Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Venturing into Intergenerationality: Our Stories
Introduction

Part One: Generational Realities
1. What Is the Problem?
2. How Did We Get Here? Why Churches Tended to Separate the Generations
3. Why Bring the Generations Back Together? The Benefits of Intergenerationality
4. What Shall We Name This Approach?

Part Two: Biblical, Theological and Theoretical Support
5. Feasts, Jehoshaphat and House Churches: Biblical Foundations
6. Growing Each Other Up: Theoretical Foundations
7. Midwives, Tailors and Communities of Practice: Learning Theory
8. The Trinity, Koinonia and the Body: Theological Foundations

Part Three: Support from the Social Sciences
9. Becoming Christian in Community: "Religious Socialization" 
10. The Very Old and the Very Young: Contributions from Gerontology
11. Millennials, Xers, Boomers and Silents: Generational Theory
12. By the Numbers: Empirical Research

Part Four: Intergenerational Christian Formation Practices
13. Creating a Culture of Intergenerationality
14. Intergenerational Worship
15. Intergenerational Learning Experiences
16. Intergenerationality and Story Sharing
17. Intergenerational Service and Missions
18. Intergenerational Small Groups
19. Cross-Generational Relationships in Multicultural Churches
20. Intergenerationality and Megachurches

Conclusion
Appendix A: Forty Intergenerational Ideas
Appendix B: Intergenerational Ministry Resources
Appendix C: Biblical Passages that Reflect an Intergenerational Outlook

Bibliography
Author Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index

About the Author

Holly Catterton Allen (PhD, Talbot School of Theology) is professor of family science and Christian ministries at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she holds a joint appointment in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Bible and Ministry. She teaches undergraduate courses such as Nurturing Spiritual Development in Children and Family Ministry and has previously taught at John Brown University, Biola University, and Abilene Christian University. Allen's areas of scholarly interest are children's spirituality and intergenerational issues. She is the author of InterGenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry, coauthor (with Christine Ross) of Intergenerational Christian Formation, and editor of Nurturing Children's Spirituality: Christian Perspectives and Best Practices. She leads two national, ecumenical conferences: the Children's Spirituality Summit and InterGenerate that currently meet in alternating years at Lipscomb University. She has published articles in Christian Education Journal, Lutheran Education, Lifelong Faith, Christian Scholar's Review, and Christianity Today along with chapters in several books. Allen is married to Dr. Leonard Allen and they have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Christine Lawton (PhD, St. Louis University) is currently the executive director of teacher programming at PathLight International. Her background includes professor/director of Christian education at Concordia University in Irvine, California, congregational youth and adult ministry, inner-city teaching and international education consulting. She is also the author of several Bible studies and Sunday school curriculum resources. She particularly enjoys intergenerational, international, multi-cultural, Christian education or beach-oriented activities.

Reviews

"As many North American churches find themselves in turmoil due to age-divided congregations, I believe Intergenerational Christian Formation is a must read."
*Russel Doerksen, The Messenger, July 2013*

"Intergenerational Christian Formation provides church leaders with a solid biblical rationale and a reasoned roadmap for cultivating such a culture of intergenerational life, blessings and community in Christ."
*Tim Pyles, The Christian Chronicle, March 2013*

"While there is no easy solution to complex challenges faced particularly by ethnic churches, I appreciate the authors' encouragement to find shared Christian values and a shared mission whereby different generations can engage in shared ministry in spaces beyond the sanctuary. This book provides guidance for anyone interested in and committed to intentional intergenerational Christian formation."
*Narola Ao McFayden, Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology, 68(4)*

"Intergenerational Christian Formation would be a valuable text to use in upper division undergraduate and seminary-level ministry courses. The book's overall tone, practical pointers and insights drawn from congregational field research also make it a great resource for ministry practitioners desiring to explore the theory and practice of intergenerational ministry. This is an important book that deserves to be read widely, one that is sure to have an enduring impact for many years to come."
*Cory Seibel, McMaster Journal for Theology and Ministry, 2013-2014*