All tagged inter-generational
We are creatures of habit, myself included, but we can change our patterns. We can choose, like my elder friend, to be more intentional on Sunday mornings. We can pay attention to where we go, who we talk to, which classes we attend, and the patterns of behavior we exhibit. We can choose to become more intergenerational in our presence at church, and thus leave a different kind of wake.
Most congregations are already creating worship services, small-group experiences, and service opportunities that embody intergenerational ministry. However, many church leaders do not give language to these dynamics. Therefore, I always remind leaders to begin using language that describes for their church where intergenerational moments are happening.
What does it look like to move from exclusion to representation to inclusion? It was a hard question to wrestle with because it meant that we had to acknowledge all of the ways that we were falling short.
Intergenerational ministry is a vision of the church that takes seriously Paul’s vision of what it means to be “in Christ.” Those generational barriers that often divide or rank us are reconsidered in light of Christ. In the Body of Christ, every part is equal and matters to the collective whole. Every part offers something, and every other part is made better for that contribution.
Intergenerational moments go beyond this mere sharing of the same physical space. These experiences occur when the pews turn into circles, allowing different generations to engage deeply with each other in meaningful ways. Instead of simply co-existing in location, there are opportunities for real connection, conversation, and contribution from every age group.
In talking to older saints, I realize some of them wrestle with what their value to the Kingdom is.
One church welcomes children as full participants in Christian fellowship, creating a true intergenerational fabric of faith community which exceeds merely worshipping in the same room.
How is my own practice of Christian faith shaping my values, attitudes, and behaviors? Decline certainly calls for renewal. Yet renewal begins with me.
Tell how God’s work has been displayed in scripture, in your own life, and in the lives of others. These stories, even the old ones, are worth telling because of the eternal impact they can make.
Imagine being that boy who offered up his five loaves of bread and two fish. His willingness and generosity to give up his meal instigated the miracle.
Generational differences are a given; intergenerational trust is a must. It’s essential we listen to and honor the priorities of those going before us and those coming behind.
The mission of God is not something we have to do; we receive it. We share it and spread it around like maple butter on Holy Saturday French toast, savoring the Savior.
The fact is the church sits in the middle of a world needing restoration, and our next generation sits in the middle of the church.
One of the most powerful spiritual gifts a leader can possess is the ability to make each member feel essential.
The important move is to encourage church leaders to more directly involve younger adults in the discernment processes of leadership.
What contributes to the growing divide between older and younger generations' views of the church?
Each church might be able to share some of the natural and even unlikely places where ties are created, but here are some that I have seen strengthen a church.
What are emerging adults like, and what are their biggest concerns, questions, and the issues they care about most?
The topic of faith and aging is always present, so why is it a gap in my faith community experiences?
Ministry leaders in all types of Christian communities are deep in conversation about bringing the generations back together.
