Announcing the paper presentations at intergenerate!

InterGenerate is a conference for academics and practitioners together for synergistic and constructive dialogue. Paper presentations cultivate this exciting dialogue. Papers primarily address the “why” and “what” questions underlying the “how” of intergenerational ministry practice.

Paper presentations entail an oral presentation that offers empirical or conceptual research related to intergenerational Christian formation or ministry. Each 25-minute paper presentation includes 20 minutes for the paper followed by approximately 5 minutes for Q & A and discussion. Three papers will be presented in each 75-minute session.

Here are our paper presenters.

Intergenerational Teaching and Learning: Benefits, Challenges, and Recommendations from Recent Research: Why might a congregation explore intergenerational learning opportunities? This presentation will examine findings from empirical research conducted by six doctoral students who implemented intergenerational learning experiences in their congregations. Among the learning environments examined were a family Sunday school, all-age small groups using “Dwelling in the Word,” an interage group practicing lectio divina, and cross-generational Bible studies. The research offers surprising findings regarding how generations learning together can amplify the spiritual benefits for everyone. Holly Allen holds a PhD in Christian Education and is Adjunct Professor at Lipscomb University and a founding member of InterGenerate. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00.

Why Intergenerational Faith Communities Are Good for Faith and Good for the Church: “Intent Community Participation”: Intergenerational ministry emphasizes bringing different age groups together for effective faith formation. Sociological studies complement biblical and theological foundations, providing an extra perspective on why this approach works well. This paper explores anthropologist Barbara Rogoff's concept of "intent community participation" and its positive impact on both faith formation, and the community itself, in intergenerational churches. Tim Beilharz holds a Master of Arts degree in Theology and is Children’s Ministry Advisor at Anglican Youthworks in Australia. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00.

Exploring a Theology of Intergenerational Church from a Nuanced Reading of Scripture: Interest in an intergenerational perspective and practice in the church recently has relied primarily on the behavioral sciences and educational theory. We need a more robust theology than, “Jesus welcomed the children; so should we.” While the term “intergenerational” can’t be found in Scripture, a more nuanced look yields strong anchor points in both the Old and New Testaments which provide the foundation, models, and practices to be intergenerational in our churches today. Steve Case holds a PhD in religious education and is President of Involve Youth and Adjunct Professor at Andrews University. This paper presentation occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15.

Applying Ancient Israel Intergenerational Practices Today especially in Light of the Pandemic: During the 2020 pandemic, church leaders created new techniques to serve and reach the world. Disasters have existed since the beginning of time and yet religious transmission has occurred during floods, famines, plagues, and political crises. This paper considers how church leaders today can apply ancient Israel intergenerational faith transmission practices in their ministries regardless of uncontrollable external circumstances. Stacey Davis holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Talbot Seminary and is Assistant Professor of Educational Ministry and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. This paper presentation occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15.

Bridges & Barriers: Recognizing Constructs of Age Segregation in the Church and Identifying Opportunities for Generational Integration and Spiritual Formation: Age segregation in society has been widely researched and shown to have significant impact on our general communal wellbeing. Applying this research to religious environments has been challenging due to the scope and scale of the work. A recent case study of ten multi-denominational churches applied the research through the lens of four constructs of age segregation. The results offer religious communities an opportunity to identify parallel structures that hinder or heighten age integration. Christina Embree holds a DMin in Spiritual Formation and is Minister of Generational Discipleship for the Great Lakes Conference of the Brethren in Christ. She is also Founder and Director of ReFocus Ministry in Kentucky. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.

Building an Intergenerational Team: What Gen Z in the Workplace Can Teach Churches about Working Together: The impact of Generation Z is a needed area of exploration for churches who want to develop intergenerational leadership teams. This paper will explore this need through an innovative, cross-disciplinary approach. It will present the latest research on how Gen Z is impacting workplace environments and will allow those insights to form strategic possibilities for church leaders. What can churches learn from the business world as we seek to lead with the next generation? Wilson McCoy holds a DMin and is Teaching Minister at College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee. Karah Sprouse holds a Doctorate of Business Administration and is Assistant Professor of Business at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee This paper presentation occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15.

Personhood and Place-Sharing: How Bonhoeffer Can Help the Church Community Bring the Generations Together: Many churches seeking to build a rationale for intergenerational ministry draw upon Scripture, social science or observed practice, but could this be enriched by engagement with the theological forebears of our tradition?  This paper considers intergenerationality through the lens of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s answers to the questions “Who is Jesus Christ?” “Where is Jesus Christ?” and “What, then, shall we do?”   Exploring his concepts of personhood, church-community and “place-sharing” results in a framework for intergenerational church based on the mutual experience of God revealed in relationship. Darren Philip holds a Masters in Theology in Ministry Studies from the University of Aberdeen and is a National Stewardship Consultant, The Church of Scotland. Previously he was a Youth & Children’s Development Worker for 13 years. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.

The Importance of Belonging across All Ages in a Disconnected World: We all want to feel like we belong no matter what age we are. The question is when do we feel like we most belong? A recent study with over 100 people of all ages shows that no matter the age, there are key environments and elements which help make all the difference for those of us who are passionate about seeing people of all ages connect closer to God and to each other. Tammy Preston is completing her PhD at Cardiff University in the UK and is currently lead pastor of an intergenerational community. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.

What Could Happen If We Really Nurtured Meaningful Developmental Relationships in Church?: In this time of increased social isolation and loneliness, creating meaningful relationships is not only a critical need in society, but it’s also a powerful way to live out the Christian faith. This presentation will introduce Search Institute’s Framework of Developmental Relationships as a resource for imagining how churches might become more intentional and creative in creating cultures and ministries grounded in relationships that transform the lives of people of all ages. Gene Roehlkepartain holds a PhD in Education: Curriculum & Instruction, with specialization in youth, families, and communities. He is currently a Senior Scholar at the Search Institute. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00.

Reconciling Two Interpretations of Intergenerationality in the Biblical Narrative: Have you ever been asked the question, "How does the Bible support intergenerational formation?" It's a tough question that we don't always know how to answer. Examining two seemingly opposing views of the biblical witness toward intergenerationality, this presentation seeks to find common ground and promote a fuller, more robust understanding of how God guided and continues to guide a covenant community toward an intergenerational vision of the Kingdom of God. Jason Santos holds a PhD in Practical Theology with a focus on Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, and Discipleship. He is currently Minister of Word and Sacrament at Community Presbyterian Church in Lake City, Colorado. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.

From Blocks to Bunco and Everywhere In Between: A Theology You Can Play In: Fred Rogers once said, “It's the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.” This paper addresses a theology of play and translates secular play research into a Christian worldview. It proposes that play is not simply for children, but powerful for all ages. By looking at the properties of play in the character of God, we will acknowledge the biblical aspect of play and how it allows us to experience the abundant life Christ offers and to live in the complete joy of a relationship with God. Joy Wendling holds a Master of Arts in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is owner of Created to Play Ministries and Play Advocate in Washington. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.

Intergenerational Ministry in a Trilingual Church: Positive Impact and Challenging Issues: This phenomenological study addresses the benefits and challenges of implementing intergenerational experiences in a trilingual church. The research participants came from all three language groups in the congregation (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English). The findings show both the positive impact and challenging aspects of intergenerational experiences on children's and adults’ faith formation. The study also revealed the challenges (and blessings) of implementing intergenerational ministry in a trilingual church culture. Amy Yu holds a DMin from the Associated Canadian Theological Schools and is charge/lead pastor of Next Gen Ministries at Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church in Toronto, Ontario. This paper presentation occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45.