New Breed Arising: Bridging the Generations for Strategic Purpose

There is an old Nigerian saying: “In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams.” The truth of this statement has profoundly impacted my life in the past several years. What bridges do we need? When I look at those bridges that need to be built, one of the most important is the bridge between the generations. Bridges bring unity and we need unity. We need a unity that is not only manifested in words of honor toward one another, but a unity that is functional; a unity that works. There is so much to be accomplished in this important time and it will not happen unless young and old work together. In this book, my goal is to incite a revolution. I want to shake our generations out of their status quo and to help guide us to where we need to be. I want to awaken us to the unique purpose of each generation and to provide hope, vision, and practical steps to journey down the path together. In this book I will be speaking primarily to two groups of people: the older generation and the younger generation. You can find yourself in one of those categories and choose which one you feel you identify with (and I am aware there are many who will probably feel caught in between). The premise of this book is taken out of the interwoven lives of three main characters in the Bible: Samuel, Saul and David. I am going to be looking at the older generation as Samuels and Sauls and the younger generation as Davids. We have come to a moment where all over the world whether in business, economics, technology, fashion or religion, a younger generation has not only come of age, but are in positions of great responsibility and leadership. They are a force to be reckoned with, and have accomplished great things in their short time on the scene, but have also been met with a lot of misunderstanding and frustration. They don’t fit anyone’s mold and in fact that is the farthest thing from their minds. They want to do things their way and they really don’t think they need any help from anyone. All the while the older generation in some cases is handing over the baton to these people who are young enough to be their children and grandchildren and doing so with not a little bit of trepidation. They wonder in many cases what is to become of what they have built on their blood, sweat and tears. Their generation worked hard and sacrificed, but they feel this generation knows nothing of the sort. Many see the younger generations as lazy, undisciplined, arrogant and naïve. There have been countless articles, documentaries and studies done on this subject. I am not an expert in those nor have I tried to become so in this midst of this project. My heart is to point out the “God opportunity” in the midst of this unique scenario. There is a plan and purpose in the heart of God in all of this that will bring about a synergy of the generations, which will in turn usher in a massive move of God. This will happen because Saul’s kingdom is crumbling, Samuel is full of oil and David is ready to be anointed. The orphan shepherd will be transformed into a ruling king––one after God’s own heart. The arrogance of his heart will fade away in the lessons that come with the anointing and the Glory will come in the tent he sets up for God. And God will rule and reign from that place of Presence. Let’s journey together into this process and witness the transformation.

Benjamin A. Deitrick has been in full time ministry since the age of 17. For the first 10 years of his ministry, he resided in New York and served alongside Eagles Wings Ministries under the direction of Bishop Robert Stearns. During this time, he was involved in conference and itinerant ministry in a variety of capacities including speaking, leading worship and being a part of prayer ministry teams. In 2011, Benjamin and his wife Tarrah felt the call to move to Ann Arbor, MI. and to serve Shekinah Regional Apostolic Center under the leadership of Apostle Barbara J. Yoder. Last year, Apostle Barbara Yoder handed over the reigns of leading the local church to Pastors Benjamin and Tarrah Deitrick. Benjamin now presides as the Lead Pastor of Shekinah. Over the last 16 years of full-time ministry, Benjamin has had the opportunity to travel to 22 of the 50 United States and 23 nations ministering and preaching the word of God with demonstrations of power. Benjamin is married to the love of his life, has two small children and currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI. His desire is to see an apostolic and prophetic people engulfed in the flames of revival, rise as an army in the earth to fulfill the mandate of the great commission.