Overview

There is a growing realisation across mainstream churches that age-segregated models of connecting with children, young people and families are not working. Drawing on their extensive experience, Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip set out a vision for bringing the generations back together to become the intergenerational church we are designed to be. In conversation with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they develop a theological rationale for intentional intergenerational relationships of mutuality lived out within the core activities of the church. Through an exploration of the Christian practices of humility, hospitality, participation, discipleship, joy, worship, discernment and testimony, they call the church to re-discover its DNA as an all-age community of transformation.

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9781800830363

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Reviews

There has been much discussion about the need for intergenerational forms of ministry and ecclesiology. But amongst all the discussion there have been few books that have given this task the practical and theological depth it deserves. Until now. Being an Intergenerational Church provides pastors, parents, children’s ministers, and youth workers with rich discussions and many practical handles on what it means, and even looks like, to be intergenerational. This book is timely and needed. -- Andrew Root, PhD Resisting the current narrative heralding the demise of the church, Farrant and Philip winningly invite their readers into a new story, into a world of intergenerational church-communities where adults, youth, and children are not only with one another again, but now are able to be for one another again. Farrant and Philip support their intergenerational message with poignant stories, biblical insights, and powerful connections with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s work. In the end, we come back to a basic truth: that God has designed us to be together as we mutually influence each other on our spiritual journeys. This beautiful book adds new weight to the growing library of books on intergenerational ministry. -- Holly Catterton Allen, PhD * Founder of the InterGenerate Conference, USA * Casting a compelling vision for a truly intergenerational church, Being an Intergenerational Church is an exciting addition to the growing canon of foundational intergenerational texts. With its call to be led by the Spirit into becoming more fully the church we theologically understand ourselves to be, with the counter-cultural challenge to pay more attention to our being the church rather than our doing of church and with its confidence in the centrality of intergenerational relationships to our life together in ministry and mission, Being an Intergenerational Church has the potential to radically transform the experience of church for all ages. -- Chris Barnett * Executive General Manager, Intergen, Australia * This splendid book provides a compelling hope-filled vision of becoming an intergenerational church established upon divine action and our becoming the people we have been called to be in Christ. Darren and Suzi invite us to dialogue with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to accept an invitation to participate in God’s story of church, and be disciples bound to one another by the love of Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit to practice ministry and mission. We are encouraged to enter into a new narrative informed by the grace and power of God that is filled by faith, hope and love. I commend it wholeheartedly. -- Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey * Senior Lecturer Modern Church History, Aberdeen University, Scotland * Australian theologian Alison Sampson said, “Our children and youth rarely leave the church because we never actually let them become part of the church. What they leave are the groups we corral them into.” Church was never meant to separate the generations, but it feels as though we no longer know how to be a community of all ages. Farrant and Philip help us explore how the church can have a new story bringing generations together in life and worship, drawing on the work already ongoing in this area. Rooted in theology, grounded in reality and lived out in hospitality and welcome, Being an Intergenerational Church will help those starting the journey as well as those who are already travelling along the way. -- Revd Mary Hawes * Children and Youth Ministry Specialist, England *

Author Information

Suzi Farrant is Young People and Young Adults Development Worker for the Church of Scotland and co-ordinates its National Youth Assembly. Darren Philip is a practical theologian with specialisms in intergenerational worship and faith formation. He is National Stewardship Consultant for the Church of Scotland.

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