Intergenerational Ministry and Succession

Speaker: Rev. Ho-Ming Tsui

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

“Intercultural describes communities in which there is a deep understanding and respect for all cultures and no one is left unchanged because everyone learns from one another and grows together”

—Paula Schriefer

Introduction: Intergenerational ministry is something we DO (action) but it’s also something we BECOME (transformation)

For our church to become an inter-generational community, we need to embrace 3 shifts:

1. The shift from transmission to conversation (v. 7-8b)

a. Humility (assessment), i.e. having the strength to admit the truth about yourself

b. Honesty (attitude), i.e. being straightforward about your feelings

c. Vulnerability (action), i.e. surrendering your mask

2. The shift from tolerance to collaboration (v. 9-10)

a. Older generations show love by nurturing those who come after them

b. Younger generations show love by honouring those who have come before them

3. The shift from takeover to partnership (v. 11-12)

a. Make space in your heart - humility

b. Make time in your schedule - intentionality

c. Make room on your platform for those who are ready - security