Bringing Generations Together

We already know that adults have a lot to offer children and teenagers as they learn and grow. But it’s also true that we, as adults, have a lot to learn from children. Their curiosity, their trust, their excitement, and their sense of wonder are some things that we tend to dismiss as we grow older and “wiser.” At times, we slide into a state of taking care of our daily needs and lose our enjoyment of the simple things in life. This can creep into our daily relationship with God. When things don’t logically make sense, do we really lean on God? Or do we wait to trust until we see the outcome?

What can we learn from the children in our lives? What can they learn from us? How might it look to be intentionally intergenerational in our ministries? What would happen if you stepped into the life of a teenager in your congregation as a retired person? What can you do as a college student to connect with the fifth grade kid you usually sit behind during the worship service? What can you do as an empty-nester to care for a young family with a restless preschooler? There are so many opportunities in any congregation to cross generational lines and grow together and learn from each other. Sometimes, we just need to be intentional to make it happen.

This issue explores what some congregations are doing to break down the walls between ministries and bring generations together, impacting young lives while opening the hearts of the elderly. We’re also excited to announce a Lent Devotional that will be available on January 20 (see below).

How have you seen God working through the people around you? How will you join Jesus on his mission across the generations in your community?