Healthy Communities include Intergenerational Relationships

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
—Psalm 78.1-4 (ESV)

Often, we separate generations into distinct and disconnected groups, but the Church is called to be different. A healthy Christian community is one where relationships thrive across all ages – where the wisdom of the elders nurtures the faith of the young, and where the enthusiasm of the young generation breathes fresh energy into the lives of the seasoned saints. Scripture calls us to this kind of intentional connection—one that strengthens our faith and our witness to the world.

Psalm 78 reminds us that a thriving church is not one where generations function in silos, but one where spiritual wisdom and life experience are shared freely. The strength of our community lies, not only in our ability to learn from one another, but to grow together in the love of Christ. If we desire to foster truly healthy church communities, we must be intentional about creating opportunities for meaningful intergenerational engagement.

Mentorship programs are great at establishing structured opportunities within the church that allow seasoned saints to invest in the lives of younger ones. Whether through formal discipleship programs or informal relationships, mentorship helps guide the next generation in faith, unity, and practical wisdom.

Some years ago, I learned from a seasoned clergyman that mission isn’t something that you do after you become a disciple, but it is, in fact, part of the discipleship process. When God’s people, who are of different ages serve together, not only are powerful connections formed, but discipleship is deepened, and the witness of the church is strengthened. Whether it’s a mission trip, a local outreach effort, or community service projects, bringing generations together for Kingdom work promotes unity and fortifies bonds.

As communal ties are strengthened, we understand more about one another.  When we do, we realize that everyone has something to contribute, regardless of age, and it creates space for mutual learning. One powerful example of this is a program called Geeks & Gramps, run by the nonprofit DRMI.

The Geeks & Gramps Program provides an opportunity for intergenerational engagement by connecting seniors and youth (ages 8-18) through technology training. Young people help seniors navigate the digital world, keeping them connected to family, friends, and their communities, while seniors, in turn, impart wisdom and life skills to the youth.

This type of program is a model for what intergenerational ministry can look like: a mutually enriching experience where both generations benefit. Seniors gain confidence in using technology and experience a renewed sense of purpose, while youth develop valuable skills and learn the importance of serving others. Programs like this demonstrate that intergenerational relationships are not just beneficial, but it is good for the health of the community. Imagine now a similar program that has at its heart the Gospel of Jesus Christ and can be used as a tool in the toolbox for evangelism and outreach – it can truly be a transformative program for all generations!

Think for a second about your own family – whether big or small, at some point there were multiple generations. Perhaps you remember your grandmother or grandfather; maybe you are now that grandmother or grandfather. Whichever the case, I would surmise that there was more than one generation represented in whatever picture of family you are calling to mind. The Church is a family. One, as Jesus was teaching, his mother and brothers stood outside asking to speak to him. But he replied to the messenger, “’Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:46–50). Paul says to the church at Ephesus that they were “no longer strangers and aliens, but [they] are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). There are countless other places in scripture where this same affirmation is made. The Church, the household of God, is a place where wisdom is passed down, where the younger generation is nurtured, and where every member, regardless of age, finds purpose and belonging in Christ Jesus.

As we seek to build healthier church communities across our diocese, it is vital that we are intentional about connecting across generations. I pray that we are people, like the psalmist, who declare God’s faithfulness to the next generation!

Your homework: Pray about how the Lord might be calling you to tell a different generation of His glorious deeds, might, and the works that He has done.