Photo by Rodolfo Quirós via Pexels

One of the most frequently asked questions I have heard in conversations about intergenerational issues among congregational leaders is, “How do you build an intergenerational church?” Some say it would be best to look back to the ways of the early church, others say it would be best to continue with the current multigenerational model, some say age segregation works well in their churches, and a few (a minority) have not yet realized that the model by which their congregation runs is monogenerational.

Could there be an innovative approach that synthesizes these various models to build a functional and genuinely intergenerational congregation for our time?

In their book “Being an Intergenerational Church,” Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip cite Christine Ross’s definition of intergenerational ministry. Ross describes intergenerational ministry as “when a congregation intentionally brings the generations together in mutual serving, sharing, or learning within the core activities of the church to live out being the body of Christ to each other and the greater community.”[i]

Building an intergenerational church presents challenges and opportunities. One of the primary challenges is breaking down the age-specific silos that have become common in many modern church practices. Often, churches have separate programs for children, youth, and adults, which leads to generational segregation. Another challenge is addressing the diverse needs and preferences of different age groups in a way that makes everyone feel included and valued. Nonetheless, intergenerational churches can be thriving communities where wisdom and experience are shared among all congregants; each generation has something to contribute, even the youngest ones. Younger members benefit from the guidance of their elders, while the energy, use of technology, and fresh perspectives of young people strengthen older members. Intergenerational churches encourage the idea of family (in a healthy way) and a strong sense of belonging, sharing everyday activities like worshipping, learning, and serving together.

Furthermore, this sense of community and connection can be a powerful force in helping people feel loved, supported, and valued. I dare say that this relationship creates a more holistic and enriched faith experience for all members.

The intergenerational church model is not entirely new; it echoes the early Christian communities of the New Testament, where believers of all ages shared their lives and faith.

Farrant and Philip also highlight John Pridmore’s reference to Paul’s exhortation, emphasizing that children were not only present but also full members of the early church communities. Thus, the early churches were inherently intergenerational, with entire families, including children, actively participating as full members of the Christian community.[ii]

As in the early church, an intergenerational church seeks to provide social context through “community membership,” worship of God, and preaching of the Good News. However, it must go one step further and seek to foster relationships between generations and promote mutual learning and mentoring rather than simply passing on information from one generation to the next. Intergenerational church has the opportunity to cultivate a strong sense of inclusion and connectedness within the congregation by recognizing that, unlike in the early centuries, today we have a greater understanding of the historical evolution of Christian churches, allowing us to identify effective practices and discard less successful ones, refine our spiritual disciplines, challenge existing paradigms, and continually contribute to the development of Christ’s Church.

Building an intergenerational church is not about adopting a one-size-fits-all model but about learning from prior experiences to create a community where members of all ages feel valued and connected. By fostering relationships across generations, the church can become a stronger, more vibrant community that reflects the wholeness of the body of Christ. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, each of us is an essential part of the church, which collectively forms the body of Christ. The church, as the body of Christ, highlights the importance of diversity within unity, where each member’s unique gifts and perspectives and the contribution of each generation enrich the church community.

Just as each member has a calling within their congregation, each church has a general calling (Jesus’ Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20) but also a particular calling in its community or place of influence and must embrace its unique role as part of the Body of Christ in the global church.

As part of this global church, we must remember that unity does not mean uniformity. Building an intergenerational church is not about copying systems or models implemented by other churches or institutions but about understanding and embracing each congregation’s uniqueness, culture, community, and rituals, among other characteristics. This understanding allows a church to build an intergenerational model tailored to its needs, creating an inclusive environment where each age group feels valued and heard.

Building an intergenerational church requires a shift in mindset. It requires a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age, feels they have a place and a voice. Building an intergenerational church also requires planning activities to intentionally bring different generations together.

The path toward an intergenerational church involves embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for different age groups to worship, serve, learn, and grow in fellowship — all together as one body. There is no simple answer, but by being intentional, creative, and learning from the past, a church that embodies Christ’s love for His Church can be cultivated.