Please Note: We are no longer taking submissions for 2025 paper proposals.

2025 call to paper presentations

Emily Andrews, PhD and  Nelson Cowan, PhD
Samford University, Center for Worship and the Arts, Birmingham, AL

Title: PrayGrounds: Tracing the Origins and Development of Sacred Spaces for the Church’s Youngest Worshipers

Abstract: Over the last two decades, some churches have adopted “praygrounds” to integrate young children into intergenerational worship. Emerging often in Mainline Protestant contexts, these designated spaces within sanctuaries allow children to play, pray, and participate in congregational life. This paper explores the origins, development, and theological motivations of praygrounds, using primary sources and oral histories. It highlights the role of praygrounds in reshaping how worship spaces can foster inclusivity and nurture children's participation in faith communities.

Bio (Emily): Emily Snider Andrews believes corporate worship is a vital agent of Christian discipleship and is deeply committed to connecting all ages to the transformative power of worship in both church and life. She serves as Assistant Professor of Church Music and Worship Leadership and Executive Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. There, Emily teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on congregational song, worship design, music and theology, and intergenerational worship arts. As Executive Director, she leads the Center’s programming, research, and collaborative initiatives. Under her leadership, the Center has secured funding for projects exploring adolescent worship practices, theology and the arts, race and worship, sensory-sensitive worship, and resources for intergenerational ministry. An ordained Baptist minister, Emily remains active in local church ministry and has served congregations in Alabama, Texas, and California. Her pastoral experience informs her academic work, allowing her to bridge theory and practice in ways that equip emerging worship leaders. Her research explores contemporary worship, sacramental theology, the interplay of music and theology, and youth worship, all grounded in a vision for vibrant, hospitable, and theologically rich worship communities.

 Bio (Emily): Rev. Nelson Cowan, PhD, is a liturgical theologian, worship leader, and ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. He serves as Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University, where he equips leaders across generations and art forms for faithful, imaginative worship. Nelson holds degrees from the University of North Florida (BA), Wesley Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Boston University (PhD in Liturgical Studies). Nelson's current research explores contemporary Praise and Worship music, the theology of play, and the relationship between worship, meaning, and spiritual formation. He teaches in the areas of worship, preaching, and church history and has held contingent faculty appointments at Emory University, Drew University, and Wesley Theological Seminary. He is an active member of the American Academy of Religion, Societas Liturgica, and the North American Academy of Liturgy, where he convenes the Contemporary & Alternative Worship Seminar. Nelson is married to Samantha, also an ordained pastor, and together they delight in parenting their daughter—and occasionally walking their very lazy dog.

 Tim Beilharz, MA

Kids pastor, Soul Revival Church, Kirrawee, Australia  

Sessional Lecturer, Youthworks College (Children’s Ministry; Intergenerational Ministry), Newton, AU

Title: Remembering Together: How Intergenerational Churches Serve as Communities of Faithful Memory

Abstract: This paper explores the unique role of intergenerational churches in faith formation through the frameworks of collective, collaborative, and vicarious memory. By transmitting biblical narratives, ecclesiastical history, and communal traditions, these communities cultivate children’s autobiographical memory, foster a shared ecclesial identity, and engage younger generations in the co-creation of a dynamic and enduring faith tradition.

Bio: Tim Beilharz is the Children’s Pastor at Soul Revival Church in Sydney and lectures in Children’s and Intergenerational Ministry at Youthworks College. He is curious about how the intersection of theology, sociology, and child development can help kids know, love and obey King Jesus. Tim lives in the southern suburbs of Sydney with his family, where they don’t have much, but they do have books.

Ron Bruner, DMin 

Editor: Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry (peer-reviewed journal)

Director of DMin Research and adjunct professor, Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX 

Title: What Does It Mean to Worship? Possibilities and Capabilities in Worship

Abstract: When we worship, what are we accomplishing? What do our liturgies, whether formal or not, bring about? Who can participate in the attitudes, gestures, and rituals involved in worship? This work explores various functions of worship posited by liturgists and theologians and considers whether children can authentically worship through one or more of them.

Bio: Ron Bruner (DMin, Abilene Christian University) has served as the executive director of Westview Boys’ Home in Hollis, Oklahoma since 1999. He has served as a Bible class teacher, a deacon, and a youth and family minister. His work with at-risk youth remains at the core of his current day-to-day work.

Steve Case

PhD in Religious Education

Adjunct, Andrews University, coordinator DMin
    concentration in Intergenerational Church

President of Involve Youth

Joe Azzopardi

PhD in Theology

Director of Intergenerational Solutions

Title: A Quantitative Assessment Tool for Measuring a Church’s Level of Being Intergenerational

Abstract: Measuring a church’s level of being intergenerational has rarely gone beyond a gut feeling or an individual’s personal observation. Quantitative research can now be done with the Intergenerational Solutions assessment that measures five intergenerational characteristics. This paper also shares data from doctoral students and others who have utilized this new assessment tool to measure a congregation’s level of being intergenerational. The paper includes next steps based on assessment results.

Bio (Joe): Dr. Joe Azzopardi, founder of Intergenerational Solutions, specialises in intergenerational relationships and Christian discipleship. With a PhD from Avondale University and a pastoral background, He has extensive experience in church leadership and community building. Dr. Azzopardi’s innovative assessment tool and contributions to works like ‘The Generative Church’ make him a respected expert in fostering unity within communities. He collaborates with Andrews and Avondale Universities, enhancing intergenerational ministry education, and also works in the corporate space.

Bio (Steve): Steve Case serves as the president of Involve Youth, a youth ministry consulting organization based in Northern California, although the farther he travels, the smarter people think he is. He also coordinates the Intergenerational Church concentration cohort for the Andrews University DMin program. With a PhD in religious education, Steve loves discovery and celebrates shared discoveries. As a Baby Boomer, he’s now old even though he thinks he’s young. Maybe he just hasn’t grown up.

Dave Csinos, PhD 

Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, Canada

Title: Like One Big Family: Insights at the Intersection of Intergenerational Ministry and Family Ministry

Abstract: Being an intergenerational faith community is a bit like being a family—relationships of care are formed and have a hand in shaping people of all generations. In this paper, I consider the intersection of intergenerational ministry and family ministry and how insights from these two related yet distinct fields can shape one another. Special attention will be given to how faith-at-home practices can be adapted for use in all-age congregational settings.

Bio: Dave Csinos is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He also serves as founder and president of Faith Forward, an ecumenical organization for innovation in ministry with children, youth, and families, and as research director for Family Faith Every Day, a program of Chalice Media Group, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. Dave is the author and editor of many books, the most recent of which is A Gospel for All Ages: Teaching and Preaching with the Whole Church. 

Christina Embree, DMin  

Founder/Director of ReFocus Ministry

Minister of Generational Discipleship - Great Lakes Conference, Brethren in Christ

NextGen Pastor at Open Door Church, Lexington, KY

Title: Holy Hospitality: A Theological Approach to Welcoming All Ages through the Lens of Theologians Volf, Moltmann, and Pohl.

Abstract:  This article examines the theological foundations of community in the Church, emphasizing its universality, inclusivity, and role in discipleship. Drawing on the work of theologians Miroslav Volf, Jürgen Moltmann, and Christine Pohl, it explores how the Church reflects God’s embrace through hospitality, reconciliation, and relational discipleship. Grounded in Scripture, it highlights the importance of generational diversity and the removal of barriers that lead to age segregation and impede spiritual formation.

Bio: Rev. Dr. Christina Embree is the founder of ReFocus Ministry, a nonprofit committed to connecting generations in meaningful relationships for lifelong discipleship. She holds a master’s in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry and a doctorate in spiritual formation focused on intergenerational ministry. She currently ministers with Open Door Church in Lexington, Kentucky.

Rich Griffith, MTh and DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary        

Associate Professor of Youth Ministry, Toccoa Falls College

Title: Family Ministry Definitions Impact How We Practice Intergenerational Ministry, with a Special Focus on Youth Ministry

Abstract: This paper seeks to shed light on the need to formulate a more comprehensive and current definition of family ministry through a theological lens. A theological definition of family ministry offers fresh ways for churches to consider as they discern changes in youth, family, children’s ministries. Furthermore, a deeper theological definition of family ministry supports the necessity of intentional intergenerational ministries that combat the post-Christendom cultural struggles engaging children, youth, families and churches.

Bio: A dad to three sons, Rich Griffith, D.Min., is professor of youth ministry at Toccoa Falls College. Rich also serves as a part-time pastor, contributes to various academic journals, and is featured on several podcasts. Dr. Griffith has worked with teens and families for over 30 years. His life-long work in youth and family ministry, single-dad, and his academic pursuits, have given him a passion to help young people and those who disciple them.

Sarah Holmes, PhD

Director of Research at the Institute of Children, Youth and Mission & Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Liverpool Hope University, UK.

Title: Empowering Grandparents for Faith Sharing with Younger Generations

Abstract: This paper shares insights from the research and development of two courses which seek to bring about a paradigm shift in how the church and wider Christian community values, equips, and empowers Christian grandparents in sharing their faith. We present empirical findings to reveal the impact of these interventions at family, church and Christian societal levels. Practical recommendations will be made which are applicable and beneficial across a breadth of contexts and stakeholders.

Bio: Sarah is Director of Research at the Institute of Children, Youth and Mission, and Senior Lecturer (Early Childhood Studies) at Liverpool Hope University, UK. She researches children’s faith and spirituality, and how families, churches and communities support faith formation. Her work seeks to equip and empower the church to enhance ministry opportunities amongst children and their families through research-informed practice. 

Mimi L. Larson, PhD

Executive Director at Center for Faith and Children, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL

Title: Asking the Right Questions for Including Children in Worship

Abstract: What questions are we asking about children in worship and what questions should we be asking? In this paper, we will explore what is beneath the most common questions that are asked about children in worship, identifying how theology, beliefs about children’s capabilities, and the pastor’s influence can shape
our understanding on whether or how children meet God in worship.  

Bio: Dr. Mimi Larson is the Executive Director for the Center for Faith and Children as well as  Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL.  Mimi’s research is in the area of children’s faith formation, and her current focus is on how ministry leaders thoughtfully engage children in worship.  

Wilson McCoy, DMin

Teaching Minister at College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, TN

Adjunct Professor, Rochester University, Rochester Hills, MI

Title: A Theological Exploration of the Church as an Intergenerational Home 

Abstract: The story of God is a story of home. From creation to the eschaton, we see God’s desire to create a home of dwelling for all of God’s creatures. What is the nature of that home? What are the theological priorities and practices of a church that wants to embody this way of being? Drawing on Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz’s The Home of God: A Brief Story of Everything, this paper will explore this theological theme of home in the story of Scripture as well as propose how that theological priority might inform the ways we think about and embody this way of being in our intergenerational communities of faith.

Bio: Dr. Wilson McCoy (MDiv, DMin) serves as the Teaching Minister at the College Hills Church in Lebanon, TN. He is an adjunct professor and a generational church consultant. He enjoys writing, cooking, listen to Wilco, and escaping to the beach. You can learn more about his work at drwilsonmccoy.com.

Paola J. Montes-Roldan, DMin candidate, TEDS 

Ordained Minister, Missionary Church USA

Title: Exploring Ministry Leaders’ Experiences of Leading Intentionally Intergenerational Congregations

Abstract:  This paper discusses the findings of my qualitative research study exploring ministry leaders’ experiences of leading intentionally intergenerational congregations. They reflected upon their formative experiences, their leadership styles, experiences and roles, and their hopes for a stronger intergenerational future. I identified a cycle of leading as leaders listen and observe, share learning and adjust strategy, and practice. The ministry leaders’ intergenerational formation experiences led them to multiply what they received in their formative experiences by generating generative generations, for a stronger intergenerational future church.

Bio: Paola is a wife and mother, minister of the Missionary Church. She serves as assistant to the Latino Leadership Team. Paola is a graduate student of Educational Studies at TEDS. Her interest in in Leadership of Intergenerational Ministry. She believes God loves to see all people, all ages thriving in the Church. Paola is a member of Village Church of Gurnee.

Trevecca Okholm, MA,  

Member of the Fuller Seminary Lilly Grant Team

Certified Christian Educator PCUSA 

Title: The Value of “WITH”:  Spiritual Practices Approaches for Intergenerational Faith Formation 

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explain the work in our grant project, Imagining Worship with Children: Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer, in which we consider the current research on children and youth of Gen Alpha (2010 to mid-2020s). In doing so we chose nine unique, arts-based spiritual practices that reflect on real life for Gen Alpha cohort as well as lending toward intergenerational participation. 

Bio: Trevecca Okholm is retired from nearly forty years of full-time church ministry and also from university teaching in practical theology and family ministry. She continues to serve the church as a family ministry coach and consultant, speaker for parent groups and retreats, and as a trainer/facilitator for worship & wonder models of faith formation. Trevecca has authored two books on marriage & family, grandparenting faith intergenerationally and co-edited Children’s Ministry and the Spiritual Child: Practical Formation-Focused Ministry (ACU, 2023).

Angela Perigo, DWS

Director of Faith Formation Dordt University, Sioux Center, IA

Co-Director of Children's Worship Initiative, Dordt University and One Focus Network

Adjunct Professor of Worship Arts, Dordt University

Title: Poured Out on Your Sons & Daughters: Pneumatologically-Shaped Pedagogical Practices for Engaging Children in Congregational Worship

Abstract: By review of New Testament pneumatology from Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12, a practical theology of worship will emerge where this paper will argue for the full inclusion of children within the church’s worship life as welcomed, distinct participants and contributes to the fields of worship studies and children’s spirituality by exploring hospitable approaches in corporate worship and congregational song that affirm children’s capacity to lead in distinct ways where their own spirituality is formed alongside that of the congregation.

Bio: Angela Perigo is the Director of Faith Formation and an Adjunct in Worship Arts at Dordt University, where she also serves as Co-Director of the Children in Worship Initiative. Angela has directed discipleship in a variety of campus ministries settings around the world for the past two decades. She has a Doctor of Worship Studies, which focused on diversity, hospitality, and spirituality of those on the margins in congregational worship spaces. Before moving to Iowa, she spent several years at London School of Theology as Dean of Community and has lived more than half her life outside of the United States. 

Tammy Preston, PhD candidate, Cardiff University, Wales, UK 

Church Of Christ Australia

InterGenerate Australia/New Zealand

Title: Leadership is Key: How Leaders Lead Matters

Abstract: When leading a faith community that is seeking to be intentionally intergenerational, it is important to note a very different style of leadership is required, and this is often a barrier and challenge for leaders to make this transition. Leaders must consider where they are on the wide spectrum of talking to versus walking with, winning the argument versus acceptance, isolation versus intimacy, my way versus mutuality, individualism versus collaboration. 

Bio: Tammy Preston was the founding pastor of an Intergenerational faith community in Australia for 18 years and a founding member of Intergenerate Australia/New Zealand. Tammy is a trained teacher, has a degree in theology, is currently doing her Ph.D. in Intergenerational ministry at Cardiff University in Wales. She has written two books and contributed to 3 other books in the area of Intergenerational ministry. Tammy speaks and teaches regularly throughout Australia, NZ, USA, Lebanon, UK, Asia and Cambodia. Seeing the “family of God” be empowered to grow and walk the lifelong journey of faith together is something she is passionate about.

Sam Richards, EdD, King’s College London 

Head of Children’s and Youth Work, United Reformed Church, UK.

Title: Relational Youth Ministry Revisited through an Intergenerational Lens: Limitations and Lessons.

Abstract: In the 1990s “relational youth ministry” offered new cross-generational approaches to mission and ministry among young people UK, taking their roles as culture creators and consumers, and their stage of human development seriously as the context to respond to.  What lessons might we learn from the strengths and limitations of this approach for intergenerational mission and ministry that radically includes young people? 

Bio: Dr Sam Richards, is Head of Children’s and Youth Work for the United Reformed Church, UK.  Her background is relational youth ministry, mostly mission with ‘unchurched’ young people and alternative worship.  She was Director of Oxford Youth Works (an ecumenical charity) for over 20 years, and one of the founders of CYM (Centre for Youth Ministry, later Institute for Children Youth and Mission) an ecumenical partnership of Christian colleges and parachurch organisations which ran training for children, youth, schools and family ministry at volunteer, degree and masters levels.  She hosts an interdenominational Youth Ministry Roundtable and is one of the founders of Intergenerate UK, a new network. She fell into intergenerational ministry as part of a ‘fresh expression’ of church based in Oxford, called mayBe Community,  that took the decision at the outset never to do anything just for the children.  This resulted in a learn-on-the job journey of trial and error that coincided with parenthood, and made her a passionate advocate for church as a community of co-disciples of all ages who grow each other up in the faith.  She now champions intergenerational ministry wherever possible!  Sam is married to Dave and they have an 18 year old son. 

Karo Wilson, BTheol in Christian Thought and History, University of Otago  

Director, Presbyterian Children and Family Ministry (Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership)
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Title: Whānau Friendly Process: An Assessment Tool to Reflect on a Church’s Intergenerational Journey

Abstract: This presentation will share the development of the Whānau Friendly Process, a ministry assessment tool that enables churches to reflect on their ministry with children, young people, and their families. The hope of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is for the local church to be a place where all generations are present: thriving, encouraging one another, and growing in faith, together. This assessment tool can help churches become more intentionally intergenerational.

Bio: Karo has worked for PCFM since 2022, initially as Associate Director, before taking over the role of Director in 2023. Originally from Oamaru, Karo’s first ministry role was as youth worker for Calvin Community Church (Gore), where she developed a passion for community outreach. Her time in Gore also saw her working for a local Youth Trust, and Early Childhood centre, which helped develop her skill set working with young people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. In 2018, Karo returned to Oamaru, to take up the Youth and Children’s pastor role at Waiareka-Weston Presbyterian Church. She has also studied via distance learning at Otago University, completing a Bachelor of Theology (majoring in Christian Thought and History) in 2019. Karo is passionate about helping young people discover who Jesus is, and finding their place within God’s family, and in His Big Story. She enjoys creating resources that help lead children and families into deeper conversations about God, Jesus and what faith looks like in our lives. Alongside her role at PCFM, Karo continues to works part time at Waiareka-Weston Presbyterian, focusing on chaplaincy at the local primary school, and other community-based children’s ministry. In other areas of her life, Karo is a passionate (and somewhat competitive) quizzer, enjoys performing in stage productions with local theatre companies, and plays drums in a local pipe band.