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Intergenerational

An intergenerational church is one where all ages are working together towards a common goal–sharing and growing in their faith. While we create space for children and young people to belong and identify, we ensure they are embedded in a welcoming, loving and accepting wider church family. Forming relationships with children is the responsibility of all members of the church – not just their parents or those who are involved in children’s ministry.
"We need to provide intergenerational communities where children can take risks, grow in their faith, and connect with adults who will love, mentor and inspire them. Frequent and regular cross-generational opportunities for worship, learning, outreach, service and fellowship offer distinctive spiritual benefits and blessings.”
- IVY BECKWITH

So, where do I start?

New to all things Intergenerational?
Want to know where to start?
​Here is one video and two books we'd recommend you start with:
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InterGenerate is a collection of chapters from a wide range of authors, covering topics such as:
  • ​From Multigenerational to Intergenerational
  • Intergenerational Communities and a Theology of Accommodation
Catterton Allen, H. (Eds) InterGenerate, Abilene Christian University Press, Libscomb, USA. ​​
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Intergenerational Christian Formation is the 'go to' book of all things intergen. Don't be put off by the weight of this book, it's an easy and enjoyable read, and lays the foundation for why the church should seek to bring the generations together for worship, service and life. 
​
Catterton Allen, H. and Lawton, Ross C. Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2012.

Watch

We have a selection of videos and resources on our YouTube Channel​
  • Dr Holly Allen, author and scholar, shares a talk on Intergenerational Ministry
  • A video on 'Congregation about Intergenerational Ministry' from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, NZ
  • Our friend Jill Kayser, from Kids Friendly (Presbyterian Church of New Zealand) shared a talk at Kidsreach Sydney on 'Moving your church - embedding an intergenerational culture in your church'
    Listen to the talk here

Listen

Here are some interesting podcasts that might be helpful in chewing over some intergenerational thoughts from the Work Experience Podcast, from the Uniting Church of Australia in Victoria & Tasmania.
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Sharing the Big Things of Life Together, with Mary Hawes
Rev Mary Hawes is the National Children & Youth Advisor for the Church of England

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Intergenerational Preaching with Dave Csinos
Rediscovering the art of preaching in an intergenerational community, and the importance of a 'forward-leaning faith.'

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Passionate about Discipleship with Caesar Kalinowski

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Past, Present & Future Together, with Christina Embree
Pastor and writer Christina Embree drops into the studio to continue our conversation regarding Intergenerational Ministry.

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Leading Intergenerational Communities with Cory Seibel
Exploring the opportunities and benefits of developing intergenerational connections in your faith community.




Read

If you're interested in all things 'Intergenerational' then take a look at some of our favourite books and resources.
Articles and good reads
  • Youth worker shares key ingredients for intergenerational church - Church of Scotland
  • Best Practices in Intergenerational Faith Formation - John Roberto 
  • Faith Formation Across the Generations - Gariette Martineau
  • ​Family and Intergenerational Learning Model - John Roberto, LifelongFaith Associates
  • Intergenerational Ministry Beyond the Rhetoric - Kids Friendly
  • Intergenerational Services - Still Waters
  • Intergenerational and the Bible (Ministry to Children)
  • Intergenerational Ministry and Family (Ministry to Children)
  • Becoming an Intergenerational Church - Ministry to Children
  • Towards an Intergenerational Messy Church article (2017)
  • Intergenerational Church Toolkit (Christian Reformed Church)
  • Intergenerational Visioning Tool (GenOn Ministries)
  • Faith Formation Learning Exchange (Lifelong Faith)
  • The Corey Seibel Writing Collection (Corey Seibel) 
  • Intergenerational Ministry (Effective Ministry) 
  • The Importance of Generational Connections Faith Full Generation
  • Intergenerational Ministry Beyond the Rhetoric | Fuller Youth Institute
  • What have we got to lose? by Refocus Ministry
  • Doing Intergenerational Versus Being Intergenerational
  • Shifting Core Values (Effective Ministry)
  • Thinking clearly about family ministry Children Everywhere
  • Age-specific or intergenerational ministries? (Amy Hanson)
  • Mess with us (Crosslight)
  • Vibrant Worship for All Ages (Buildfaith.org)

Related websites include:
  • www.messychurch.org.uk
  • www.lifelongfaith.com
  • www.intergenerationalfaith.com
  • www.stickyfaith.org
  • www.talkingjesus.org/research
  • http://jir.ucsur.pitt.edu/ (Journal of Intergenerational Relationships)
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Explore Together is a resource from Scripture Union, available from SUNZ. 
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"Ministry to children within a healthy intergenerational community can be incredibly transformational, not only to the child, but also the family and the wider community..." - Tammy Tolman, author of Collide

How intergenerational is your church?

We put together a bit of an audit for you to check how intergenerational your ministries are. Rate each ministry (such as children's groups, youth group, seniors teas) from 1-5, and give yourself a total score to evaluate each group. You might be surprised which ministries are naturally 'intergenerational' and which ones you might need to invest in. 

​You can download it here
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  • Home
  • Covid-19
  • Leaders & Teams
    • Kia Kaha
    • Leadership Tools
    • Safety
    • Scope
  • Resources
    • Caring for our world >
      • Care for Creation
      • Care for Refugees
    • Families >
      • Family on Mission Journal
      • Back to School
      • Faith Formation
      • Transitions
    • Intergenerational
    • Lectionary
    • Prayer >
      • Thy Kingdom Come
    • Seasonal >
      • Advent + Christmas
      • ANZAC Day
      • Epiphany
      • Father's Day
      • Halloween Alternatives
      • Lent + Easter
      • Matariki
      • Mothers Day
      • Pentecost
      • Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
    • Worship >
      • Bible Engagement
      • Liturgy
      • Songs
  • Strandz
    • About us
    • Contact