Boosting Church Engagement through Generational Bonds

We are all trying to address the issue of engagement in our churches - whether it’s a teenager who is drifting from their faith, or a mature believer who has stopped attending weekend services. Most leaders I know have created segments in their church strategy to try to address an individual’s life-stage or felt needs. However, I’d like to propose an alternate strategy. Rather than segregating the body, let’s bring different types of people TOGETHER. I’ve seen the results when male and female leaders begin working together, and I’m also seeing the impact when we allow the Body of Christ to learn from each other, BECAUSE of their differences.

Dr. Kara Powell, a leading researcher and advocate for youth ministry, has conducted extensive research highlighting the transformative power of intergenerational relationships. This is just one example of how we can harness the power of diversity for church engagement, but I find it is the easiest and quickest way to start.

The Significance of Intergenerational Bonds

Dr. Powell’s research reveals that intergenerational relationships offer a plethora of benefits. For the younger generation, these connections provide valuable mentorship, guidance, and a sense of belonging. They have the opportunity to learn from the life experiences of older church members, gaining insights that textbooks and sermons alone cannot provide. For the more seasoned generation, engaging with youth brings a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. It allows them to share their wisdom, career experiences, and faith stories, leaving a lasting legacy.

Creating Intergenerational Experiences

To harness the power of intergenerational relationships, churches must be proactive in creating opportunities to nurture these connections. Here are a few practical steps to foster a culture of mentorship and unity:

1. Intentional Programming: Design programs and events that encourage interaction between different age groups. This could include intergenerational worship services, bible studies, community service projects, or social gatherings where people of all ages can interact and form meaningful relationships.
2. Mentorship Programs: Launch mentorship programs where older church members are paired with younger ones. These relationships can be nurtured through regular meetings, shared activities, and mutual support. Mentorship programs provide a structured way for wisdom and experience to be passed down while also addressing the unique needs of both the mentor and mentee.
3. Shared Learning Experiences: Create opportunities for shared learning, such as Bible studies, discussion groups, or workshops that include participants of all ages. When different generations come together to explore their faith, they gain new perspectives and deepen their understanding of God’s word.
4. Encourage Storytelling: Encourage older members to share their faith journeys and life stories with younger generations, and for young people to share their stories and questions about life and faith. Storytelling is a powerful tool for building connections and imparting valuable lessons. It helps bridge the gap between generations and fosters a sense of community and shared history.

A Hopeful Future

The research conducted by Dr. Kara Powell paints a hopeful picture for the future of the church. By embracing intergenerational relationships, churches can become vibrant, unified communities where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued and included.

If you are looking for an easy way to foster intergenerational mentoring in your church, check out Momentum Marketplace - a biblically-based weekly mentoring program for high school students and young adults to be mentored by a career professional within your local church. It’s an easy, turn-key program designed to get you started in re-engaging both of these generations through the power of career disciple-making that works in every size and type of church.

Learn more at MomentumMarketplace.org or email us at marketplace@buildmomentum.org 

Kadi Cole RN, MS

Creator of Momentum Marketplace | Leadership Consultant | Mental Health Nurse | Best Selling Author | Speaker | LifePlan™ Guide

www.kadicole.com