1. Towards Truly Intergenerational Messy Church
2017 MAKE IT MESSY!
Parkville 03/06/17
Towards Truly Intergenerational Messy Church
Introduction and Overview
Being intergenerational
What is meant by “intergenerational”
What this means for Messy Church
Some helpful resources to explore

2. Children & Families person for the UCA Synod of Victas
Encouraging healthy ministry with children and their families
Providing effective educational resourcing for ministry with children and their families
Consultancy
Advocacy
Resourcing
Training

3. Intergenerational is not just a fad or a good idea…
An intentionally intergenerational environment
is more likely to encourage and sustain
lifelong discipleship
for all ages

4. Intentionally intergenerational
Simply having multiple generations in the same space doesn’t make the experience intergenerational

5. Being intergenerational More than what we do,
being intergenerational is about
who we are – our values, beliefs and attitudes

6. What is meant by “intergenerational”?
Some descriptions

7. I Some descriptions of “intergenerational”
“Two or more different age groups…together learning, growing, living in faith through in-common experiences, parallel learning, contributive occasions, and interactive sharing” - James White
“Intentional intergenerational strategies…encourage interpersonal interactions across generational boundaries…sense of mutuality and respect is encouraged between participants” – Alan Harkness

8. What do we mean by “intergenerational”?
Distinguishing between
Mono-,
Multi-,
Cross-
and Inter-generational

9. What do we mean by “intergenerational”?
Multi-generational Tolerance, Live Alongside
Superficial and polite interaction
Cross-generational Some sharing, listening, learning
Little individual/collective transformation
Inter-generational Comprehensive mutuality, equality & reciprocity
Individual/collective transformation more likely

10. What does this mean for Messy Church?
Messy Church can be truly intergenerational
For Messy Church to be truly intergenerational requires…
intentionality on the part of leaders/volunteers
leaders/volunteers who “are” intergenerational
modelling and articulation by leaders/volunteers of what it truly means to be intergenerational

11. Some resources to explore
The many useful resources to assist you in your Messy
intergenerational adventures include…
Messy Togetherness (Martyn Payne)
Generations Together (John Roberto et al)
Intergenerational Christian Formation (Holly Allen)
Belonging and Becoming (Mark & Lisa Scandrette)
All Age Worship (Lucy Moore)
Party on Together (Beth Barnett)
Engage Together/Intergenerational lectionary-based resources

12. Towards Truly Intergenerational Messy Church
2017 MAKE IT MESSY!
Parkville 03/06/17
Towards Truly Intergenerational Messy Church
Introduction and Overview
Being intergenerational
What is meant by “intergenerational”
What this means for Messy Church
Some helpful resources to explore