In recent decades, our concept of the “family” has been redefined. The tendency today is to conceptualize “family” as a single-family household with fewer offspring or a blended family of step-parents and step-children. This idea can inhibit us from developing significant cross-generational interpersonal relationships. Add to this our heavy reliance on the Internet for communication, and such relationships become even harder to build.

In the church, the use of traditional age-level ministries (by themselves) can add to our growing sense of isolation from one another. Cross-generational ministries in our congregations can help bridge this gap, and many faith communities are engaging in such activities more and more, regardless of what name we use to describe such efforts.

Since “family”—whatever the composition—is still valued in our society and in our churches, it is necessary to understand that the needs have changed. We still need to plan, anticipate and implement Christian programs, mission projects, worship experiences, fellowship times and Christian education for all ages, but how we implement them in cross-generational settings is growing more important.

John Scanzoni made the case in the early '80s for faith communities to position themselves to be most helpful when he wrote, “The church might be the one institution in our society uniquely suited to raise aspirations aimed at new family traditions and to provide a framework for their attainment.”^[1] More recently, Patty Meyers, another Christian educator, explores intergenerational ministry and learning in her book, Live, Learn and Pass it On, which includes models, stories, theoretical and practical helps for building a practical cross-generational ministry in any church.^[2]

Congregations can model cross-generational relationships for society. This idea is grounded in scripture, as Psalm 145:4 emphasizes that generations are related to each other and need each other for life together in God. If we believe the Great Commission, we must be serious about equipping persons of all ages to mentor and be mentored in the faith because our generations need each other, now, more than ever.

Cross-generational ministries require a lot of intentionality, as the gamut of ages may not come together naturally. Gather your congregation for a variety of occasions that start by bringing all ages together for fellowship. (Sharing a meal is a natural icebreaker.) Send them with a common set of instructions into various educational settings (by age-level or age-integrated), and then bring everyone back together at the end for a common celebration. This method works well for worship experiences, mission projects, and family Vacation Bible School programs. The one-room Sunday school teaching/learning setting for all ages works well in small congregations.

Other tips:

Over the years, I have seen many successful church programs that include all generations. Consider a few ideas:

Whatever you do, remind parents and church leaders to erase any lines between church and family because cross-generational gatherings are for everybody. This article cannot give you an exact blueprint because churches are different, but the bottom line is that being and making disciples for Christ together brings us closer to God and to one another no matter what age we are.