Markers of a flourishing intergenerational small group

Markers of a Healthy Small Group

In 2008, I studied small groups that included both adults and children. I found that these "Intergenerational" groups flourished when certain markers were present:

Structuring to meet the needs of children and adults
For small groups including children up to age twelve, the groups with the most confidence and the least difficulties were groups that included a simple structure:

Together,
Apart,
Together again.
Developing a ministry leader for children
Ideally, the length of the adult study and prayer time would complement the length of the kids’ slot. The leadership given to the children’s ministry was one of the primary markers of a strong intergenerational ministry group that included children up to age twelve. When there was purposeful, supervised children’s ministry and play time, and when a consistent curriculum was in place, the groups experienced few difficulties.

Ideally, the length of the adult study and prayer time would complement the length of the kids’ slot.

Experiencing mutual ministry with youth
Groups that included students generally remained together for the entire session. Successful groups involving students (ages 13 and up) had the hallmark of mutual ministry and mutual respect.

Giving sufficient opportunity for adults to learn and pray meaningfully
The adult participants felt it was important to meet the needs of the children, and often sacrificing their own interests. During the adult study time, it was important that enough time be given to transition into a subject, to work with the subject and arrive at a personal growth outcome and have opportunity to pray.

Valuing the participation of the elder generation
Groups that included senior adults, adults and children were more likely to show mutuality and to respect the participation and contributions of all. The generative needs of senior adults and the affirmative needs of adults combined to bring greater stability to the groups.

Showing mutual respect and opportunity for all
Groups that had a stance that allowed children to come and go had more freedom in their study time. Such a stance relayed respect to the children and it also helped release adults from a tendency to control.

Two groups were careful to link children with adults other than their parents when clustering for discussions or activities. By doing this, these groups would sidestep the natural family power structure by entering into discussion clusters that connected children with adults who were not from their family.

Celebrating a shared snack time or meal time
Children who joined their parents for the interviews often gave enthusiastic comments about snacks or meals. Eating together with those outside of the family was a celebratory experience for the children.

A small group that allows children and adults to see each other grow spiritually, and that gives them room to grow in their own way, and that celebrates all of life together is off to a good start. They don't need to be worried about getting it right; they just experience God in the truth and messiness of life.