Intergenerational

Practical help in times of personal crisis

What can we do when someone we love has one of those life-changing times? Too often we call, express our sympathy, and then say, “Please let me know what I can do!” Unfortunately, while the sentiment behind such a statement is good, the reality is that we’ve just added one more thing to the distressed… Read more

When kids ask hard questions

Often during times of personal crisis, children ask hard questions. How do we answer those questions? Avoid simplistic answers or responses, address their questions and concerns. Older children may be thinking…”Where is God in all of this?” or “How could a loving God let these terrible things happen?” We need to be honest about what has… Read more

Encouraging peer relationships

Establishing an intergenerational community does not mean eradicating age-specific ministries. As important as it is to embrace intergenerational values, it is also important to keep that in balance with age-specific ministry. Research shows that age-specific ministry has not proven sustainable for ongoing faith transmission. This is particularly applicable among young adults who have grown up exclusively… Read more

Encouraging lifelong faith

In the 21st century, faith formation involves planning a journey of lifelong discipleship with opportunities of experiencing, learning, and practicing the Christian faith as we look to follow Jesus. Historically, congregations have invested many hours of time and financial resources in programs focused on the first two decades of a person’s life. However, these days… Read more

Where are the Annas and Simeons?

Indeed for what purpose do we older folks exist, other than to care for, instruct and bring up the young? | Martin Luther Forty days after Jesus was born, his parents took him on his first big outing. They went to the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-40). Imagine the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions these… Read more

Walking together by building relationships

At Grow Ministries we are often talking about being ‘relational’ in ministry. We have been known to say things like: ‘Prioritise relationships over programs’, or ‘It’s all about the relationships!’ But what do we mean when we say these things? Being ‘relational’ is one of those terms that has been used so much that its… Read more

8 steps for nurturing faith

The goal of nurturing Christian faith across the generations and equipping people to live as disciples of Jesushas guided Christian Churches for 2000 years. In the twenty-first century, faith formation involves intentionally planning a journey of lifelong discipleship.