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Do you want to help raise a generation who live boldly for Christ and win the world for him? Then jump on board intergenerational ministry!

“Intergenerational” is a buzzword at the moment, and for good reason. Not only do cross-generational relationships bring a host of benefits for young and old, but in a church context it can be a beautiful expression of the gospel. However, making it happen can be complex and costly. So, what is it and why count the cost? Here’s a quick theology of intergenerational ministry to sharpen our thinking, fuel our hearts, and equip our hands.

Think of intergenerational ministry as a stool with three theological legs: family, church, and growth.

First is the theology of the family. When God created humanity, he made us to be embedded in families. Every person will at some point be at least one a son or daughter, probably a brother or sister, and possibly a husband or wife or a mother or father (see Genesis 1-4). God made it so that these relations are part of how we mature as husband and wife encourage each other, as mother and father teach and model, as children learn and excite, as siblings shape one another (e.g. Ephesians 6:1-4). Moreover, as time goes on, one generation gives way to the next who are called on to lead the way, possible only if the previous generation passed on the truth in love (Psalm 78:1-8). One of the gospel’s gifts is that we receive all these relationships anew in Christ, even as we continue in our earthly families (Ephesians 2:18-19; 1 Tim 5:1-2, 8).

Second is the theology of church. Paul says church is the place where God dwells and displays his brilliant wisdom to all creation (Eph 3:8-10). This happens as diverse and different people come together to sing God’s praises in harmony (see Romans 15:5-7). This means that, although there are specific and strategic times to separate, such as to be taught in my heart language or to my capacity, when we genuinely come together around Jesus despite our differences – including age – we display the beautiful wisdom of the Gospel. Moreover, in God’s value-system, not only is every member a valuable gift, but the weakest, such as but not only children, are to be most honoured and supported (see 1 Corinthians 12; see also Luke 18:15-17).

Third is the theology of growth. God designed Christian growth (historically called sanctification) to happen in the context of church (see Ephesians 4:11-16). This doesn’t mean there is no growth to be had in a quiet devotion or regular one-on-one catchup. But it does mean that much growth happens – or is intended to happen – as we come together to hear from the scriptures and to share God’s truth with each other, clothed with the relational beauty that go with this truth: love, patience, tenderness, honesty, etc. (See Ephesians 4:15-16, Colossians 3:16, Titus 1:1-3.) This means church is not simply a place to come, learn and leave, but a place of participation – to speak, encourage and pray.

There are other things to be said, but let’s pull these three together: not only is each generation called on to raise the next generation in the knowledge and love of Christ, both as families and as communities, but also church is the place where we gather around Jesus with all our difference in order to grow as one by sharing his word and praise him in harmonious love.

In other words, despite the complexity of church life, we ought to fight for intergenerational moments! The changes we’ve made to Kids Church, City Youth and our congregations – which you’ve probably felt – are intended to help us take a step in this direction.

There are three things you can do: celebrate, reflect and act!

Celebrate that:

  • Children, youth and adults are learning together in our different language congregations as kids church leaders teach the children in our morning services.
  • Parents, children and youth are having bible conversations together in church.
  • Adults are sharing the truth in love to kids, youth and one another, after the kids talk
  • Our 11am Chinese congregation in particular is deeply encouraged by the kids talk which is translated so they can learn with the children.
  • Youth are heading to church with their wider families.

Reflect on:

  • Whether this how I understand church. If not, why do I think that? What do I think instead and where does that thinking come from?
  • How I can better express these theological truths in the way I approach church.
  • Who I could intentionally speak with each time we are encouraged to share?
  • What can I pray for our parents, children, youth, leaders and staff as they seek to navigate and nurture these changes?

Act:

The best way to action these things is to use the sharing moments in church speak to those around you, especially if they are in a different age or stage. You could ask: how does this shape you in where you are in life?

Or simply, you could ask a kid, youth, or adult: what can I pray for you this week? And then pray right then and there.

Callan Pritchard
Associate Minister