Growing Together

In God’s great wisdom, the gospel is a message that beautifully gathers people in all their diversity into a unity that shouts his praise. One aspect of our diversity is our generational differences.

That’s why this year we are making a few changes to the way we do kids and youth ministry.

What do these changes look like?

First, our youth (years 6 to 12) will now begin or end their time in their family’s congregation, depending on whether they belong to a 9:15 AM / 9:30 AM or an 11 AM congregation.

Second, during the times when all generations are present in the congregation there will be more attention given to engaging with God – whether through song, prayer or scripture – in a way that invites all generations to participate.

Why are we making these changes?

God has given us the gift of generational difference – the wisdom and rich life experience that comes with age and the openness, energy and enthusiasm of youth, and everything in between. It’s still important to gather into groups for focused teaching and fun, which we will continue to do at KidsChurch and City Youth, but it’s also important to spend time all together.

We think these changes will move us further in this direction - strengthening the way we disciple our kids and youth, increasing the support for our parents as they raise their children to know and love the Lord Jesus, and creating more moments for our congregations to enjoy the rich blessing of intergenerational relationships.

How might these changes affect you?

• If you’re a parent of a youth and belong to a 9:15 or 9:30 AM congregation, please bring them to church with you. They will head to City Youth from your congregation between 9:45–10:00AM. Please also stay around until they finish at 11:45 AM.
• If you’re a parent of a youth and belong to an 11 AM congregation, please bring your youth to City Youth between 9:45–10:00AM. They will be brought to your congregation around 12PM.
• For everyone else, you will notice more moments when all our generations are both present in church and being asked to engage together in part of the service. Your pastor will explain in further detail what it will look like for your congregation.

What can you do to help and encourage?

• Parents, keep persevering in bringing your children week by week and patiently helping them engage with church for the moments they are present.
• If you don’t have kids or youth, please don’t tune out in the intergenerational moments, they a wonderful times and we will be all the richer for your participation.
• For everyone, please bear with one another as we try something new and all get used to it together.

Please pray for our kids and youth and their leaders, our parents, and our pastors as we adjust to these changes. Pray that these decisions will lead to deeper discipleship and greater connections between our generations.

Callan Pritchard
Associate Minister