"Do you know the names of all the students in Middle School?" I was having a conversation with someone when they asked me this question. "Well, I try to know as many as I can, but we have over 70 each Sunday night so knowing them all would be tough." You could tell she wanted me to say that I know everyone's names and that I have face flash cards of anyone who has ever attended our program. I continued my answer by saying, "I might not know them all, but all students are known by someone: their small group leader."
Back when I first started as a Middle School Pastor, this would not have been my answer. I thought it was my job to know all the students and be the one who was personally invested in their lives. We had small groups and small group leaders, but they just asked the questions. Boy, was I wrong... I could tell I was wrong when kids would come up to me and I had no idea who they were. I was wrong when I was emotionally spent trying to invest beyond my capacity. And I was definitely wrong when I lost a few leaders because of it. I needed help! Luckily for me I had people who were already there and were ready to step up.
Life Stream has always prioritized being not just a multigenerational church (having every generation present), but an intergenerational church (having each generation interacting with each other). Our church is blessed to have people who embrace each generation. We prioritize opportunities where 7 year olds can learn from 17 year olds who are learning from 47 year olds. We create spaces for people to interact, serve, and learn about Christ together. The picture above is one of my favorite worship pictures. Dan is furthest on the right and is in his late 20's who absolutely shreds on guitar, Cohen is an 8th grader who has just started playing in the last few years, and Jim is in his 70s and has been playing longer than both of them have been alive! But our worship team creates a space for them to learn from each other and worship God together. Going back to the example of our small group leaders, I think about our current middle school ministry team. We have some leaders who just graduated high school last year, some young professionals in their mid-20's, some who are parents, and even a grandmother of one of the students! When I look at this team, I see some of the deepest bonds that we've ever had. Normally, a group like this would never have the opportunity to interact. Because we have a common mission and purpose to pour into the lives of the students, we are also able to grow and connect together. It is one of the most fulfilling byproducts of leading in ministry.
I was reading an excerpt from the book Nurturing Faith: A Practical Theology for Education Christians by Fred Edie and Mark Lamport about the concept of intergenerational faith developments in congregations. The authors talk about why every generation interacting with each other is important. One factor they highlight is repetition. In order to see growth in all generations, they need multiple opportunities to interact. It can't be just during a Sunday service, but throughout the week too. "To repeat, faith is reinforced in its recurring performances and through both the spontaneous and intentional conversations springing up in the midst of the ordinary (and extraordinary) events of community life where the meaning and stories of these performances are told and retold for the benefit of all." (1) The authors say that repetition is key. I would say that repetition and consistency is key! Especially when it comes to kids, they thrive with consistency and routine. When they know what to expect and when, they are able to grow! When leaders are a regular presence in the lives of kids, trust is built and Christ-centered relationships can happen.
Mission is the place where I see the biggest potential for intergenerational growth. We offer a yearly opportunity for students and leaders to serve together, but nothing really with any routine. The concept of mission is not only limited to trips. This can also include evangelism and living on mission to share the Gospel. How can we encourage the church to live intergenerally not just inside the walls of the church, but outside? What opportunities can we create for people of all generations to share the good news of Jesus Christ together? Intergenerational ministry is something that must be championed by the church. It can't just be a virtue on a wall or words in a handbook. Opprtunities must be provided for the Gospel to be lived out together with every generation. When we do, we are able to help them learn and grow together.
1. Fred P. Edie and Mark A. Lamport, Nurturing Faith: A Practical Theology for Educating Christians (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2021).
Commentaires