Liz Perraud
Executive Director
GenOn Ministries

Children ask a lot of “why” questions. "Why do puppies bark?" "Why is it cold in the winter?" "Why is a stop sign red?"

Oh, that we all had that same inherent curiosity when it comes to exploring how we as the church might come together to worship, study, and serve God! At GenOn, we’re committed to gathering so that the generations are mutually invested and not just present, providing a place for all to feel a sense of belonging.

We can be asking …

“Why might all ages benefit from knowing each other?”
“Why should we all worship together and share in worship leadership?”
“Why is an intergenerational church different from a multigenerational one?”
“Why might relationships between and among generations be particularly important in these overscheduled and fractured times?”

Hearing what experts say about intergenerational community helps us uncover the “why.”

“Bringing generations together within the church affirms each person’s value in the total community, regardless of age.” John Roberto

“For intergenerational formation to happen, the generations must be together; they must know each other; and they must experience life in the Body of Christ together.” Holly Allen and Christine Lawton

“Intergenerational formation is not only about bringing children and youth back into ‘big church’; it’s about all of us being formed together as the church. It’s essential to our identity as followers of Christ.” Jason Brian Santos 

Reading what’s in Scripture about reaching all generations points toward the importance, too.

“Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” Acts 2:39 

Now is a good time to look ahead toward becoming a more intentional intergenerational community, a community that really welcomes and engages all—and together. The church can be the catalyst for welcoming and engaging people of all ages — if we do so purposefully and practically.

Plan to take time to build the foundation (understand the "why") and try out some new and creative ways to include more generations together in one or more areas of your ministry (worship, study, fellowship, service).

As generations mutually invest in one another, relationships will deepen, transforming the church from doing intergenerational programming to thriving as an intergenerational community. Christ-centered community draws us all closer to God.

GenOn has a 6-step path for becoming intentionally intergenerational and we take great joy in walking alongside you in your journey of exploration to move down that path. Each church is different as we help you discover, evaluate, learn, pilot, launch, and sustain intergenerational ministry for church-wide transformation. Let’s plan some mutual exploration for the new year!

Free 1-hour options

Substantive options for a deeper dive