Setting the pace

I like the idea of the young people in a church setting the spiritual temperature for the rest of the church. As a youth pastor, it seems like a quality goal to have.

But i wonder how much the passionate faith of teenagers effect the older (particularly retirement aged) members of a church?

Would a church actually be healthier if the "grey-haired brigade" were on fire for God and were setting the pace for the church? Would their modelling of a passionate faith be something that would inspire all generations below them more than the youngsters inspiring those above them?

Just a thought that i hope doesn't put me out of a job...