EFFECTIVE INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRIES
By: Frank E. Fain, PhD
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” 1 Peter 4:10 niv
Reaching and ministering to youth are challenging tasks facing many congregations today. Many churches are finding their members age 55-plus to be extremely effective in meeting these challenges.
Following are examples of effective intergenerational ministries involving youth and adults age 55-plus. Hopefully one or more can apply to your congregation.
 | Adult – Young People Service Projects/Mission Trips – Today’s teens and 55-plus adults want to make a difference in the world. Service projects and mission trips give both groups opportunities to meet their altruistic interests with side benefits. By working along side young people in such projects elders are finding ways to demonstrate and share their faith with young people in real life situations. Also these adults and teens often form deep and lasting friendships through serving together. |
| Auto Care and Evangelism – Many retired men have auto care ministry doing minor auto service for widows, elderly persons and single mothers. Some of these ministries have turned into a youth mentoring/outreach ministry. In these situations the men team up with interested youth to do the work. The men also help the teen service their first car. The men report they have had many opportunities to witness and teach life lessons to their young partners while meeting the transportation needs of others. Similar programs have been developed in woodworking, home repair, music, sewing and cooking. |
| Bible Study Teacher – Many churches are finding 55-plus adults are some of their most effective Bible Study Teachers of Youth. Their mature faith is a stabilizing force for youth’s turbulent years. |
| Parenting, Prenatal Care or Life Skills Classes – Some young people find themselves in a life-crisis situation and think they have no place to turn for help. Several churches have found 55-plus adults to be great mentors to young people facing a crisis pregnancy, teen-marriages, or living on their own. |
| Prayer Warriors Ministry – 55 -plus adults volunteer to be “Prayer Warriors” for a youth. The adult is given youth’s name, age, address, school grade, school, birthday, other data, and is asked to daily pray for the person, send appropriate notes of encouragement, Christmas/birthday cards, but to never reveal their identity. The young person is told an adult will be praying for them for the next year. After twelve months there is a “Prayer Warriors – Young Peoples Banquet” where young people get to meet their personal Prayer Warrior. |
| Surrogate Grandparents Ministry –A very effective ministry around military bases and universities. Older adults volunteer to become surrogate grandparents to children and young people in a family who live far away from their biological grandparents. Surrogate Grandparent attended the young person’s school functions, sporting events and special events. The adults also provide a listening ear and help the young person develop a sense of belonging to the community. |
| Sports Camps/Clinics- Golf, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Bowling, and even Chess, you name the sport and one can organize an outreach project using it. Sports minded young people will take part in any event that will help them improve their athletic skills. Many 55-plus adults are experienced coaches and report such clinics offer them opportunities to teach sports skills, demonstrate the Christian lifestyle, and share the gospel. |
| Tutoring Ministry – Many churches are finding avenues for evangelism through free tutoring programs. Retired schoolteachers volunteer to staff the program where teenagers in the community may come to get a little extra help with their schoolwork. The adults testify this is most rewarding teaching experience in which they have been involved. Some churches have GED programs and English as a Second Language programs which provide opportunities to witness for Christ while meeting the educational needs of many young people. |
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