Intergenerational Ministry

How can we encourage each other to focus on what we hope for, and the One in whom our hope is rooted, rather than what we’re hoping against in these strange and uncertain times?

Intergenerational small groups are rare. But the benefits for adults, kids, and teens are incalculable. Here's one group's story.

The question I get the most is: “How can we help families form faith if they’re too busy to come to our programs?” I believe the solution lies in our sense of belonging.

Faith Formation Ministries is excited to present a workshop at Inspire 2019 about faith formation for people age 60 and above.

Shortly after our grandchild was born, I began to build her a crib. It was a process. And even though the plans were in place, we had to make adjustments. I wonder if ministry in our churches might be like this?

Youth ministry often gives opportunities for our creative energies be used in many ways. . .From organizing a snowball fight at a Classis meeting to hockey games between church councils and youth to modifying curriculum.

The day 5-year-old Axel brought his plastic blue guitar to church, he found a place between the drummer and guitarist, and began to play. No one laughed or made a fuss. Axel knows his gifts are valued. 

After 22 years of full-time youth ministry, I’ve come to realize that I'm no longer passionate about youth ministry. What I am passionate about is the intergenerational faith formation of our youth and young adults.

A while back I sat around a table listening to a bunch of people quite a bit older than I talking about faith. Though our vocabulary and context is different, I was deeply humbled by their impeccably relevant questions. 

While on vacation in South Carolina, my wife and I worshiped at First Zion Baptist Church. And though it was immediately clear that we were visitors in a strange land, this little church with a big heart welcomed us. . . 

Congregations always have a culture. You won’t find it written down in mission statements or council minutes but walk into any congregation on a Sunday morning, and you will gradually gain a sense of who is welcome.