Foundation 3

Faith communities take seriously the inclusion of all in the body of Christ. We are all made in the image of God. That means that we value each other; through our presence and through our contribution. We begin with the understanding that our faith is shaped by those younger and older than us—all are welcome. We anticipate that God will speak to us through the community of faith, not just its adult members.

An intergenerational faith community recognises that we can all learn and grow together. It declares that we all have something to contribute for the benefit of the whole. We are members of the body of Christ as described in 1 Corinthians 12, regardless of age.

Faith communities are one of the few places where all generations can come together on a regular interactive basis. Yet, the societal trend toward age segregation has also entered churches. Age-based classes and separate worship services for adults, teens and children tend to separate age groups from each other, so that many people experience their faith as age-segregated throughout their lives. While, at times this is appropriate and needed, it has been at the detriment of intergenerational relationships and engagement.

As children are assimilated with a deep sense of belonging into the body of Christ, they will make sense of their experiences with God. They will see their parents and others worship, pray with and for each other, minister to others, and be ministered to. They will come to see that all things in their lives are under God. They will be privy to the normal Christian life as lived by the significant adults in their lives. And they will come to know God better.1

Scriptural basis:
Old Testament and New Testament faith communities – see Deuteronomy and Acts, Exodus 10:7-11, Joshua 8:34-35, 2 Chronicles 20:13, Nehemiah 12:43, Psalm 148:12-14, Luke 2:41-52

Interested in exploring this topic further? Download our Foundations of Ministry and Mission with Children booklet.

SUGGESTED READING

  • BCFM booklet, “Helping Your Church Become More Intergenerational.” Download your copy below.
  • Intergenerational Christian Formation – Holly Catterton Allen & Christine Lawton Ross
  • Collide: Exploring Intergenerational Ministry – Tammy Tolmen
  • Generations Together – John Roberto et all
  • InterGenerate – Holly Allen, editor
  • Engage all Generations – Cory Seibel, editor
  • A Gospel for All Ages – David M Csinos
  • All Ages Becoming – Valerie M. Grissom
  • Being an Intergenerational Church – Suzi Farrant & Darren Philip

WEBSITES

PODCASTS

RESOURCES TO DOWNLOAD

  • BCFM booklet, “Helping Your Church Become More Intergenerational.”
  • Intergenerational Steps Booklet
To talk to someone about intergenerational community or for ideas on running an intergenerational service, email [email protected]

Intergenerational ministry is a philosophy of ministry rather than a programme —a way of being rather than doing.
Grow Ministries

1 Catterton Allen, Holly, Reversing Age Segregation web article

 

Discipleship NZ Video Resources

Discipleship Pathway is a collection of incredible ministry trainers who have recorded and packaged their skills and wisdom into digital classes. No matter where you are in New Zealand, or what your skills, experience, or church resources look like, you and your team can access high-quality training. You can learn from home, or gather a ministry team to unpack and discuss topics together. With courses on Christian leadership, youth work, effective mission, personal wellbeing, and more, there’s something for everyone!

discipleship.nz/courses/intergenerational