Announcing the workshops at intergenerate!
InterGenerate is a conference for academics and practitioners together for synergistic and constructive dialogue. Workshops are a key setting for this dialogue.
Workshops primarily address the “how” questions that arise from the “why” and “what” questions of intergenerational ministry practice. They are 75-minute interactive sessions, guided by the presenter, that emphasize application in real-life settings. Participants should interact, learn new skills or ways of thinking, and discover ways to apply new knowledge to their own work.
Here are the workshops for the 2023 InterGenerate Conference.
The Five Characteristics of Intergenerational Communities: How do you measure how intergenerational your church community is? Through the research of his PhD study, Dr. Joe Azzopardi found there were five measurable factors that determined how intergenerational a community was. This workshop unpacks these five characteristics and gives some simple strategies to help your church become both a diverse and unified community. Information regarding church assessment will also be provided. Joe Azzopardi holds a PhD in Practical Theology and is Conjoint Lecturer of Avondale University. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 234.
Intergenerational Discipleship: Putting It into Practice: While many of us are talking about intergenerational discipleship, how are we putting it into practice? This workshop will explore two practical models for developing more embedded intergenerationality in our discipleship processes. Suitable for anyone interested in discipleship for people of any age, especially relevant for those in leadership roles. Chris Barnett holds a Graduate Diploma in Bible and Ministry and is Executive General Manager of Intergen Australia. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 207.
When God Shows Up for Your Intergenerational Bible Study: Bible study groups usually segregate based on age and educational levels. Being intergenerational runs contrary to these “natural” groupings. There are more options for intergenerational Bible study than speaking over the heads of others or dumbing it down to the simplest mind. Experience an eight-step model for depending on an active Holy Spirit in Bible study, which holds special promise for intergenerational groups. Steve Case holds a PhD in religious education and is President of Involve Youth and Adjunct Professor at Andrews University. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 207.
Study, Eat, Play, and Pray: Intergenerational Ministry Around the Table: This workshop is for the church leader who is ready to get creative with faith formation! Picture this—all are seated together around tables, and each one has a mix of generations. Participants are reading Scripture, eating, playing and praying together. Conversation is guided by wondering questions where all are mutually invested. Come an experience a session of GenOn Ministries LIFT (Living in Faith Together)! Betsy Dishman holds a Bachelor of Music Education and is Training Director at GenOn Ministries. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 363.
Intergenerational and Multilingual Scripture Presentation for Participation in Worship and Beyond: We want all ages and all cultures to engage and interact with Scripture, but how? This workshop offers first steps, creative ideas, and specific ways you can begin intergenerational, multilingual Scripture presentation right away in your context. Come prepared to participate in a community of discovery and collaboration as we explore intergenerational and multilingual Scripture presentation in worship and beyond. Amy Yu holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Western Seminary. Valerie Grissom holds a Doctorate in Worship Studies and is a Certified Pastor for Ordination in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Currently on sabbatical, she has been a Worship Pastor for 19 years. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 147.
Engaging Children as Full Participants of Intergenerational Worship: Intergenerational worship provides wonderful opportunities for both engaging children as well as equipping them as leaders within the community. This workshop explores the meaningful ways children learn and how we can partner with them, apprenticing them as worship leaders within the community. Participants will be equipped to create eight different pathways for children to engage in worship, moving children from passive observers to full participants in the worshiping community. Mimi Larson holds a PhD in and is Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She also serves as a Children’s Ministry Consultant with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 147.
Practicing Spiritual Disciplines Intergenerationally: “Practicing Spiritual Disciplines Intergenerationally” is a new chapter in the recently published second edition of “Intergenerational Christian Formation” Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship” (IVP, 2023 by Allen, Lawton & Seibel). Led by co-author, Christine Lawton, you will gain a summary of the new chapter as you practice and consider spiritual disciplines that are easily transferrable to intergenerational groupings in your own settings. Christine Lawton holds a PhD in Educational Studies and is Academic Outcomes Assessment Specialist at George Fox University. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 136.
Intergenerational Ministry 101 Starting From Square One: Beginning the Journey of Intergenerational Ministry with Your Church: What does the beginning of intergenerational ministry look like for a church? How can we get this kind of ministry started and set-up for success in my congregation? This workshop will explore steps a church might take to begin the journey towards intergenerational ministry, struggles it can anticipate, and strategies that can help promote long-term success towards becoming this kind of faith community. Wilson McCoy holds MDiv and DMin degrees and is Associate Minister at the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 205.
Messy Church: Simple Building Blocks Creating Space for All Ages Together: Looking for a way to bring generations together in your context? In this workshop, explore the Messy Church way! With the simple power of pipe cleaners and building blocks, let’s learn the basics of the model, see how the model can be adapted, and consider how Messy Church might work in your community. Workshop participants will experience a mini-Mess experience as part of the workshop! Johannah Myers holds a DMin and MDiv degrees, is Associate Director of Messy Church USA, and serves as Director of Disciple Formation at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 107.
Bridging the Islands: Bringing Generations Together through Wonder and Storytelling: How and why should the church intentionally be in the business of building bridges to connect Generation Alpha with Boomer generation? We will explore the unique role of wonder and storytelling in our communities and talk about creative and organic ways for it happen. Trevecca Okholm, MA, is a Certified Christian Educator in the PCUSA, a retired Children and Family Pastor of 40 years, a Worship & Wonder Trainer, and an Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology at Azusa Pacific University. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 138.
How Do We Break Down the Barriers That Make It Hard to Become More Intentionally Intergenerational? When seeking to move our current siloed structures to be more intentionally Intergenerational, it’s all about a mindset and heart change that needs to be steeped deeply in the heart of God and His word. His desire for us as the “body of Christ” is to be a community where mutuality, reciprocity, inclusiveness, and respect are celebrated and lived out. What steps can we take to help break down these barriers? Tammy Preston is Lead Pastor of an intergenerational community and Team Leader for Intergenerate Australia/New Zealand. Currently engaged in PhD studies at Cardiff University, she is also one of the keynote speakers at this InterGenerate conference. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 205.
Filling the Gap in Middle Childhood: An Opportunity for Intergenerational Ministries: This workshop will 1) Explore the gaps between how church leaders and parents think about what children are ready for and how they learn—and the gap about how they learn from neuroscience; 2) Identify opportunities to connect with young people in the wake of the pandemic in ways that allow for a fresh start; and 3) Highlight the specific benefits and opportunities that are available to support children during this particularly formative in children’s religious and spiritual development. After being introduced to the gaps described above in Search Institute’s data, participants will be invited to reflect on whether and how they see similar (or different) gaps in their own ministries. Then they will be asked to brainstorm in small groups concrete ideas that they could implement something new within the time and budget constraints they experience. Gene Roehlkepartain holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and is Senior Scholar at the Search Institute. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 232.
Let the Little Ones Come: Why Young Children Are an Essential Part of Intergenerational Community: Jesus blessed children…and became indignant when his own disciples rebuked their parents. If we are to welcome all the generations to be the body of Christ, we need to start with the youngest in our community. We’ll explore how to welcome young children into faith communities using methods that are rooted in scripture, brain science, architecture, and educational best practices. Dawn Rundman holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and is Director of Faith Formation Resource Development at 1517 Media, the Publishing Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 205.
Intergenerational Holy Moments: Cultivating Sacred Spaces and Opportunities for Intergenerational Intersection: This workshop will explore the concept of "intergenerational holy moments" as a catalyst for cultivating sacred spaces and opportunities through which the Holy Spirit becomes the meditator between generations. Revisiting their own intergenerational efforts from the past decade, participants will collectively construct a practical theological rubric for understanding and analyzing our current ministry practices. Jason Brian Santos holds a PhD in Practical Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology. He is currently Minister of Word and Sacrament Community Presbyterian Church in Lake City, Colorado. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 138.
Intergenerational Worship: The Work of ALL People: What if it is possible to include, involve, and engage all generations, both in worship and in worship leadership? What if worship leadership could be reframed as a generous out-pouring of God’s generosity toward us? And what if it’s not as hard as it sounds? Join Breen Sipes, Music that Makes Community facilitator and ELCA Lutheran pastor, for an interactive pop-up worship experience where all people are essential to the worship of God. You will take home lots of ideas, resources, and songs to share! Breen Marie Sipes is an ELCA pastor and Board member and facilitator for Music That Makes Community. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 136.
Creating Life-Giving Intergenerational Relationships Using the Catalyst of Prayer: What if you could help every young person that you serve have dozens of the life-giving intergenerational relationships they need to flourish in faith and life? It can be done and is being done by hundreds of ministries around the country. In this workshop we will present a proven and practical way for creating the vital relationships young people need through the avenue of prayer. Tony Souder holds an MA in Christian Education and is CEO of One Hundred Years based on Chattanooga, Tennessee. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 10:30-11:45 in Ezell 363.
Uniquely Made: Using How God Designed Each of Us to Play in Intergenerational Ministry: God has designed us each in his image and yet, unique. This includes the ways we best experience joy and abundant life, or how we play. Research has identified eight predominant ways most of us prefer to play. These play styles are not dependent on age or culture but can help us to encounter God and experience abundant life in the unique ways we were created. When understood, these play styles are an excellent tool for us to use as we incorporate play into intergenerational ministry for both growth and fellowship. Joy Lynn Wendling holds an MA in Youth, Family, and Culture and is the founder of Created to Play Ministries. This workshop occurs on Thursday from 9:00-10:15 in Ezell 363.
Collective Discernment for Leadership in Intergenerational Communities: The clerical model has been the dominant leadership approach in the western church. However, this “from the front” model of discipleship has tended to create spiritual dependence within congregations, can place a heavy burden on leaders, and has increased the risk of abuse. This experiential workshop will explore ways intergenerational Christian communities can move toward systems where leadership flows between members. Using contemplative and creative practices we will participate in a collective discernment task and develop a shared leadership resource. Stacey Wilson holds a BA and post-graduate certification in Occupational Therapy and is currently engaged in a Theological Studies Masters program. She is a Qualitative Research Consultant. This workshop occurs on Wednesday from 3:45-5:00 in Ezell 107.