Intergenerational Worship

"The Church of All Ages:Generations Worshipping Together" by Howard Vanderwell (Ed).

At our network gathering last Thursday (which was terrific!) a few of us had a discussion about the challenges and merits of intergenerational worship.

This discussion prompted me to read this book which is a recent release from the Alban Institute. The book is not available in Australian Christian bookstores, but can be accessed from the Vose Library (when I return it later this week) or you can purchase online.

The book summarises the challenges facing churches who desire to pursue intergenerational worship. Written by a group of contributors, the book offers a number of differnent perspectives and insights.

It's important to be aware that the Contributors write from a "Reformed" theological background. When it comes to discussing the practical implications for effective intergenerational worship, there is a strong underlying assumption that parents need to be vitally involved in helping children and teens to engage in worship gatherings. And herein lies the major weakness of the book: it's not written from a missional viewpoint. Most of us who warm to the ideal of multigenerational worship are grappling with issues of parents who come with no church experience. We grapple with increasingly fragmented and hurting parents and children for whom, the challenge to sit for an hour or so in a worship service (however we seek to make it enaging) is just plain difficult.

In the introduction, Howard Vanderwell points out that this is a contemporary issue that the church needs to continue to grapple with. I agree that this is a very important conversation that we need to keep talking about as we meet, as we grapple with Scripture and as we seek to live and worship in community both with believers and non-believers alike.

Building a Playgroup Ministry

"Connecting Families with Jesus - Building a Playgroup ministry On Purpose" , by Yvette Wynne who ran a playgroup at Kingsway Community Church.

To order go to http://www.crsonline.com.au/

This book is a journal that is to be used with a resource DVD and a Guide that can be purchased separately.

Quote from the introduction:

" I see a future of Christian plygroups that will awaken a nation. I see mothers, children and fathers falling in love with Jesus for the very first time. A successful playgroup is not about how many women attend, how creative the craft, or tasty the morning tea. Its about how many women ar meeting Christ through you? Do you shine out his love and acceptance of them? Do you see women as God sees them? do you really get to know them, their hurts and pains? "

It requires you to take the people working with you through a 5 part small group process using the journal - with 6 daily readings each week individually. The leader being the guide and facilitator watching a small part of a DVD and discussion.

Recommended Reading

"Children's Ministry in the 21st Century", Craig Jutila, Jim Wideman and others.

This is an easy read with heaps of practical applications at the end of each chapter. Covering topics like understanding the contemporary world of kids, parenting, special needs kids, preprimary and primary ministry, you'll find helpful insights and ideas for implementing into your ministry straight away.

"Children's Ministry in the 21st Century" will be available from the usual bookstores, but if, like me, you can't wait ... then get a copy online!

"The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School"

This is a terrific book written by Aaron Reynolds - particularly for those of you working with primary aged kids. Ever wondered how you could tell a Bible story with greater power, passion and punch? Then this book is for you. check out the deal available through the Willow Creek Association and receive the bonus DVD master class session.