Last Saturday, over 70 people gathered in Wells for a conference entitled Intentionally Intergenerational. The day hosted by the Go Team with speakers from around our diocese, sparked much conversation and reflection on how as local churches we can be the family of different ages and stages that God intended us to be.
Beginning with worship, those gathered were then invited to share what comes to mind when they hear the word ‘intergenerational’ and talk together about where their churches might currently be on the ‘intergenerational ladder’.
Unpacking the ‘why?’ of being an intergenerational church and how we might reframe our thinking, Angeline White, a Lay Minister at Christ Church, Weston-super-Mare drew on her MA research giving a biblical basis for a church of all ages and stages growing and learning together in our faith.
After lunch, four different stories were shared from around our diocese:
- Rev Caroline Deakin shared some of her journey towards intergenerational church with St Peter’s Church in Milton and Mead Vale.
- Nicky Boardman, Family Ministry Coordinator at Christ Church shared resources they have created to help families engage with different parts of liturgical worship and communion.
- Wendi Davis from St Peter’s Evercreech spoke about her experiences of taking worship outdoors and the opportunities it can open for exploring God’s creation and including whole families.
- Andy Levett told the story of a Watchet church group that meets for breakfast on alternate Sunday mornings and how a community beach clean has become intentionally intergenerational.
The afternoon continued with a lively Q&A session and an opportunity to consider what steps could be taken to make us a more intentionally intergenerational church and community. The day concluded in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to refresh us in our ministries.
Speaking afterwards some of those who attended shared their experience and thoughts on the conference.
“It's a whole church thing. It's a culture change. The stories were inspiring.”
“Encouraged by the number of people excited by intergenerational church and the diversity of ways in which it is happening already.”
“It was a great day! Lots to think about and process. Really enjoyed it!”
Further reading, useful podcasts and a range of resources have been compiled by the Go Team and can be accessed online. The team are keen to continue the conversation and are available to help churches explore what being more intergenerational might look like in their community.