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Intergenerational
Ministry
The shift from generations in the same space to generations sharing life
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What is intergenerational ministry?
"As a child of the church, I feel included and loved. I like doing things at my church because they include children in almost everything. It’s good to have friends my age here as well as friends younger and older. We help each other love and serve God.”Â
Intergenerational ministry participant
Building an intergenerational church community doesn’t happen by accident. GenOn Ministries walks alongside leaders to help them shift from multigenerational to intentionally intergenerational, where faith is passed, shared and lived together.
What is intergenerational ministry?
Intergenerational ministry is more than putting all ages in a room. It’s the intentional coming together of two or more generations in shared experiences, designed to shape Christ-centered relationships and nurture lifelong faith.
Six steps to shape intergenerational community
1
Discover
Begin with a free online session. Learn what intergenerational ministry is, why it matters and what’s possible in your setting.
2
Evaluate
Work with GenOn staff to evaluate with your team where your church is currently with intergenerational ministry in 4 ministry areas: worship, study, service, and fellowship.Â
3
Learn
Work with GenOn staff to explore practices, theology, and tools that support real change—not just programming.
4
Pilot
Plan and lead a one-time gathering to try out intergenerational ministry in your unique context. This may be a new gathering or a current gathering that you modify.
5
Launch
Evaluate the experience. Then move forward with regular gatherings or integrate into existing ministries.
6
Sustain
As a team, determine ways to equip and empower ministry leaders for years to come. Utilize GenOn’s methods for inviting new people into leadership. Continue in relationship with GenOn for ongoing support.
Why intergenerational?
Recovering what the early church never lost
Most churches are multi-generational. With intentionality, a church can become intergenerational, transforming into a new way of being the church, growing disciples and impacting the world for Jesus Christ in the way, we believe, God intended. This transformation brings about a sense of belonging for all, to be in relationship as equal parts of the body of Christ, the intergenerational church.
Why is intergenerational Christ-centered community essential?
Studies have shown that intergenerational community provides:
- Affirmed value, regardless of age
- Response to God’s call for faith to be shared in community
- Decreased isolation for all ages
- Support of families
- Welcoming and inclusive environment
- Practice in caring for one another
- Understanding and unity as a congregation
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Explore these article and books
Articles
- Disciples of all Generations, Liz Perraud, GenOn Ministries
- Becoming Intentionally Intergenerational, John Roberto, Lifelong Faith Associates
- Why Bring Generations Together, Holly Catterton Allen
- Intentional Intergenerationality, Chris Barnett
- Report on Shift in Christian Education Paradigms
- Relationships: The Oxygen of Human Development, Gene Roehlkepartain, Search
- Moving Away from the Kid Table, Kara Powell, Fuller Youth Institute
- Why Intergenerational, Christina Embree, Refocus Ministry
Books
- Intergenerational Christian Formation (Second Edition), Holly Catterton Allen, Christine Lawton, Cory L. Seibel Â
- InterGenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry, Holly Catterton Allen, Editor
- Engage All Generations: A Strategic Toolkit for Creating Intergenerational Faith Communities, Dr. Cory Seibel, Editor
- All Ages Becoming: Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God’s People, Valerie M. Grissom, Editor
- Generations Together, John Roberto, Jim Merhaut, Kathie Amidei
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The Generative Church, Dr. Cory SeibelÂ
Resources for gathering and learning
Meal-based sessions that bring generations around tables for 45–60 minutes of story, worship, and fun. Built for facilitators using 1-2 key leaders, not teachers.
Seven flexible, Scripture-centered sessions that include reflection, activity, and prayer. Great for small or large groups, at church or home, no prep teams required.
Two-hour gatherings for all ages for Lent, Advent, VBS or retreats, designed for learning, play and worship that feels like family time.
Weekly rhythm of Bible study, play, worship arts and shared meals modeled after Acts 2:42. Builds deep, lasting community within the whole church.
