock is very selective of her roles after the adoption of her daughter.

Take Risks, Place To Your Strengths, Surprise Us, Remain Busy, Respect The Next Generation, Connect With People, Have Many Talents, Address Issues, Be Intelligent, Expand Your Platform, Use Humor, Understand Pop Culture, Keep Young People Around You, Be Respected and Place Family First.  If you practice these 15 things, you too may be an aging leader who remains relevant.