Intergenerational Approach to Leadership and Ministry

Intergenerational approach refers to an integration of ministry from the youngest to the oldest. The child can learn from the adult, however acknowledging that the adult also can learn from the child. Today’s leader must be intentional about including the child and facilitating a faith community that is inclusive of and respectful of every generation. Imagine the power of a world where there is unity among the generations – Each looking out for the other. 

Marcia Bunge – one of the leading scholars on faith for children gives an audio teaching named,  “Biblical Perspectives on Children & Our Obligations to Them.” Link: https://soundcloud.com/faith-forward/marcia-bunge-biblical-perspectives-on-children-our-obligations-to-them-faith-forward-2015

What is your take-home from this teaching?

Consider these Statistics for Africa. These predictions should help us to prepare for effective ministry:

UNICEF reports: 

• By 2050, 1 in 3 children in the world will be in sub-Saharan Africa.
• By 2026, Sub-Saharan Africa will be the single region with the greatest number of children under 18.

Several studies have come to the same conclusion:  

• 8/10 persons who make a decision to follow Christ, do so under the age of 14. 

Effective ministry in Africa will keep the potential of the child as key. 

Prof. Sam Ndoga states:

Child-inclusiveness as a pivotal focus area presents a unique opportunity of placing children at the notional centre of learning and development with the view to providing enabling environments for their success. 

Human dignity from a child-centred and inclusive approach emanates from the commitment to every person’s intrinsic worth through which their unique gifts, dreams and aspirations are prioritised and operationalised.

Child freedom espouses the vulnerability and dependency of children on adult members of society which requires the creation of safe societies without fear or danger.

Social equity from a child-centred and inclusive perspective implies that all members of society have access to just and fair treatment regardless of age, gender or social standing.

Self-determination moots the ideal of the pursuance of a child’s natural leanings as the basis for matching learning with training.

The mandate of RaGLA towards emerging generations is derived from the observation that a majority of our population is under the age 35 and most without the guarantee of employment which then necessitates a new approach to education and training.

In conclusion, when children are flourishing, it is an indication of a thriving community for all! Madiba is quoted for this statement: “There is no keener revelation of a society’s soul, than the way in which she treats her children”. We can apply this to the body of Christ: There is no keener revelation of a church’s soul, than the way in which she treats her children.

God bless you on this journey of becoming a leader who cares for the community!