Here’s a question that may seem puzzling for some. Is the church you attend a multi-generational church or an inter-generational church? Let me clarify the difference before you answer.
Most churches in America today are multi-generational. That is, they can claim multiple generations (children, youth, young adults, and older adults) in the church attendance statistics. Some churches, however, are not multi-generational. These might include certain retirement communities where the congregation almost entirely consists of senior citizens, or certain congregations that are mostly, if not entirely, young adult/college-age attendees.
Most multi-generational churches believe they are also inter-generational, but therein is the myth that needs to be addressed. Multi-generational churches are not likely the same as inter-generational churches in which all the generations are doing life together as the family of God in a very significant way. It’s not simply that all the generations congregate in one place at the same time, but that they are actually engaging generation to generation. Few churches actually do that today in North America. Instead, all the generations come in the door but are immediately segregated into their generational silos where there is minimal engagement outside their generational group, even in worship services.
At one time in our history, inter-generational churches were more commonplace. Families came to church where all generations worshipped together, learned together, and socialized together. What the Enemy has managed to do quite effectively is dismantle the family in Western society and convince church leaders that segregating generations is a much more efficient and effective way of teaching the various generations and making it more comfortable for all concerned.
Now, to be clear, I do believe some provision for age-specific activities is beneficial and purposeful. I’m not advocating for throwing out the baby with the bath water. But I am challenging the myth that we all do better doing life only with our own kind. There is ample research suggesting that one of the key reasons so many young people leave the church when they graduate from high school is because they don’t have any meaningful relationships outside their own generation. If they don’t have any meaningful relationships to keep them there, why would they stay? Why should they feel any sense of belonging?
It’s time to change that. Over the next several weeks, I’m going to address six effective ways we can begin to challenge the current thinking that dominates our evangelical churches today. I’ll offer my thoughts for implementing these ideas so that we can begin the process of restoring an inter-generational family of God in the local church. It’s not easy, but neither is it impossible. It will require some diligence and persistence. And yes, it might feel a little messy and uncomfortable at times. Doing things God’s way often do. There are plenty of entrenched bad ideas and unbiblical practices to overcome. But it is worth the effort to discover the blessing of living as the people God redeemed us to be for His glory… and for the joy of seeing another generation steadfastly walking in the truth supported by that family.
I hope you’ll journey with me over the next few weeks to examine how we can begin to allow the Spirit of God to restore the family of God as it was intended for our good and God’s glory.
Great article Cavin. I agree with your assessments regarding multi vs. inter churches. I have always cherished the relationships of other generations at church, whether youth, older adults along with those in my generation. You’re assessment to intergenerational relationships would help people remain in the church, because they feel the love of Christ around them…in all the generations present at that church.
This still remains my heart for our church. It’s been a while since we have been in touch after Covid affected so many things. I will look forward to your articles!
Oh, Cavin, you have hit the “proverbial nail on the head”!! My church struggles with this and often it looks to me as though it is reinforcing this generational divisiveness rather than trying to overcome it. I, too, look forward to your future articles and enlightenment!
This is definitely an issue for local gatherings. Maybe fostered not just by leadership but by the various generations themselves. Need to see the believing community as a family, not a club or institution. Really appreciated the article.
I am passionate about the value of generational ministry. It is solidly biblical and I’d love to see more intentional integration of it in the ministries of the church. The church seems to have shifted into a cultural relevance mode rather than to be purposeful in counteracting the negative impact of an “us vs. them” mode of older vs. younger.
Especially in observing the youth ministries of the churches we’ve attended. There is a general acceptance of the youth minister being the authority for the 6-12 grade rather than partnering with the parents and grandparents. This reflects the same mindset as is observed in our reliance of public or even private school as the authority in educating our children. Parents are sometimes overwhelmed by the prospect of being responsible for the education of their children, whether academically or spiritually. We need to reverse this trend. My heart is to see grandparents return to the mindset of being involved and engaged rather than moving to a warm climate and visiting for a week each year. My husband and I are breaking the cycle of this in our family. We are also reading Courageous Grand parenting and planning to present to our pastor a proposal to do a workshop with the grandparents of our church to challenge them to think biblically about their role in the lives of their families.