Roots & Wings FAQ: Does intergenerational liturgy cause loss?

Roots & Wings: Inter Generational Formation Collaborative (R&W) is a grant aimed at enabling congregations to practice dynamic intergenerational liturgy, particularly in episcopal contexts. Our grants team defines intergenerational liturgy as one that seeks to intentionally engage and equally value the gifts and needs of two or more generations (or each generation present). You can find out more in our article “What is intergenerational worship?” » This series of articles, “Roots & Wings FAQ,” offers answers to frequently asked questions about intergenerational liturgy.

Not all older people want to share power. Some of us want to hold on. And until we name that, we’re not really getting the job done.
~Rabbi Emeritus Laura Geller, Temple Emanuel Beverly Hills, Honest Conversations: Faith Leaders on True Intergenerational Collaborative Work

I spend a lot of time talking about the benefits of intergenerationality. From strong biblical support When it comes to research findings in faith-based and secular studies, there is much to highlight. It is truly a joy and a privilege to share the gifts that intergenerationality has to offer congregations. But in order to help worship communities evolve toward more intergenerational practices, it is imperative to recognize what must cease, die, or be set aside for intergenerationality to thrive—as well as the grief or sense of loss that accompanies that ending.

Loss is often part of change

The intergenerational liturgy is characterized by intentionality, relationality, dignified reciprocity, flexibilityAnd empowerment. For these charismas to flourish, there are almost always other values ​​or practices that must be established. This will be different in each context, but here are some examples to help you imagine what might need to be abandoned in your context:

• THE comfort only socialize with friends before and after worship, always sit with people you already know at coffee time
• The standard of Excellency for liturgical animators (readers, ushers, etc.)
• Familiarity with every hymn, every Sunday
• Uninterrupted calm and silence after the breaking of bread or after fully hearing every word of the lessons and sermon
• THE laugh at adults when a child says something humorous in response to a question during a children’s sermon
• Bench space to make room for rocking chairs and mobility devices
• Exclusive liturgical decision-making power

I’m not sure what losses your community might experience through the process of transitioning to an intergenerational liturgy. But reading the Cogenerate The report “Honest Conversations: Faith Leaders on the Real Work of Intergenerational Collaboration” has made me more certain than ever that this work requires sacrifice. The work of letting go, of ending something, can be a deeply spiritual practice. And it is essential that we not neglect or rush into the heartbreak that can accompany this work, lest it sabotage what is waiting to emerge from beneath fertile soil.

There is also a loss in not doing this work

This is important and challenging work. But I believe there is a price to pay if we do not assume it. Part of the price, as the Reverend Ian Carr McPherson explains in this quote from “Honest Conversations», it is the committed presence of young people in our faith communities:

“I see young people being invited into spaces where there’s no real power, no real vision. We just read the minutes of the last meeting and do business the way we’ve always done it, and they don’t feel empowered or excited about the work.”

In order to empower younger congregants (which in some churches may mean middle-aged adults), current structures may need to change. Old decision-making structures may need to be put aside. Older church leaders will need to share power and release some of the power they hold. It’s a loss. But we may not be able to be resurrected without first experiencing death.

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