Generations Together Schedule

Presenter: Sarah Flannery, Faith Formation Project

In both parenting and family ministry, there is no way to prevent difficult conversations with kids. In fact, it is through these uncomfortable, uncertain conversations that important faith formation happens! This session will provide best practices for engaging the younger generation in difficult conversations about politics, family conflict, race, sex, and other topics that are challenging for adults to face. Speaking from the multiple vantage points of parent, researcher, and family ministry professional, Sarah will share practical and biblical approaches to the difficult conversations that form the basis of relational discipleship.

Presenter: Rev. Tanya Yuen, CBOQ Kids

Many churches long for intergenerational connection but struggle to move beyond surface-level interactions. This session explores practical tools and spiritual practices to help your community break the silence, spark meaningful dialogue, and listen deeply across age lines. Let’s move beyond “how are you?” and into holy listening that forms faith across generations.

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Presenter: Aike Kennett – Brown, Messy Church UK

Messy Church is a way of being church that is Christ-centered, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Find out how Messy Church brings generations together and hear about the UK’s new Messy Momentum project, that is trying out new ways to engage young people as they grow through Messy Church.

Presenter: Dr. Rich Griffith, Toccoa Falls College

Whether the term is systemic abandonment or systemic isolation, our teenagers are suffering in a culture where they are under-resourced in mental health services, social capital, adult nurturing relationships, life-impacting decisions and so much more. It is no wonder that adolescence as a developmental time period has been extended from ages 11 – 29. Traditionally, even family ministry has been defined as “ages & stage” and geared toward nuclear family structures, and yet culture has dramatically changed from this post-World War II construct. While family sizes have decreased, so to have family support systems. This is forcing churches to reconsider how they define “family ministry” theologically and how to truly engage intergenerationally in a way that  incorporates a variety of family structures as well as all ages in order to truly be intergenerational. Further, there is a necessity of every church to consider how to engage this “Church As Family” approach while becoming more trauma informed. This seminar will help explore this multi-faceted journey to where we need to go in the future in order to truly reflect a robust intergenerational ministry.

Presenter: Melissa J. MacDonald, https://www.melissajmacdonald.com/

Discover the beauty and power of generational unity in outreach. We’ll explore what it looks like when different generations come together with a shared purpose—to bring hope and light to their neighborhoods. Hear practical insights and stories that celebrate connection, collaboration, and community transformation.

Presenter: Dr. Jessica Fleck, Professor of Christian Ministries

Why is it important to include singles in intergenerational ministry and how to do it. We will look at unmarried individuals and their importance in scripture, in our society, and in the church. The session will end with ideas to engage and incorporate singles into fresh ministry with various generations.