The Multi-Generational Myth – Part 2

In my previous post, I shared my view about the myth surrounding the notion of multi-generational churches believing they are truly inter-generational. While I applaud those who are truly committed to being inter-generational (or age-integrated, as Dr. Lawson describes it), it is not the typical reality in Western churches today. If church leaders do not come to terms with this issue, we are not likely to pursue a course of action that promotes a truly “age-integrated” model of all the generations doing life together in meaningful, powerful ways.

So, rather than simply complaining about the disparity, I would like to offer six effective ways any of us reading this article can begin making an impact in our own churches and personal lives. These are not magic potions that will guarantee a certain outcome, but they are opportunities to start the process of thinking about US (all generations) as the body of Christ, rather than just ME and my life revolving around those like me. While these are really non-threatening ideas, they will require the courage to give it a try. So, let’s tackle the first two ideas in this post. I’ll share the rest in the next two posts.

IDEA #1: PRAY FOR ME CHAMPIONS

A good friend of mine, Tony Souder, created an effective tool for engaging the generations in the local church called the Pray For Me Campaign. It is simply an intentional plan to connect a teen or elementary child with three generations of adults as their prayer champions. In our church, we modified this approach slightly by asking for teen volunteers to be connected with at least one other older adult in the church as their Prayer Champion for one year. 

I didn’t know what to expect when I put the invitation out, but to my delight we had 38 high school students request to be part of this “experiment”, and we had more than forty older adults who volunteered to serve as a prayer champion. We took part of a Sunday morning adult class time to introduce the older adults to the teen with whom they would be paired. They then met with them after the class to get acquainted and exchange contact information. We also gave every adult one of Tony’s Pray For Me Prayer Guides to give them a plan for how to pray for these students over the next year. 

We are now six months into this process. I love seeing how many of these pairings are turning into some very close relationships—relationships that may never have happened otherwise. If you’d like to get a copy of Tony’s Pray for Me Prayer Guide, click here.

IDEA #2: GENERATIONS AT DINNER 

Imagine what could happen if two people from each of four generations with little connection to each other could enjoy an evening around the table where we practice being vulnerable with each other and discovering a few common values and purposes. Generations at Dinner is a simple concept for introducing yourself to people outside your own generation in your church by inviting them to dinner at your house. This concept is modeled after the Deuteronomy 6:7 concept of learning together “when you sit at home”. If it has value for the biological family, I believe it can have value for the family of God. Upon request, we will provide discussion questions to get your Generations at Dinner party underway. (CLICK HERE to request information about suggested discussion questions)

Now imagine what God might do if you shared either of these ideas with others in your church.