The Multi-Generational Myth: Part 3

The apostle Paul speaks very directly to believers in I Corinthians 12 about the nature of the body of Christ. He reminds us that the body is made of many parts that God has in fact arranged just as He wants them to be. No part of the body can say to any other part, “I don’t need you!” In fact, we are told that the “weaker parts” are indispensable, and the ones we think less honorable are to be treated with special honor. 

Just as it was true in the first century, it is true today. It is a critical framework for God’s family. Sadly, we too often fail to take this basic truth seriously in way we do ‘church” today. The good news is that it’s not too late to do something about it. I hope you’ve been motivated to consider what you can do with the first two ideas I share last time. Here are three more ideas I hope you will seriously consider for working towards an “inter-generational” model of church life today.

IDEA #3: AI FOCUS GROUPS

No, I’m not talking about Artificial Intelligence, but Age Integrated opportunities. Once you take a stab at one or both of the first two inter-generational ideas, it’s not a difficult next step to invite a handful of people representing several generations to sit down for a Focus Group discussion. Talk about ways we can begin to be more intentional about building a genuine inter-generational church life. It’s a good time to talk about some of the reasons why this is so important, some of the obstacles that prevent these relationships from happening, and more ways we can be more intentionally age-integrated in our church.

We did one of these sessions in our church and found it to be a very revealing conversation. We all learned something about each other and the false assumptions we often make about each other. Be sure to invite your pastors and church leaders to participate in this discussion.

IDEA #4: US-FOCUSED EVENTS

What other possible events could be tried that bring all the generations together, and actually focus on doing things together rather than splintering off in separate generational groups? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Old People’s Club: While it may sound very one-generational, this is a great way to bring teenagers and older adults together for a very fun evening. It’s called “Old People’s Club” only because the teens are to come dressed up like old people, and the older adults come dressed up like teenagers. It’s an idea I got from another church who did this many years ago, and it was a smashing success. 

As crazy and fun as it is, the best part is more than the fun you have together. It’s sitting down and really getting to know one another at a deeper level. If you’d like some ideas for what an event like this might look like, contact me at cavin@cavinharper.com.

• Age-Integrated Classes: I know a lot of churches don’t have “Sunday School Classes” anymore, or very few. If you have the space and can share this idea with your pastor, I encourage you to give it a try. If you already have an older adult class meeting each week, discuss the possibility of once a quarter (to start out), inviting the teens and their parents to join you during that class time. 
  
• Church dinners, picnics, and special holidays: These are not uncommon occurrences in many churches, but the question is whether they are intentionally designed engage the generations. It’s one thing to be at the same event together, but what strategic ways can you play together and share your stories together? It takes a little more work, but it’s worth the time and effort.

I have two more ideas to share with you next time. I hope you’ll check it out. In the meantime, ask God what YOU can do to engage at least two other generations in your church.