What does it look like for the Church to truly reflect every generation?
In this powerful conversation on the Eternal Echoes podcast, host Katharine Rose sits down with Natalie Runion, USA Today bestselling author, speaker, worship leader, and founder of Raised to Stay, a ministry encouraging those wrestling with faith and Church challenges to remain committed to Jesus and His Church.
Natalie shares why she believes the Church desperately needs “sages among their young shepherds”—not as a nostalgic nod to the past, but as a biblical necessity for its future.
In a cultural moment where youth, innovation, and productivity are often elevated above wisdom and longevity, Natalie warns that the Church risks sidelining the very voices that carry the experience, endurance, and spiritual depth needed to sustain it.
Together, Katharine and Natalie explore:
-Why “longevity in the Kingdom” matters
-The dangers of churches run by youth without overlap or mentoring
-The tension between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers
-The power of visibility and proximity across generations
-Why humility—not talent—is the key to lasting Kingdom legacy
-How to practically foster intergenerational discipleship
-Why presence is often more powerful than programming
-How authentic female friendships heal church hurt
The Kingdom was never meant to be built by one generation alone. If you’ve ever felt sidelined, overlooked, intimidated, or unsure how to build real connection in the Church—this episode will both challenge and encourage you.
Wise words worth echoing:
-“We’re championing the church of tomorrow, but at the same time, we’re shelving the church of yesterday. And you need both to have a biblically aligned church.”
-“Multi-generational discipleship and mentorship is the actual blueprint for a growing, thriving church.”
-“We cannot have churches run by children.”
-“It’s not about getting the solo. It’s not about being front and center. It’s about simply being present."
-“Sit with the wise, not the popular.”
-“Put as many generations around a table as you can in every room, at every meeting, at every big decision.”
-“My challenge to the church is for women to stop looking at each other and saying, ‘I don't like this about you,’ but looking in the mirror and saying, 'what don't I like about myself?'”
Connect with Natalie Runion:
Website: https://natalierunion.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtostay/
I Don’t Even Like Women (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Even-Like-Women-Sisterhood/dp/0830786708
Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:
Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/
Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com
Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com
Email: [email protected] for speaking events or interviews
Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving
Watch this episode on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=qTcmHq9WF6w&feature=youtu.be