INTERGENERATIONAL THINKING
The church is one of the few places where every generation is present. As we come together we have a choice about whether we will be siloed generations in the same building or connected generations that give and receive from one another as we follow Jesus.
The following are links to resources and ideas that might help your church as you explore helpful ways of bringing the generations together. If your church wants to explore reimagining ministry with children that is connects all generations get in contact we would love to support you, email kidsmin@nswactbaptists.org.au
Intergenerational Ministry what it is and what it isn’t
These two blogs by Christina Embree of Refocus Ministry articulate what intergenerational ministry is https://refocusministry.org/2017/10/04/what-intergenerational-worship-is/and what is isn’t https://refocusministry.org/2019/10/24/intergenerational-worship-is-not-2/
Australian Resource Hub
An Australian resource for the church working together to see the generations connect. You will find video webinars with some of the leading thinkers in this space alongside links to articles and ideas to get you started. Intergenerate.com.au
Intergenerational Values
Values are key drivers in what we do and the effectiveness of any change we might make. This article explores some of the core values in intergenerational ministry
Visioning Tool
This easy-to-use tool helps churches take a picture of current ministries and their inclusion of multiple ages, and create a plan to move toward being an intergenerational church https://www.genonministries.org/products/intergenerational-ministry-visioning-tool
Intergenerational Preaching
Dave Csinos unpacks the possibilities of Intergenerational Preaching
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Intergenerational Ministry and the family
By Kara Jenkins
This article is helpful for leadership group considering moving towards a more intergenerational church
Should Kids Be Included in the Weekly Worship Service?
Worshipping with Children. Thoughts for Parents
PRACTICAL RESOURCES
Welcoming Families
Even churches who do not regularly have kids attending will have children visit at some point in time. Here are some ideas for resources you can have ready to go to welcome children and families into your church.
Kids Service Notes
This is a simple booklet you can print for older children in all age gatherings, to help them engage with the service.
Tell me about God
by Elizabeth Ward
Contains 26 Outlines – An A to Z look at the Attributes of God. Tried and tested for children & intergenerational groups. See here.
Prayer Bookmarks for kids
Ready to colour bookmarks for kids to join in praying for God’s kingdom to come. This is a companion resource for the Pray @1102 campaign but can also stand alone encouraging prayer for leaders, churches and friends and family. Print double sided, get the kids to colour and then laminate for a great reminder to pray. Order the resource and then it will appear as a resource in my pages which you can download to your computer.
All Age Annual Service
Contains outlines for 15 services, designed to fit in with all major Christian festivals including Nativity, Christmas Day, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Pentecost and Harvest, as well as other events in the calendar such as Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day.
Multi Age Resources
Ideas for passing faith to the next generation
Kids benefit from having input from people of all ages. God’s plan is that the whole community is involved in passing on the faith to the younger generation (Deuteronomy 6). Here are some ideas to help you do that in your church. Make sure that when you encourage sharing of experiences and interests, you encourage sharing of ‘God things’ as well.
BOOKS
Intergenerational Christian Formation
Collide
by Tammy Tolman www.tammytolman.com A great book exploring intergenerational ministry. Buy here.
Helping Our Children Grow in Faith
by Robert Keely Helping Our Children grow in Faith. Buy here.