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One of our goals at St John’s is to increase the amount of ministry interaction that happens between different generations within our church. When we begin to raise this topic, the first conversations tend to be about how we can engage better with the children and young people that are part of our broader church family. But intergenerational ministry is about more than this!

One of the best examples of where we’re already doing intergenerational work (and where it’s bearing a lot of fruit) is our women’s Growth Group that meets every Monday morning. Each week, an incredible range of women from young mums through to retirees meet over God’s word - and their time is enriched by learning from each other in their different stages of life. Here’s what some of our Monday morning ladies had to say about the experience:

"I have been part of the St John's Monday Women's bible study group for two years now, and it has been one of the most fruitful experiences I have had. It's been so encouraging to discuss God's Word and share the joys and tribulations with women across different congregations and life stages. We each bring our own opinions and can speak into each other's lives in such fruitful ways. As one of the younger ladies in the group, it is amazing to walk with women who are ahead of me in life, who continue to walk faithfully with God in all that they do. They are all great examples that I can look to and they give me hope for what the future holds for my own journey with the Lord. “

‘It is so encouraging to join with women at all stages of life to learn and share with them. I appreciate the insight and love from the older ladies and find great encouragement living alongside women who are in a similar life stage as myself. Hearing and understanding their highs and lows and being able to identify and build each other up in these areas is absolutely amazing! I am so thankful to this group for not only the privilege to open and share God’s word, but to also share our lives. We also have such a strong family bond and my sisters-in-Christ have graciously provided me with not only spiritual growth, but physical and emotional care and love as I have needed as well.”

"It is a blessing and a privilege to study the word, pray and share life with women from different congregations and cultures – who are young enough to be my granddaughters. I have never had a sister, daughter or granddaughter and I thank God for bringing me to this group.

To every older woman – please don’t take your godliness to the grave. Join a growth group or mentor a younger woman. Someday we will celebrate around God’s throne together (Rev 7:9). Why not begin practising that community now?”

"I didn't know much about this group of women that met on Mondays until I found out through a friend. When I went on maternity leave, it was good to meet with women from all walks of life to be encouraged in the faith through the Word, fellowship and prayer.

Being on baby duty during regular Sunday service and on evenings during Growth Groups, I had less capacity to sit down and focus. Joining the Monday group meant I could have another opportunity to work through the passage that the rest of the church was looking at.

Not that it should be a surprise, but it has been eye-opening to see how God has been at work in all of our differing circumstances. Some of us are walking through trials of different kinds, but it has been reassuring to share in the highs and lows of life together."

David Ould
Acting Senior Minister