Yes! Intergenerational Faith Formation is Possible...

After I read the chapter on Nurturing Faith-Formation, there is one prevailing thought that has inspired the reflection and possible the thoughts to follow. The church offers one of many frequent opportunities or spaces for multigeneration fellowship or gathering. For example, many entertainment events may cater to specific age group or generations, but not all.

When I consider my ministry context, there are some ways that the different generations interact. In this ministry context, there are about five generations beginning with the Baby Boomers and there is a relatively fair interaction. However, the interaction seems to be stronger between the closer generations. For example, the interaction between the Baby Boomers and Generation X is stronger than the interaction between the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Interaction occurs at events and activities from the worship services to sporting events. In fact, the interactions seem more, and more comfortable in the less formal settings. Also, there is obvious interaction when there are discussions in the church that includes all these generations.

While there is some level of interaction now, there is also room for enhancement. One of the areas for improvement is the worship services. The worship services have not been catering to intergenerational formation to their full capacity. The style, structure and setting can be more engaging to invite more participation from the interaction from the different generations.

Additionally, I agree that intergeneration communal processes of faith formation are necessary. The primary reason for this agreement is that Scripture encourages faith formation across generations. This practice is also seen throughout the Bible. The inculcation of faith seems to be more impactful when there is engagement across the generations. Do we remember the Israelites from the days of Joshua to the period of the Judges. Intergenerational faith formation helps to solidify lasting faith, as opposed to the disconnection and then other generations feel like they do not belong. After some time, these people leave the church.

Finally, of the strategies which Edie and Lamport describe, “Leadership for Congregational Change” can be employed. Effective change and impact begin and end with leadership. This means that when leadership is not positioned for intergenerational faith formation, then the church would not be able to respond to the change that needs to occur. Therefore, when leadership accepts the challenge to cast a vision and a plan which caters to the multigeneration, then the church would be more effective in the approach. If I were to implement this strategy, I would spend time in prayer to identify the plan that God would want for the ministry context. Then, I would have several meetings and discussions with the different generations. These discussions would address strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with the intergenerational faith formation currently. Then, leaders would be identified to form a committee to craft a vision and plan for ministry. This committee would also aid with the implementation of the plan. All along, the church would be reminded of the pastor’s commitment to intergenerational faith formation.