Becoming Intentionally Intergenerational

Posted by Tracey Daniels at Jan 10, 2020

Rev. Christian D. Boyd Rev. Dr. Christian D. Boyd
Pastor, Southminster PC (USA), Waukesha, Wisconsin
Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Milwaukee PC (USA)

ministry ideas Southminster Presbyterian Church (USA) in Waukesha, Wisconsin, four years ago discerned its core values and practices as a part of its 50-year anniversary and the kickoff of strategic planning. One of the core values articulated was around Christian formation for all ages and participation in God’s mission. In short, Southminster is called to be intergenerational.

The ramifications of this are rethinking how we do Christian education and Sunday school, especially in light of the multiple time commitments of people. As we were trying to figure what Christian formation is and how it is incarnated, I came across GenOn at the NextChurch Conference. It seemed to be a gift of the Holy Spirit as Southminster’s Christian formation team embraced the opportunity to learn more. Drawn to the Sunday LIFT program, we hosted a training session.

ministry training The facilitators not only walked us through the curriculum, but opened up to the group what intergenerational Christian formation looks like. We were surprised to find we are already practicing intergenerational Christian formation and community. What we were lacking was intentionality and being purposeful in our practices. The Sunday LIFT program has become a vehicle through which relationships are broadened and deepened for our community, as well as discovering and empowering new leaders of various ages.