Ideas To Spark Intergenerational Connections

"What are other churches doing to spark intergenerational connections?"

Many ministers and church leaders ask us this question. They know intergenerational connections are important for their church, but struggle to come up with ideas to make it happen.

Today, I want to share a couple ways I sparked intergenerational connections at Kirkwood Baptist Church, in St. Louis, Missouri, where I was an Associate Pastor from 2018-2023.

Stories Matter - How People's Stories Can Inspire & Help Us Connect With Others

In this online series, I interviewed 9 different church members (30 - 70 years old) about their life stories.

I originally wanted to interview these church members at our weekly youth group gathering on Sunday nights, but COVID hit and we went online.

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The goal was to show that empathy, love, compassion, and understanding grow when we listen to people's stories. It was a fun experience, and the kids seemed to connect with the stories. When the youth came back to church after COVID, they felt more connected and knew people on a deeper level. (Susan Slaughter & Paul Ward were some of my favorite interviews)

Pasta Playhouse - KBC's Annual Talent Show & Youth Fundraiser

Each year the youth group hosted a talent show/fundraiser call Pasta Playhouse (we served Pasta for dinner). Instead of just having the youth perform acts, we opened up the talent show to the entire church community. Senior adults wrote poetry and told jokes, the youth & adult choir performed songs together, children made stop motion movies, and more.

Pasta Playhouse 2023 (Youth & Adult Choir)

Although the main goal was to raise money for the youth group, the secondary goal was to create a fun and exciting space for intergenerational interaction and support. I felt like the participation of different generations mattered just as much as the amount of money we raised.

What are you doing to spark intergenerational connections?

I hope that these two examples spark ideas for you and your community. There are also some really good books (Growing Young, Future Focused Church) and articles (Baptist News Global) on this subject.

The first words on our website describe CBF Florida & the Caribbean Islands as "A Resourcing Community Filled With Passion & Joy." The more we continue to share our ideas and experiences with one another, the stronger and more impactful our community becomes. So let us know:

• What have you done to spark intergenerational connection in your church?

• Have you read any books or articles you found helpful on this subject?

• Is there anything you tried that didn't spark intergenerational connection that other churches could avoid trying?

• What other questions or thoughts do you have?

Share your ideas and leave us a comment below!