Michael E. McCrary: 1

D.Min. Project ProspectusMichael E. McCrary

Title

All Are Needed: Intergenerational Ministry Practices Discovered at Central Assembly of

God in Springfield, Missouri

The Context

Currently, I serve as the Senior Associate Pastor at Central Assembly of God, a

multigenerational church in Springfield, Missouri. Leaders can trace the beginning of Central

Assembly’s rich heritage to the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, which began with a meeting

on April 14, 1906. In June 2007, Central Assembly’s congregation celebrated its one-hundredth

anniversary.

This vibrant congregation has a history of providing excellent ministry for the whole

family. Central Assembly has weekly services for entire family units. Services include uplifting

contemporary worship, insightful Bible teaching, and age-specific opportunities for all

generations. During each Sunday service, for example, there is a wide variety of family ministry

opportunities geared especially toward children, teens, adults, and senior adults.

I began serving in my associate capacity in February 2006. For the past several years, I

have worked specifically with the Christian Education classes, small groups, and family

ministries at Central Assembly. As Senior Associate, I contribute leadership on the executive

team that charts the future direction of the church. On a daily basis, I work to implement the

decisions made at the executive level. Consequently, I regularly interact with all age groups in

the congregation.

Michael E. McCrary:

The Opportunity

Because of Central Assembly’s strong multigenerational composition, I see an

opportunity to strengthen the relationship that exists between the multiple generations, both in

terms of understanding and interdependence. Opportunities for greater Kingdom impact exist if

this project can clarify and articulate the practices that make Central Assembly intergenerational.

The Church is the whole family of God. However, many church leaders experience

frustration when they try to minister to all generations. Many even believe that a church cannot

effectively minister to all generations. This view proves detrimental to the mission of God.

Contrary to this belief, Scripture prescribes an intergenerational approach, which views

the multiple generations of the family of God as interdependent and necessary for discipleship.

Intergenerational ministry is not just another discipleship program. It is not just placating

multiple generations with different music styles, allowing children to sit in the adult service for a

few minutes, or letting the preschool class present a song during corporate worship.

Intergenerational ministry goes beyond mere programs to a form of being that helps Christians

define themselves and live together as a body of believers.

A deficient comprehension of the importance of an intergenerational approach weakens a

church’s perspective and its witness as the faithful seek to engage the unsaved community. Many

Spirit-filled ministers lack the understanding of the ministry practices that can unite the

generations in their churches. The opportunity exists for spiritual leaders to grow their churches

by identifying and addressing the needs of those whom they lead, engaging them in healthy

dialogues that result in greater Kingdom impact.

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Michael E. McCrary:

The Purpose

The purpose of this project is to develop a handbook for intergenerational ministry.

Definition of Key Terms

Multigenerational—consisting of two or more generations.

Intergenerational—the dynamic relationship between two or more generations.

Builders—Those persons born between 1927-1945. In addition, this project refers to

those persons born prior to 1927 as Seniors. Normally, churches refer to the Builders and Seniors

collectively as Elders. For the purposes of this project, Builders will comprise both groups of

people.

Boomers—The Boomers, or Baby Boomers, are those persons born between 1946-1964.

Busters—There are no ubiquitous dates for the beginning and end of this generation. The

range is between 1965-1982. Scholars refer to the Busters as Generation X or the Bridgers.

Millennials—The Millennials are those persons born after 1982. Sometimes referred to as

Generation Y, Echo Boomers, or the Mosaics, this generation is the youngest represented in this

project.

Description of Proposed Project

This project will involve two important steps followed by the development of a final

handbook designed for churches that desire to engage in intentional intergenerational ministry.

The first step will include research for the biblical-theological literature review and the general

literature review, related to intergenerational ministry values and practices. The second step of

the project will include planning and teaching a six-week class at Central Assembly. I will give

careful attention to facilitate dialogue between the generations represented at Central Assembly.

The class will include the following: (1) a biblical snapshot of the purpose of the family and the

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Michael E. McCrary:

family of God, (2) elucidation of challenges facing churches that have multiple generations, and

(3) the integration of intergenerational ministry practices. Class materials will include a detailed

facilitator’s guide, meeting outlines, participant handouts, PowerPoints, and videos.

Finally, I will compile a handbook for future use by other churches. The combined

insights from the research and class will attempt to provide practical knowledge and stimulate a

more informed understanding of intergenerational ministry practices. I will also interview key

leaders within other churches and ministries that are already successfully practicing

intergenerational ministry. By collecting insights from a broader group of leaders while pursuing

in-depth understanding of Central Assembly, I hope to provide a solid foundation for intentional

intergenerational ministry practices. I will incorporate key insights and lessons learned from the

research into a final handbook on intentional intergenerational ministry.

Scope

I will host the class at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, with a

participant base including approximately twenty-five individuals from four different generations.

Class sessions will consist of six ninety-minute sessions held over six consecutive weeks. To

qualify for participation, individuals must have demonstrated a faithful commitment to Christ

and have regularly attended Central Assembly for at least one year. The selected group will need

to commit to participate in all six sessions and agree to carry out all the work assigned during the

sessions. For each session, I will provide a meeting outline to each participant and serve light

refreshments. Participants will share in a celebratory meal following the final class session.

Prior to the start of the class, participants will receive general permission slips requesting

their consent to record each session and their approval to publish their comments, input, and

suggestions resulting from the discussions. In addition, participants will complete a pre-session

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survey to assess their levels of knowledge and understanding of key issues central to the

discussions.

This class does not intend to privilege any particular age group at Central Assembly. As

facilitator, I will play a key role in inviting open lines of dialogue on the nature of generational

diversity. The group will work together on scenarios in which they will examine the different

perspectives of each generation and determine a solution to a problem. Following the class, the

participants will take a post-session survey to evaluate the class. I will also conduct exit

interviews with several participants following the final class in order to gain feedback on the

value of the sessions in order to make improvements for future presentations.

Phases and Timetable

Phase MM/YY Beginning

MM/YY Ending

Details/Comments

Research 11/1/12

11/1/12

11/15/12

11/15/12

12/15/12

2/15/13

Secure location for six-week class.

Complete research for biblical-theological review. (A good portion of this has been done already for my Core 2 paper.)

Complete reading and research for general literature review.

Planning 12/1/12

11/1/12

12/1/12

11/1/12

2/15/13

2/28/12

11/15/12

1/1/13

2/1/13

2/15/13

Consult with my adviser(s).

Develop target list of persons to invite to the class.

Develop class schedule.

Develop pre-class survey and post-class surveys.

Write the class curriculum.

Implementation 2/17/13 3/24/13 Conduct Intentional Intergenerational Ministry Class

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3/1/13 3/24/13 Develop exit interview assessment.

Writing: Chapter 2, Sources, and any appendices

1/15/2013 2/30/13 Write chapter 2 and submit draft to editor.

Writing: Chapter 3, Sources, and any appendices

3/15/13 6/30/13 Write chapter 3 and submit draft to editor. (Research will be done before implementation.)

Evaluation 4/1/13

5/1/13

5/1/13

4/30/13

5/30/13

5/30/13

Conduct an exit interview with each participant.

Evaluate the pre- and post-class surveys.

Evaluate the entire process.

Writing: Chapter 4 (Description of Field Project)

6/1/13 6/30/13 Write chapter 4 and submit draft to editor.

Writing: Chapter 5 7/1/13 7/6/13 Write chapter 5 and submit draft to editor.

Writing: Chapter 1 7/7/13 7/15/13 Write chapter 1 and submit draft to editor.

Writing: Any additional Appendices

7/15/13 8/15/13 Following the post-class evaluations, I will create a handbook for leaders who desire a guidebook for intergenerational ministry.

Writing: Front Matter

8/15/13 9/1/13 Write front matter and submit draft to editor.

Biblical-Theological Literature Review Themes

The biblical-theological literature review will address the following themes:

The Intergenerational Motif in Old Testament RevelationBiblical Responsibilities of Father, Mother, Son, and DaughterElucidation of House, Household, and Family Constructs

The Wisdom Motif in Proverbs 1-9

The Intergenerational Motif in New Testament RevelationBiblical Responsibilities of Father, Mother, Son, and DaughterNT Developments of House, Household, and the Family of God

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Michael E. McCrary:

General Literature Themes

Critique of Age-Specific MinistryUnique Needs of Each GenerationAdvantages and Disadvantages of Age-Specific Ministries

Intergenerational ChurchesCurrent Debates and Trends in Intergenerational Literature

Unifying Practices of Intergenerational Churches (e.g. Scripture, Storytelling, Faith Development, Liturgy in Worship)

Contribution to Ministry

Developing an intergenerational ministry strategy is critical for healthy churches.

Churches must openly and directly work through all aspects of their ministries to confront issues

possibly perpetuating a generational divide. Most congregations are multigenerational in that

they have more than one generation engaged in worship and ministry activities. However,

intergenerational congregations will empower the various generations to communicate in

meaningful ways, interact on a regular basis, and serve together regularly.

This project should prove helpful on several levels. First, the research and class will assist

to clarify the values and practices that make Central Assembly an intergenerational church.

Second, given the intense and rapid changes churches face, the project will inform church leaders

about the challenges and opportunities of multigenerational churches. Third, the project will

serve the Assemblies of God, my particular fellowship, and other denominations by identifying

the best practices needed to empower the relationship between the generations and maximize

churches’ witness for Jesus. Finally, I will produce a useable handbook to equip leaders as they

guide their congregations through similar processes toward intergenerational ministries.

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Michael E. McCrary:

BIBLIOGRAPHY

General Literature Review

Anthony, Michael, and Michelle Anthony, eds. A Theology for Family Ministry. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2011.

Balswick, Jack O., and Judith K. Balswick. The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.

Banks, Robert. Going to Church in the First Century. 2nd ed. Beaumont, TX: Seedsowers Christian Books Publishing, 1990.

Banks, Robert J. Paul’s Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting, Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1994.

Barton, Ruth Haley. Pursuing God’s Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2012.

Beaumont, Susan. Inside the Large Congregation. Washington, DC: The Alban Institute, 2011.

Bessenecker, Scott A. How to Inherit the Earth: Submitting Ourselves to a Servant Savior. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2009.

Bock, Susan K. Liturgy for the Whole Church: Multigenerational Resources for Worship. New York, NY: Church Publishing, 2008.

Buechner, Frederick. Telling Secrets. New York, NY: Harper One, 1992.

Carroll, Jackson W., and Wade Clark Roof. Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2002.

Chanley, Michael, Reggie Joiner, Fred Stoeker, Jim Wideman, Brian Haynes, Carey Nieuwhof, Jim Kast-Keat, et al. Collaborate: Family + Church. Louisville, KY: Ministers Label Publishing, 2010.

Christopher, J. Clif. Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2008.

Clapp, Rodney R. Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Tradition & Modern Options. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 1993.

Clark, Chap. Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005.

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———. Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011.

Corum, Fred T. The Sparkling Fountain. Windsor, OH: Corum & Assoc, 1989.

Creps, Earl. Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We Should Let Them. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008.

DeMaria, Rita, Gerald Weeks, and Larry Hof. Focused Genograms: Intergenerational Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families. 1st ed. Florence, KY: Routledge, 1999.

DeYmaz, Mark. Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass 2007.

DeYoung, Curtiss Paul, Michael O. Emerson, George Yancey, and Karen Chai Kim. United by Faith: The Multiracial Congregation As an Answer to the Problem of Race. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, USA, 2004.

Dickson, John. Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2011.

Drane, John. The McDonaldization of the Church: Consumer Culture and the Church’s Future. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., 2008.

———. After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Eeman, Carl G. Generations of Faith: A Congregational Atlas. Washington, DC: Alban Inst., 2002.

Emerson, Michael O., and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, USA, 2001.

Friedman, Edwin H. Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue. 1st ed. New York, NY: The Guilford Press, 2011.

Gallagher, David P. Senior Adult Ministry in the 21st Century: Step-By-Step Strategies for Reaching People Over 50. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2006.

Gambone, James V., Wendy J. Johnson, Elder Eye Design, and Susan Buie. All Are Welcome: A Primer for Intentional Intergenerational Ministry and Dialogue. Elder Eye Press, 1998.

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Green, Mark. Inside the Multi-Generational Family Business: Nine Symptoms of Generational Stack-Up and How to Cure Them. 1st Printing. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.

Grenz, Stanley J. Created for Community: Connecting Christian Belief with Christian Living. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1998.

Guernsey, Dennis B. New Design for Family Ministry. Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries Intl., 1982.

Hammett, Edward H. Spiritual Leadership In A Secular Age: Building Bridges Instead Of Barriers. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2005.

Hammett, Edward H., and James R. Pierce. Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60: Being Church for All Generations. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2007.

Hammett, Edward H., James R. Pierce, and Steve Devane. Making Shifts Without Making Waves: A Coach Approach to Soulful Leadership. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2009.

Hanson, Amy. Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2010.

Hausner, Lee, and Douglas K. K. Freeman. The Legacy Family: The Definitive Guide to Creating a Successful Multigenerational Family. 1st ed. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.

Haynes, Brian. Shift: What It Takes to Finally Reach Families Today. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing Inc., 2009.

Hellerman, Joseph H. The Ancient Church As Family. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2001.

———. When the Church Was a Family: Recapturing Jesus’ Vision for Authentic Christian Community. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2009.

Joiner, Reggie. Think Orange: Imagine the Impact When Church and Family Collide. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2009.

Kinnaman, David. You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church...and Rethinking Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011.

Kirk, Daphne. Heirs Together: Establishing Intergenerational Church. Revised. Suffolk, Great Britain: Kevin Mayhew Ltd., 2003.

Kraft, Charles H., and Marguerite G. Kraft. Christianity In Culture: A Study In Dynamic Biblical Theologizing In Cross-cultural Perspective. 25th Annv. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2005.

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Long, Jimmy. The Leadership Jump: Building Partnerships Between Existing and Emerging Christian Leaders. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2008.

Macchia, Stephen A. Becoming a Healthy Church: Ten Traits of a Vital Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 2003

MacDonald, Gordon. Who Stole My Church: What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century. Reprint. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010.

———. Building Below the Waterline: Shoring Up the Foundations of Leadership. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2011.

———. Going Deep: Becoming A Person of Influence. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2011.

Malefyt, Norma Dewaal, Howard Vanderwell, and Robert Webber. Designing Worship Together: Models And Strategies For Worship Planning. Washington, DC: Alban Inst., 2004.

Mancini, Will. Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2008.

Marti, Gerardo. Worship Across the Racial Divide: Religious Music and the Multiracial Congregation. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, USA, 2012.

Martineau, Mariette, Joan Weber, and Leif Kehrwald. Intergenerational Faith Formation: All Ages Learning Together. New London, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2008.

Martinson, Roland, David W. Anderson, Nathan Frambach, Paul Hill, and Dick Hardell. Across the Generations. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Pub., 2001.

McIntosh, Gary L. One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church. Reprinted. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002.

McNeal, Reggie. Missional Communities: The Rise of the Post-Congregational Church. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2011.

Menconi, Peter. The Intergenerational Church: Understanding Congregations from WWII to Www.com. CreateSpace, 2010.

Merritt, Carol Howard. Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation. Washington, DC: The Alban Institute, 2007.

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Murrow, David. Why Men Hate Going to Church. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2011.

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———. Multigenerational Congregations: Meeting the Leadership Challenge. Washington, DC: Alban Inst., 2001.

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Sowers, John. Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story. Nashville, TN: Zondervan Publishing House, 2010.

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Wingfield, Mark. Staying Alive: Why the Conventional Wisdom About Traditional Churches Is Wrong. Toronto, Canada: Lucas Park Books, 2012.

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