About the Book
"One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." -Psalm 145:4
Most churches and faith communities segment their ministries by age and generation. In some congregations, people may never interact with those of other ages. But it was not always so. Throughout biblical tradition and the majority of history, communities of faith included people of all ages together in corporate worship, education, and ministry. The church was not just multigenerational; it was intergenerational, with the whole church together as one family and people of all ages learning from one another in common life.
The process of becoming Christlike does not happen alone, and intergenerational faith communities are designed for Christian formation. All generations are gifted parts of the body, and churches need all the parts. In this comprehensive text, Holly Allen, Christine Lawton, and Cory Seibel offer a complete framework for intentional intergenerational Christian formation. They provide the theoretical foundations for intergenerationality, showing how learning and spiritual formation are better accomplished through intergenerational contexts. Then the authors give concrete guidance for intergenerational praxis on how worship, learning, community, and service can all be achieved intergenerationally. Case studies of intergenerational congregations provide models for how a culture of intergenerationality can be created in local churches.
This second edition has been revised and updated throughout with new empirical research, intergenerational spiritual practices, and Gen Z realities, with fresh stories of intergenerational formation both in the US and around the world. Discover the riches of intergenerational ministry, and let all generations commend the works of God to one another.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Prologue: Venturing into Intergenerationality: Our Stories
Introduction: A New Edition
PART 1. Generational Realities
1. A Changing Paradigm
2. What Is Happening and How Did We Get Here?
3. Why Bring the Generations Back Together? The Benefits of Intergenerationality
PART 2. Biblical and Theological Foundations
4. Critical Moments, Feasts, and House Churches: Biblical Foundations
5. The Intergenerational Dance: Forging an Intergenerational Ecclesiology
PART 3. Sociological, Theoretical, and Empirical Support
6. Becoming Christian in Community: Sociological Foundations
7. Gen Z, Millennials, Xers, Boomers, and Silents: Generational Theory
8. Growing Each Other Up: Theoretical Foundations
9. By the Numbers: Empirical Research
PART 4. Intergenerational Christian Formation Practices
10. Intergenerational Worship
11. Practicing Spiritual Disciplines Intergenerationally
12. Intergenerational Small Groups
13. Learning Experiences in Intergenerational Settings
14. Intergenerational Story Sharing
15. Intergenerational Service and Missions
16. Intergenerational and Intercultural Connections
17. Leadership: Fostering an Intergenerational Culture
18. Intergenerational Ministry: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Appendix A: Interview Protocol for Ministry Leaders in Intergenerational Research Congregations
Appendix B: Biblical Passages That Reflect a Generational Outlook
Appendix C: Intergenerational Resources
Appendix D: Fifty-Five Intergenerational Ideas
About the Author :
Cory Seibel (PhD, Pretoria) is a pastor at Central Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta. He also serves as an online tutor for Ridley College in Australia and as a research fellow with the University of the Free State in South Africa. He edited The Generative Church and Engage All Generations and chairs the InterGenerate conference leadership team.
Christine Lawton (PhD, St. Louis University) is a lifelong Christian educator who has served as youth and family minister in various churches, teacher in Christian schools, and professor/director of the Christian education program at Concordia University Irvine. She is the author of several Bible studies and Sunday school curriculum resources. She lives in Washington State.
Holly Catterton Allen (PhD, Talbot) served as professor of Christian ministries and family science at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the founding director of InterGenerate, an international biennial conference for those who are passionate about intergenerational ministry. She is the author of Forming Resilient Children.
Review :
"[Intergenerational Christian Formation] has become what I call the 'bible' of intergenerational ministry. It is the primary text for all college and seminary classes on intergenerational ministry and formation, is part of the bibliography of every book written on the topic since, and continues to guide the global conversation today. . . . In the pages that follow, you will undoubtedly encounter one of the most compelling and needed arguments for the life and health of the church worldwide. The enthusiasm, scholarship, and dedication of these three authors will no doubt spark new ideas, hopes, and dreams for your ministry and for your understanding of what it means to be the church."
"Post-Covid-19, churches grappling with 'new normals' for effective ministry and mission may well find this revised Intergenerational Christian Formation to be a real game-changer. Its comprehensive insights comfortably spanning the ministry practice/academic spectrum provide solid foundations for those who wish to release the cross-generational potential of their church community, and it gives ongoing encouragement and resourcing for those already making headway on that journey."
"I love it when a really good book gets even better! This new edition is a wonderful resource to help us consider ways to worship, learn, fellowship, and serve together intergenerationally in the church. Allen, Lawton, and Seibel share strong biblical and theological foundations, more stories and examples to learn from, and gleanings from the latest research in the field to help us learn how to be the church of all ages for all ages. Thank you for this gift!"
"This book is a gem! The authors explore the reason intergenerational ministry largely fell by the wayside, why that was a mistake, and how to make changes to bring generations back together. By weaving together personal experiences, studies, and the Word of God, they illustrate the importance and impact of intergenerational ministry for the church. Intergenerational ministry is near and dear to my heart, and I'm thrilled to see these authors put a spotlight on it."
"I've had Intergenerational Christian Formation on my shelf for a decade and have recommended it to many students and pastors who are interested in looking more deeply at intergenerational ministry. This new edition makes me even more excited to recommend it as Holly Allen and Christine Lawton, along with new colleague Cory Seibel, have taken this excellent book and updated it with some new chapters, recent research, and additional stories. Anyone looking to learn about why or how we should think about intergenerational ministry will find a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in these pages. This is a book that belongs on your bookshelf."
"In our polarized world, Intergenerational Christian Formation guides with the simple yet profound truth that all generations can and should learn from each other. This engaging, meticulously researched book is loaded with stories, practical applications, and ideas. When generations interact, everyone benefits. Barriers tumble down, knowledge is shared, and hope and acceptance permeate the entire community. It's clear to see why this book sparked a global movement of intergenerational ministry. A must-read for anyone in leadership, it'll ignite your excitement for ministry to all and offer concepts to implement. Intergenerational Christian Formation is a valuable reminder that all belong to the family of Christ—and that we belong together."
"The first edition of Intergenerational Christian Formation helped inspire churches across the world to a newness of life by bringing the generations back together. This second edition builds on that strong theological and empirical rationale with up-to-the-minute research, insightful case studies, and ideas for intergenerational practice. It holds together depth and accessibility, making it the essential companion for those already practicing intergenerational Christian formation and those starting out on the journey alike."
"A classic is even better! Everyone will benefit from the new research, stories, insights, and practices in Intergenerational Christian Formation. The authors have done a great job of capturing the energy and growth of intergenerational ministry over the past decade. If you are new to intergenerational ministry, begin with this book! If you are a veteran, fine-tune your knowledge and skills."
"Already the go-to textbook on the topic, this second edition of Intergenerational Christian Formation enriches the discussion of intergenerationality for pastors, students, academics, and engaged lay leaders. Revised chapters on theology evidence the biblical foundations for intergenerational practice, while a new chapter on spiritual disciplines puts flesh on the theoretical bones. Finally, the chapter on recent empirical research highlights the continuing development of the field, fueling current leadership and sparking the imagination for future projects."
"Building on the foundation laid by the first edition, this revised edition of Intergenerational Christian Formation brilliantly enhances and expands the original content. Drawing from a wider range of ministry experiences and geographical contexts—testimony to the burgeoning impact of intergenerational ministry across the church globally—it is a valuable addition to the intergenerational 'canon.' Whether you are engaging with intergenerational ministry for the first time, a seasoned practitioner, or anywhere in between, you will find much to stimulate both your thinking and your practice."
