Dolly Parton recently passed away. Man, she was one of the best on so many levels. She seemed timeless, but time stops for nobody. As one generation dies, another rises up.

And with all the greats in every generation, we wonder: will there be anybody to replace them? In fact, I’m reminded of that song George Jones used to sing, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” In Dolly’s case, who’s gonna fill her high heels?

But truth be told, it’s up to the current generation to raise up the next generation. We shouldn’t have to wonder who’s going to fill their shoes because the work has already been done, preparing people to step up and carry on.

This is especially true in the church. One generation must pass on the faith to the next. Discipleship was never meant to skip a generation. Every generation has a role in shaping the next to live for God.

That’s the dynamic that Apostle Paul is pointing out in Titus 2 when he, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells the older women to train the younger women in godliness. They’re told to teach what is good, training them in godliness, love, self-control, and faithfulness at home. This wasn’t optional wisdom. It was the plan for how the church would stay strong from one generation to the next.

Notice the pattern: older lives investing in younger ones, not from a stage, but up close, in kitchens, in conversations, in ordinary days. That’s still how faith gets passed down. It’s not just preached but modeled and taught by someone willing to show up.

So, if you are of the older generation, who are you pouring into? Right now, you should be shaping the person who will fill your shoes and carry on the faith in the next generation.

Change begins in you!