When Jesus is asked "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?", it's a young child who he places in the midst of the competing disciples. Why? What is it about children and childhood that, for Jesus, is key to knowing God?

There's no one-stop-cookie-cutter worship session that you could plug and play in all differing church contexts. Yet there are some intergenerational principles that could help support a community of faith that believes we’re better together.

Many of us would love for our churches to be more intergenerational – but we can't achieve this through just a programme, an activity or a resource. So where do we begin?

"Every now and again God places in your life someone who inspires you and encourages you through the practical outworking of their faith."

"For me, food and kids are two things that I enjoy, so it was a natural space for me to move into," says Becky.

We want our kids to be part of a church that is willing to lift them up, equip them and empower them. And sometimes that means we give up some of our power and preference to help them feel at home in our church whānau.

Throughout the year, these kids have been connecting in various ways, all with the aim of building a strong bond and nurturing their faith journey. And you know what? It's working!

A growing body of research affirms intergenerational connections as key to sustainable, long-term faith formation and discipleship. 

Often campers come to Bridge Valley hoping just to have a fun week of activities, but leave with an inspired faith and a fresh outlook on what following Jesus can look like.

“Sometimes I feel like a voice crying out in the wilderness. But I will keep at it until the Lord tells me to stop, so more children will hear the gospel.”