Every week upper elementary youth, teenagers, and adults gather behind the puppet stage in our congregation to share a Gospel message through skits and scripture songs.
One peek behind the stage on a Sunday morning and you would be surprised to find such a diversity of ages laughing and joking as they ready the skit, song, puppets, mikes, sound, lights, and props.
The group in front of the stage ? Families. Children and their parents.
Here's a sample of our skit last week:
We meet on Wednesday evenings to practice the FAITH5:
1. Share Highs & Lows
2. Read the scripture we'll be sharing on Sunday
3. Practice the skit and song
4. Pray for one another and those hearing our message
5. Bless one another
The impact I have seen over the years is that puppet ministry provides a place where a variety of ages can work together, build relationships, and reach out with a common ministry to others.
We have been doing this for about 12 years. We now have adults involved who began in their pre-teen years. It is a joy to see them in leadership roles now. They understand the impact of being encouraged and uplifted at a young age to do ministry. And from my perspective, they relish involving and understand their part as role models for young children and their parents.
Cross-Generational ministries do not happen overnight. It is one step at a time and it begins with the young. Puppets is just one example of a ministry involving pre-teens through adults.
I have discovered that when ministry opportunities for many different ages working together are set intentionally, growing a family ministry system becomes easier.
Cross-Generational? It's when all the ages are gathered under one roof to learn together and encourage one another to be in ministry together. Even the tiniest can sing and dance.
Statistics say you have about 30 seconds when someone walks in the room to decide whether or not they want to stay there.
Is there a time and a place in your congregation where all ages can gather for Christian education to build relationships and be together at least once a week?
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