Blog

Intergenerational Ministry: 5 Reasons It’s Absolutely Essential for Church Health

An intergenerational ministry is essential to church health. Read on and find out why we think it’s a must for a thriving community of faith.

intergenerational ministry 102

Also, if you’re in the market for great ways to foster intergenerational ministry in your church, take a look at our post here. How are you living out intergenerational ministry in your church? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Intergenerational Ministry Provides Varied Leadership Perspectives

When your group of leaders has a diverse range of background and context, the same will be true of the wider church. And, as a result, your church will meet the needs of more demographics by way of intergenerational ministry.

This means your church will be prepared to potentially serve more people. And this will lead to a better retention rate of those coming through your doors. Additionally, people’s theological perspectives will be challenged and ideologies will be examined. Though this can cause some discomfort, it also facilitates spiritual growth and humility.

When building the leadership of your church, consider the age make-up at each level. Those invited to serve in a leadership capacity are more often than not, older adults. Each generation brings to the table a unique perspective. So, include a wide range of ages on governing bodies and ministry teams. Children, even if accompanied by a parent, can make fantastic leaders with creative ideas.

intergenerational ministry 103

Intergenerational Ministry Offers Fresh Ideas

Intergenerational ministry gives space for members of all ages to share what they hope for and imagine. First, when one age group is privileged over all others, things remain relatively constant. This is lovely and comfortable and nostalgic for that group. However, what has always been done is often not best for progress and church growth.

Each generation’s struggles are both unique and universal. As a result, commonality and difference are discovered when young, old, and all in between share their ideas together.

This is wonderful for several reasons. First, each generation learns something new. Second, creativity is given life. Third, never-before-imagined events are tried. Fourth, more people in the congregation take ownership of what takes place.

So, encourage all ages to share their ideas and give outlets for expression. Include individuals from a wide range of age groups in brainstorming sessions, for example. Alternatively, create mixed small groups or host a coloring night for all ages.

Ask children, youth, young adults, families, retirees, the elderly what they would love to see happen in the church. Will any church be able to give breath to all the ideas? No, yet some will make the cut. As a result, more people will feel valued and served.

intergenerational ministey 105

Intergenerational Ministry Includes the Marginalized

Many times, those not catered to in ministry have lost their voices. As a result, they don’t have a platform for sharing their hopes and needs. Therefore, the church isn’t able to see and hear the marginalized. This means they likely won’t stick around. And who can blame them for leaving?

Often, we speak of marginalization in terms of sexuality, gender, ability or ethnicity. Yet, marginalization happens around age, too. Routinely, faith communities exclude children, the elderly, single parents, and young unmarried professionals.

When practicing intergenerational ministry, the church hears and sees the marginalized. As a result, ministries transform to include those often left out of programmatic decisions. Also, more people connect to what the church has to offer.

God calls each gathering of Jesus followers to watch out for and cater to those on the edges. Marginalization almost always happens thoughtlessly. So, pay close attention to who your church includes most obviously. Then, stretch the boundaries.

intergenerational ministry 104

Intergenerational Ministry Creates Connections

We are communal creatures who have spent almost our entire history living in multigenerational groups. We thrive in this environment as we hear stories of where we’ve come from and who we are. Especially as families spread around the country and globe we lose this connection.

Churches, particularly those in suburban and urban locales, are a bunch of people from varied pasts and presents all gathering together. As a result, one has the opportunity to know people one would never otherwise encounter if they’re a part of a church family.

When intergenerational ministry is done with intention, people from different generations make connections that would likely never occur outside the church.

intergenerational ministey 106

Intergenerational Ministry Fosters Spiritual Formation

Throughout scripture, faith is an intergenerational reality. The young and old learn from and care for each other. They challenge one another to release their assumptions, think differently, and to practice compassion. Even today, thousands of years later, we read the scriptures told and retold by our spiritual ancestors. It turns out that Bible reading itself is intergenerational.

In God’s family, there is no hierarchy of power. Consequently, no matter one’s age, we are all teachers and learners. We are co-creators with the Divine and with one another. God calls us to guide one another in love and humility, holding fast to the love of God as our rule.

How much deeper is a faith that is rooted in the experience of those who have lived before and in the experience of one’s own life? And how much value is in the life and developing ideals of a culture that has grown up after your own identity and perspective has hardened some?

We each bear God’s image. So, of course, we discover our connection to the Divine as we encounter one another. It’s as though we plant seeds in each other’s hearts and minds that give way to growth, beauty and even more seeds we can then plant in the world.

For even more reading about the value of intergenerational ministry head over here to the Fuller Youth Institute.

3 Ways to Avoid Burnout by Being Fantastically Lazy

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

Avoid burnout and recharge your mind, body, and spirit by creating healthy boundaries and rhythms this summer.

avoid burnout 5

So, I’m writing to help you do less. Be a little more lazy. Most of you reading this are seriously dedicated to your calling. If you’re taking the time to read blogs on ministry, especially a post on burnout, you likely give a lot of yourself to those you serve. And you probably need a break.

Do More. Be More. Or Maybe Not.

Many of us have learned that in order to do a good job we must just keep pushing harder. You need to do more and be more. But, what if that isn’t true? What if you’re already enough and you actually need to do less?

Laziness. That’s a word that our Puritan work ethic has shunned. Maybe I’m not really talking about laziness. Perhaps what I’m getting at is restfulness. How, in this season of summer, might you invite restfulness into your life? And how might a habit of restfulness sustain you this coming program year?

We’ve put together a list of three simple ways for you to be lazy, ahem, restful. So, you can avoid burnout and thrive along with your ministry. How do you plan to rest this summer? Share with all of us in the comments below!

avoid burnout 1

3 Ways to Avoid Burnout

Take a regular sabbath. Many ministry leaders these days are under pressure to build a ministry, raise the numbers, and in a general sense, to fight against the tide that so many churches are facing. The work is never done. This isn’t a 9-5 job with tasks that can just be left on the desk when it’s time to go home.

It can be difficult to carve out space for rest in this landscape. This may seem counter-intuitive to some. But in ministry, hours can be all over the place and our time often gets away from us. So, fencing in a day for sabbath takes intention.

On the day or even half day, you choose as sabbath, make space for the things you love to do. Shoot some hoops, garden, try that new brewery, go for a walk, eat out with a friend, catch up on that show.

Whatever and whenever you choose, make it something that feeds your soul. This energizes you for the week ahead and protects you from burnout.

avoid burnout 3

Disconnect. Ministry is so much about connecting. You strive to connect with people and their stories. And you spend time learning to connect to the story God is telling, paying attention to your gifts and sense of calling. Not only that, but you connect life and culture to scripture and to those who have gone before, bridging wisdom with what’s here and upcoming.

If you’re in ministry, you likely love all this connection. It gives you joy and life. But, it drains you, too. And while you’re busy connecting to everything out there, you can lose track of connecting to what’s inside.

So, learn to disconnect, so you can reconnect.

Turn off your phone after a certain hour. Make it clear when you aren’t available. Refer students and their families to others when their needs go beyond your scope. When you’re away on vacation, turn off push notifications.

This all gives you space to connect to yourself and God by attending to your own feelings and needs. If you learn this art, not only will you avoid burnout but you’ll also minister to others in a more healthy, mindful way.

avoid burnout 2

Get out of town. A change of scenery definitely helps prevent burnout. First, it’s harder to say yes to things you don’t absolutely need to do. Second, being away means people are more likely to leave you alone. Third, going out of town is fun!

Go somewhere beautiful. Beauty brings to life parts of us that give us inspiration and energy. It doesn’t matter where you go. We all define beauty differently, so just go where you feel alive. It could be a restaurant with lovely plating, a museum filled with art you adore, or a lushly wooded park.

We all need space and silence in a place where we can rediscover parts of ourselves that have gone dormant. Work and life are hard to balance. We get busy and into ruts. A shift in environment breaks the cycles and routine, so we pay attention to what’s going on in our hearts and minds.

Sometimes getting away shows us what we hadn’t noticed. Maybe you realize how exhausted you’ve been. Or maybe a new idea emerges. Or perhaps you’re re-invigorated by the memories you make with your family.

Getting “out of town” can mean a ten-minute drive to a new restaurant or to a hotel where you lounge by the pool and sleep in late. Or it can be a plane trip to visit a dear friend or a cruise to some exotic location. The where and how far doesn’t matter as much as the act of simply making it a priority. Enjoy the excuse to escape no matter where you’re headed.

avoid burnout 6

You Matter.

You’re often so busy telling everyone else they matter, you forget that you do, too. So, let me remind you.

You matter. And your body and your well-being matter. Learn to value yourself enough to practice the art of restfulness. No one else will do this for you.

Your ministry will run you into the ground if you let it. But, you don’t have to allow that.

Take this summer to honor the you that God so lovingly made by caring for your needs. Do less. It’s your homework.

Oh, and don’t forget to tell us how you’re caring for yourself this summer. We’d love to know!

How to Create A Dream Team of Spectacular Volunteers

Alissa Ellett Leave a Comment

If you’re like most ministry leaders, your search for amazing volunteers is always underway. Whatever the season, you’d be happy to find another few mentors to work with children and youth. Share in the comments below what you look for in potential volunteers!

amazing volunteers 1

Why You Need Spectacular Volunteers

You, as a ministry leader, cannot do this job alone. First, you’re not paid enough to run yourself into the ground. Although, I’d advise not doing that no matter your paycheck. Second, you are fantastic. However, you aren’t gifted in every area. And you need others to fill the roles you can’t. Third, burnout is real and less likely when there’s a team in place. Fourth, every kid won’t relate to you or to any other adult. So, more mentors means more opportunity for growth. This is true for growth in terms of numbers, relationships and spirituality.

The Struggle to Find Them

It can feel overwhelming to build a team of mentors. This is especially common if the adults in your congregation have stopped serving in recent years. Older adults may say they’ve already “put their time in.” And younger adults may lead such busy lives that wrangling them to serve can feel almost impossible. Sadly, as a ministry leader, it can be an uphill battle to find volunteers.

So, what can you do with these realities in front of you? First, think realistically about what you can expect from each existing or potential volunteer. For example, perhaps there are those who are busy or home-bound but would like to send birthday cards to students. Alternatively, bring aboard retirees who want to help organize Sunday School rooms but don’t feel called to teach.

And look for volunteers strategically, keeping in mind specific qualities like those below. Making a dream team takes a while and requires some intention. But you’ll thank yourself when the group you’ve gathered serves cohesively and with joy. Now, on to those qualities.

amazing volunteers 2

What Makes Volunteers Spectacular?

In my experience, amazing volunteers share some common qualities. Although each volunteer and their life may look different from one another, there are aspects that make them very similar across the board.

Many assume that fabulous volunteers are young and fun. This is true. But it’s only true for one potential segment of volunteers. There are so many roles for adults to play in a well-oiled ministry. So, people of all different personalities and ages are wonderful to have on the team.

We’ve put together a list of qualities fantastic volunteers have in common. As you search your congregation for a few more volunteers to bring aboard, keep these attributes in mind. Working with those who possess them will make it a dream to work together, no matter the capacity.

amazing volunteers 3

5 Qualities of Amazing Volunteers

Your dream team of spectacular volunteers will include volunteers who are:

Patient: Look for someone who is slow to irritation and quick to listen. This person takes time to walk with children in their process of discovery. They approach their relationships with grace and are quick to treat others with understanding.

Empathetic: Keep an eye out for one who can understand a student’s experience. Look for a person that responds to others predictably and with tenderness. This person can read the vibe in a group and respond appropriately. They strive to put themselves in another’s shoes before making assessments or jumping to conclusions. And this person treats others with compassion and understanding.

Flexible: Look for a person willing to try something new and take direction. Search for one who can work well with others in the church. This person is willing to explore what’s never been done. They appreciate others’ ideas and perspectives, including children’s. And they have little problem shifting gears and changing the “plan.”

Supportive: Be on the lookout for someone who wants to be there for children and youth as they grow. This person understands and is behind the mission and vision of the ministry. And within the church and community, they advocate for the best interest of the children and the ministry. Lastly, this person avoids behavior that divides or dissolves trust.

Communicative: Keep an eye out for a person who is willing to have conversations when necessary. This person is able to speak to children in a way that is respectful of where they are developmentally. They handle conflict in a healthy way and can make known what they need in a way that doesn’t demonize others.

amazing volunteers 4

Wonderful Volunteers Are Used Well

Wonderful volunteers are all of these things. And they’re also amazing because they’re wisely utilized by the leadership. If you combine the qualities above with your own consideration for where to best invite volunteers to serve, your ministry will thrive.

Lastly, using volunteers well means appreciating them. Find ways of showing them how grateful the church is for their heart and service. If you’re wanting new ways to engage and care for your volunteers, grab The New Breed: Understanding and Equipping the 21st Century Volunteer. It’s a super informative, quick read.

As you prepare this summer for a new program year, we hope this post will be helpful. What do you look for in fantastic volunteers? We’d love to know, so don’t forget to share in the comments below!