Churches that want to become more intentionally intergenerational typically raise two questions. The first: “How can we bring the generations back together?” The second and even more important: “Why?” What is the evidence that intergenerational approaches are beneficial? This pathway explores both questions engagingly, incisively, and experientially. The speakers briefly share biblical and theological foundations and explore empirical, sociological, and theoretical support for cross-age Christian practices. Along the way, the class addresses the “how” question, discussing (and experiencing) several successful emerging intergenerational approaches.

Hosted by Holly Catterton Allen and Wilson McCoy, this pathway took place in ACU’s Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building on Monday, September 16, 2019.

Sessions

Embracing Intergenerational Ministry (Holly Catterton Allen)

Intergenerational Christian experiences uniquely and especially nurture spiritual formation across all ages. Why might this be so? Embedding stories and experiential learning along the way, this session presents a strong case for balancing age-based faith experiences with more intentionally intergenerational approaches.

Reading Together: A Spiritual Practice to Bring Generations Together (Wilson McCoy)

The call of the Psalmist is that generations would come together to declare the works of the Lord. But how are we to do this in our churches? One way a church can fulfill this goal is through practices of reading Scripture together. In this session, we explore one spiritual practice that your church can use as a way to bring the generations together in a meaningful way.

Foundational Support for an Intergenerational Ecclesiology (Holly Catterton Allen)

To succeed in transitioning toward a more intergenerational paradigm, church leaders must be able to articulate biblical, theological, sociological, theoretical, and even empirical support for revisiting this old but now neglected way of being Christian together. This session succinctly summarizes the rationale and foundational support for bringing the generations back together.

Making the Transition: Lessons from a Congregation’s Intergenerational Journey (Wilson McCoy)

The journey towards becoming more intergenerational is worthwhile and meaningful, but how can we practically do this in our churches? In this session, we explore strategies, struggles, and steps from one church’s experience that can help yours become a more intergenerational community of faith.

Challenges and Successes along the Way: Stories from Three Churches That are Becoming More Intergenerational in Outlook and Practice (Holly Catterton Allen and Wilson McCoy)

Discussion and stories between the presenters with a Q&A time for audience members. This session was not recorded.

Speakers

HOLLY CATTERTON ALLEN

Holly Catterton Allen leads InterGenerate, an international, cross-denominational gathering that focuses on intergenerational ministry. Her passion for bringing the generations together fueled her doctoral work (Talbot School of Theology, 2002) and led to her book, Intergenerational Christian Formation (IVP, 2012, with Christine Ross). Allen teaches family ministry and spiritual formation courses at Lipscomb University where she is professor of family studies and Christian ministries. She is married to Leonard Allen and they have three adult children and five grandchildren.

WILSON McCOY

Wilson McCoy has served as the associate minister at the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee, for the past eight years working with young professionals, preaching and teaching, and small groups. Before arriving there he served churches in Nashville, Tennessee; Ballinger, Texas; and Brisbane, Australia. In May 2016 Wilson completed his Doctor of Ministry with Lipscomb University with his work focusing on intergenerational spiritual formation. He is married to his best friend Jessica and they enjoy traveling and taking walks in their local park.