Intergenerational Church?

Modern society is generally divided by age. Children and youth spend most of their time in childcare and school. Adults make up the workforce. Older persons tend to live separately from their family, with some in retirement homes or aged care. Often our modern churches are no different.

All Souls has segregated ministries for children and youth. Morning tea is designed for adults while children tend to go outside or sit in the corner. Our worship service uses language and furniture for adults while the kids’ stuff is stored in the hall. Even our staffing has promoted segregation: Paid musicians for specific services, a paid playgroup leader for outreach, and a succession of children’s and youth ministers who each experienced burnout before resigning...

Instead of separating into silo-ministries, how can we allow the gospel to unite us and transform our worship and community life?  What changes should we make for us to truly live as God’s family, with young and old caring for and learning from each other, putting aside our own interests to build up the body of Christ? I’d love to hear your suggestions as we develop our Mission Action Plan together!