By Jeff Swanger
“One
generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4
Many times we hear the expression, "we're
better together". The phrase can
have great meaning when connected to Intentional Intergenerational
church growth.
For the first time in the
history of the church there is the opportunity to receive and minister to six
generations. All six generations have
gifts and graces to share with each and others within and outside the Christian
family.
Intentional Intergeneration
is not something new, the fact is it has deep roots in our Jewish and Christian
history. In Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Moses commanded the parents and grandparents to
recite to their children about the statues and ordinances so their children
would know them and observe them diligently. Also, from the first century
onward, Christian faith communities have been intergenerational communities. Paul
told Timothy to care for both older and younger men and women(Timothy 5:1-3).
The church as Christ's
spiritual family has a tremendous opportunity to intentionally bring six
generations together in a healthy
environment whereby children can hear the stories of the past from the older
folks of the church family, the younger generation can share not only their
generational views but the "how to" of technology (iPAD, Computer,
newer telephones, etc). Together all
generations can work and learn together as well reach out in Christian love to
the least, lost, and lowly.
Intentionally becoming
intergenerational and bringing generations together within the church brings
with it benefits and blessings:
- A diverse congregation appears welcoming to all types of people.
- Teaches us to care for one another.
- Allows us to pass on traditions of the faith.
- Allows greater faith in all generations.
- Promotes intergenerational understanding.
- Reclaims God's intent for faith to be shared in community and across generations.
- Creates special relationships between youth and adults.
The question remains is, how
do we as a church family intentionally reach in and outward to become an Intentional Intergenerational Church Intentional
Intergenerational Church
- Form an "Intergenerational Task Force" made up from a representative from each generation.
- Identify intergenerational activities that could generate intergeneration growth or improvement.
- Integrate intergenerational programming into the age-group plan and calendar.
- Develop mentoring relationships between youth and adults (service involvement, Confirmation mentors).
- Intergenerationalize councils and/or committees.
A "healthy church"
is one that intentionally reaching out to all generations knowing that we are
indeed "Better Together" in sharing our faith- fulfilling the great
commandment.
References:
Books:
Manconi Peter , THE
INTERGENERATIONAL CHURCH, Mt.
Sage
Roberto Robert, OUR FUTURE IS
INTERGENERATIONAL, Christian Education Journal, 2012
Internet Publications:
www.lifelongfaith.com Becoming Intentionally Intergenerational
www.amyhanson.org/category/intergenerational-ministry/
www.21stcenturyfaithformation.com/...our
future is intergenerational
www.cune.edu/resources/Being
an Intergenerational Congregation
