Posted on June 5, 2017 by Dr. Will Whittaker
In my last blog post, I wrote about churches that were modified in their approach to being intergenerational. Today I want to discuss those churches that are not intentional about being intergenerational, but are intergenerational churches. I call these churches organic intergenerational churches. Much can be learned about what intergenerational ministries and worship services not only have looked liked, but should look like in other church contexts.
In my research I found some interesting data about these organic intergenerational churches in Baptist churches in Georgia. I’m sure similarities would exist in other states.
*Fellowships (especially in smaller groups)
*Leader can teach the value of intergenerational ministry/worship
*Leader can strategically seat (if able) different generations together in small group settings to promote relationships among generations
*Having corporate times of prayer lead by different age leaders—even using small group prayer times where requests can be shared among those from different generations. I’m constantly amazed how “different” prayer requests are among the generations.
*Intentional mentor/mentee relationships where older and younger can learn from one another and the older can share wisdom and the younger energy (possibly!)
*Creating a family atmosphere.
5. Leaders of these churches report a family atmosphere is present in their church. It is very likely that the smaller church is not only made up of several extended families, but family groups that have, for generations, been like family to one another. This comment is not surprising and actually is very useful in understanding the appeal of having multiple generations in worship. In our church, like so many, we’ve grown from a small family-centric church into a much larger congregation of over 1000 members. Our total weekly worship attendance is in the mid-500s so we are no longer a small church. However, the number one comment we hear from visitors as they enter into our church is how friendly and family-like it feels here. This is very intentional. Additionally, we do not have a large cavernous worship space (although we need more space) so the services feel more intimate. The room was constructed for singing so it’s a great room for congregational singing as well as choral singing. There is an esprit de corps that permeates throughout the church that radiates a small church feel, even though we no longer are. I would guess many of my colleagues don’t have this similar type of worship space to facilitate a family, warm atmosphere, but there are many other things you can do to facilitate this family atmosphere. Here are a few to consider:
*Make a point to have families worship together. Don’t relegate the youth to a specific area in your worship space; have families sit together. If you have a children’s church, have the children sit with you until they dismiss (if they enter the worship space at all).
*Find ways to have families serve together in worship leadership. This could include greeters, scripture readers, music leadership, etc.
*Have families experience the Lord’s Supper together. For the confessed Christians in your family, there is nothing more powerful than family units remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and the cleansing of sin than worshiping through the Lord’s Supper together.
Churches of all sizes must find intentional ways to create a family atmosphere when multiple generations are present. For the larger church, it may be more difficult for persons to feel a part of the family until they get plugged into a small group Bible study or other ministry group where they may connect. For those churches, connection is the key. Find a way to get your new members and visitors connected so they feel a part of the family. This goes for all size churches, anyway. Connection is the key! Leaders of ALL churches should continue to seek training on how to integrate various ages into the ministries (worship included) of the church. It is important that leaders teach the biblical and philosophical importance of being intergenerational so that members understand the value of worshiping together and celebrate the age diversity within the body of Christ.
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“Intergenerational Worship” is worship in which people of every age are understood to be equally important.
Howard Vanderwell
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