Sharing Faith, Sharing Life
by Rebecca Guengerich
Churches typically lead youth faith formation through dedicated programs and confirmation classes, but research shows both youth and adults gain from intergenerational faith formation.
When churches encourage intergenerational involvement, young people are more likely to remain engaged for life due to stronger relationships, a sense of belonging, and consistent faith modelling.
Older folks benefit as well. Feelings of isolation disappear when they share their wisdom and stories. A greater understanding of younger generations helps older members feel integrated within the broader church community.
Look at your own congregation. What faith practices are encouraged to blend generations together in worship, service, or study?
Allow all ages to read the lessons, preach, play music or usher at worship.
Share meals and faith questions together during Lent or Advent.
Create a shared service project that involves the entire congregation such as packaging care boxes or organizing community service days.
Pair teenagers and older adults together for confirmation mentoring where both can learn from each other.
Create opportunities for older adults to share their faith stories with children and youth
Celebrate faith milestones that involve the whole community
Participate in community events such as picnics or fall fest celebrations.
Even if your church supports intergenerational faith, remember, YOU ARE THE CHURCH in daily life as a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle -- so your influence matters just as much!
Years ago, my dream was to create Faithkeepers, a business offering baptism activity cards, including a place to share faith stories and symbols to help families of multiple generations celebrate baptism anniversaries. While I enjoyed designing the cards, I disliked selling them and decided to abandon the business. However, over the years, I did not abandon the opportunity to use the cards to share my faith stories and engage in the card activities and questions with my children, nieces and nephews and now grandchildren. This has benefited all of us and we learn and grow together.
Consider ways you can share your own faith stories with your families and friends from another generation. It may be by engaging in official church activities or it may be by sharing your passions in your own personal families. We are all the church together!