Thriving: Intergenerational Relationships

Sandy Brodine speaks with Chris Barnett about what it really means for a church or Christian community to become intergenerational. Chris draws on decades of ministry experience, as well as long involvement in intergenerational conversations in the Uniting Church and beyond, to unpack the difference between mono-generational, multi-generational, cross-generational, and intergenerational life. They also explore how posture, practices, and intentional pathways can help communities of faith deepen relationships across ages and support lifelong discipleship. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and welcoming Chris Barnett (00:01:29) - Chris's background and journey into intergenerational ministry (00:03:15) - Defining mono, multi, cross and intergenerational ministry (00:06:14) - Why intergenerational ministry supports lifelong discipleship (00:07:46) - Taking small steps toward intergenerationality (00:10:02) - Posture and practices in community life (00:11:02) - The Bible study group as an intergenerational case study (00:14:22) - Reflections on kids growing up in the group (00:16:35) - The five Ps: planning to appraising phases (00:20:13) - Practices and posture as a feedback loop (00:21:56) - Intergenerational discipleship and Messy Church (00:23:53) - Multivocal, multimodal ways of engaging (00:25:22) - Finding your tribe through diverse spiritual styles (00:27:54) - Neurodiversity and options in youth spirituality (00:30:02) - Spiritual traditions and closing thoughts