Perhaps a congregation has discovered a neighborhood or nearby community with no evangelical or other church presence. Or maybe the church has found a demographic that isn’t being reached with the gospel. Church leaders believe God is leading their congregation…
Translators’ goal: Make the message clear & plain
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The preface to the King James Version of the Bible captures Barclay Newman’s respect almost as much as the holy words the translation contains. And the longtime translator for the American Bible Society is disappointed modern editions…
Common values, mission draw Christians together across lines of age
Community usually is defined by the word “common.” What do people hold in common that draws them or binds them together? The way believers “do” or embody the church often is defined in communal terms. Whether they cross generational lines…
Relationship-building vital to bridging gulf between generations at church
A gap exists between generations in the church, experts seem to agree — and building strong relationships may be the way to bridge it. “There is difficulty in reaching across generations,” said Chris Gambill, congregational health service manager for the…
Ministering together the first step toward intergenerational community
Churches often segregate their members along age lines. Sunday morning usually sees children in one wing in age-graded Bible study, with adults in another area and often split up age segments. But many congregations will cross age barriers in ministry,…
Many churches are intentionally seeking to bridge the generation gap
While many congregations — particularly older, established churches — have members from several generations, often one generation dominates either in leadership or in numbers. But many churches intentionally look for ways to bridge generation gaps because they value the contributions each generation…
Reciprocity or dependency?
Relationship is the heart of mission involvement, and the form that relationship takes determines whether believers minister “with” or “to” others, missiologists insist. Today, they add, relationship translates as partnership, collaboration and reciprocity. Access to safe drinking water means healthier…
Challenge for churches: How to care for caregivers
As churches minister to the most elderly and infirm among members, some also seek ways to serve their caregivers — often family members — who often labor around the clock. Frank Fain, director of educational services for The Baptist Home…
No single size or shape fits ministry to all older adults
Pretend for a moment a congregation has called you as youth minister and includes all individuals from 3 to 30 years old as your group. What is your reaction? Most people wouldn’t expect a youth worker to deal with such…