Creating Intergenerational Ministry Moments

by Kaya Coleman

 

At Sugar Grove Church of Christ, creating intentional intergenerational ministry moments is a core part of our church culture. From family-style worship on Sunday mornings to community kickball on warm summer evenings, we want every generation to know they belong and have something valuable to offer within the body of Christ. We believe the church is healthiest when generations are not separated, but intentionally connected in worship, service, and discipleship.

One meaningful way we have lived this out this summer is through Bible class partnerships between our adult classes and elementary classes. Each adult Bible class committed to partnering with one of our elementary classes for a season of shared spiritual formation. During the Sunday morning Bible class hour, adults and children gather together in small groups to spend time in God’s Word, pray together, and engage in purposeful discussion about Scripture and life.

These gatherings have created opportunities for mutual encouragement and discipleship. Rather than viewing spiritual growth as something divided by age, this model allows both children and adults to learn from one another. The adults bring wisdom, life experience, and biblical insight, while the children offer honesty, curiosity, and fresh perspectives that challenge and encourage the adults in unexpected ways. It has reminded us that God often uses every generation to teach and shape His people.

One of the greatest blessings has been seeing these relationships continue beyond the classroom. Week after week, children and adults now greet one another by name, ask about each other’s lives, and follow up on prayer requests. Familiarity has grown into genuine connection, and those connections are strengthening our church as a whole. It is helping our children feel seen, known, and valued not just by their peers or ministry leaders, but by the larger church family.

These intergenerational moments also extend into our corporate worship. During worship gatherings, participants are invited to share what God has been teaching them through these experiences. Hearing both children and adults reflect on God’s work in their lives reminds our church that spiritual formation is a shared journey. It reinforces the truth that the church is strongest when generations walk together in faith, learning from and encouraging one another along the way.

 

 

About the Author

Kaya Coleman serves as the Children’s Minister at Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadows Place, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and coffee shops and attending professional sporting events. She is currently in the exciting season of wedding planning with her fiancé, Michael.

What Kaya loves most about her role is encouraging and equipping adults to see children as spiritual beings made in the image of God. She is passionate about helping the church recognize that children are not just the future of the church; they are an important part of it right now.