Multigenerational Ministry

Ministry Mission and Message

March 7, 2009

More Than Numbers

• Numerical Growth

• Maturational Growth

• Organic Growth

• Incarnational Growth

Maturational Growth

This growth is in stature and maturity of each member,

growth in faith and the ability to nurture and be nurtured.

Linear

InfantsChildren Youth

Young Adults

Adults Elders

Circular

Infants

Children

Youth

Young Adults

Adults

Elders

Community

All persons, both children and adults, need community.

Community

Children are like canaries in a coal mine.

Hardwired to Connect

We are hardwired for close attachments to other people,

beginning with our parents and extended family, and then moving out to the broader

community.

Hardwired to Connect

We are hardwired for meaning, born with a built-in capacity and drive to search for purpose and reflect on life’s ultimate ends.

Connected Community

It treats children as ends in themselves.

Connected Community

It is a social institution that includes children and youth.

Connected Community

It is warm and nurturing.

Connected Community

It establishes clear limits and expectations.

Connected Community

The core of its work is performed largely by non-specialists.

Connected Community

It is multi-generational.

Connected Community

It has a long-term focus.

Connected Community

It reflects and transmits a shared understanding of what it means to be

a good person.

Connected Community

It encourages spiritual and religious development.

Connected Community

It is philosophically oriented to the equal dignity of all persons and to the

principle of love of neighbor.

Lifespan Faith Development

Vision Statement

We envision children, youth, and adults who…

Vision Statement

affirm that they are part of a Unitarian Universalist religious heritage and community of faith that has value and provides resources for

living;

Vision Statement

know that they are lovable beings of infinite worth, imbued with powers of the soul, and obligated to

use their gifts, talents, and potentials in the service of life;

Vision Statement

accept that they are responsible for the stewardship and creative transformation of

their religious heritage and community of faith;

Vision Statementrealize that they are moral agents, capable of making a

difference in the lives of other people, challenging structures of social and political oppression, promoting the health and

wellbeing of the planet, acting in the service of diversity, justice and compassion;

Vision Statement

recognize the need for community, affirming the importance of families, relationships and

connections between and among the generations;

Vision Statement

appreciate the value of spiritual practice as a means of deepening faith and integrating

beliefs and values with everyday life;

Vision Statement

experience hope, joy, mystery, healing, and personal transformation

in the midst of life's challenges.

Opportunities

• Worship

• Fellowship

• Outreach

• Social Justice

• Learning

Best Practices in Intergenerational Faith Formation

Best Practices in Multigenerational

Faith Development

Intergenerational can be defined as “two or more different age groups of people in a religious community together learning/growing/living in faith through in-common experiences, parallel learning, contributive occasions, and interactive sharing.”

--James W. White

The Process

• In-Common Experiences

• Parallel Learning

• Contributive-Occasions

• Interactive Sharing

Four Movement Learning Process

• All-Ages Learning Experience

• In-Depth Learning Experience

• All-Ages Contributive Learning Experience

• Reflection

Designing Multigenerational Faith Development

• Gathering and Opening• All-Ages Learning Experience• In-Depth Learning Experience• All-Ages Contributive Learning

(including Sharing Reflections & Home Application)

• Closing

Best Practice

1. Intergenerational faith formation strengthens and creates new relationships and increases participation in church life.

Best Practice

2. Intergenerational faith formation engages all ages and the whole family in learning together.

Best Practice

3. Intergenerational faith formation creates a conducive environment for all ages to learn, and utilizes a variety of learning activities to address the diversity of learning styles and developmental needs.

Best Practice

4. Intergenerational faith formation requires a diversity of leaders who embrace a collaborative and empowering style of leadership.