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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.