Chris Barnett
Executive General Manager, Intergen, Australia
and Assembly Resource Unit, Uniting Church Australia
In each edition of IG Mix, we ask someone the same two questions about intergenerational ministry: “What keeps you up at night?” and “What gets you up in the morning?”
What keeps you up at night?
While the case for a more intergenerational approach to ministry and mission continues to be bolstered by a growing field of research and “real life” stories of positive change, overall momentum toward greater intergenerationality across churches seems to be slowing down. Though this is totally understandable in the light of the myriad challenges faced by churches and their leadership, it remains a huge concern for those of us with a vision for lifelong discipleship for all ages. On a more mundane level, having recently moved on from a long-term, full-time state-based denominational role to multiple part-time roles with a more national focus, the transition to new IT – phone, computer, data arrangements and platforms – is also impacting my sleep!
What gets you up in the morning?
The opportunity to make a difference! Having been in the same work space for the last 15 years, there is a sense of being set free and released into a new and more exciting phase of ministry. With greater autonomy comes an even greater sense of responsibility as to how I invest my time – in supporting people for today and equipping them for tomorrow, in resourcing church leaders as they develop and implement strategy, in encouraging the whole church toward more effective intergenerational practice. It’s energising to be able to reflect on the blessings of the past – relationships, experiences, and learning – and see their potential for contributing to a more intergenerational future.
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Chris is the Executive General Manager for Intergen in Australia, and also works in the Assembly Resource Unit for the Uniting Church in Australia. He formerly served in Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria & Tasmania, Intergenerational Ministry (Children & Families).
Other stories in IG Mix - April 2023
Good Direction -- Evaluate: Step 2 in Becoming Intentionally Intergenerational
60 Years of Nurturing Intergenerational Relationships in Churches