跨代信仰塑造的根基──走進真正的「家」教會
導讀：《Intergenerational Christian Formation》
部分一（Part 1: Foundations）根基：為何我們失去了彼此？
1.0 導言：我們何以失去了彼此？
在許多教會，我們為了「有效率」「配搭年齡層需要」而細分了各群體……然而分齡制度也築起牆，使世代漸行漸遠。第一部分提醒：真正的教會是跨代相連的屬靈家庭──彼此扶持、彼此學習、彼此見證；這是一種回歸以神為中心的信仰文化，而非僅是組織策略。
1.1 教會的根本召命：跨代相連（原書在 Part 2 論述聖經與神學基礎，本文則將其提前至 Part 1，因為在教會牧養脈絡中，我們需要先看見跨代信仰塑造的神學召命，再談實踐策略。）
（1）聖經全景：申6、徒2、林前12呈現「代代相連的信仰共同體」。
（2）神學基礎：
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基於創造本意：人被造於家庭與群體中。(可參看教會的《家庭與信仰》主日學)
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源自耶穌實踐：關懷孩童、醫治長者、召聚多元群體。
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延伸聖靈工作：兒女說預言、少年見異象、老年做異夢。
（3）牧養反思：我們仍以工業化教育制度設計牧養#，還是回到「關係」為核心的塑造？
#有些教會在設計牧養或教導方式時，不知不覺地套用了 工業化時代學校教育的模式，而不是以聖經中的「家庭與群體」為藍本。
1.2 跨代文化的三大要素
（1）Presence 在場與同在：各世代出現在彼此生命中；不只是「照顧」而是「同行」。
（2）Participation 參與與貢獻：人人都是身體的一部分；兒童敬拜、青年關顧、長者被激勵。
（3）Mutuality 互惠與同行：非單向教導，而是彼此祝福與補足。
→ 指向：跨代塑造不是節目微調，而是文化轉向。
1.3 當代教會的挑戰與盲點
（1）年齡分工造成代際斷裂。
（2）信仰傳承外判化：父母、教會過度依賴課程而非群體。
（3）成長偏知識與活動，忽略生活場景中的見證與同行。
→ 呼籲：教會要成為「家」，不是宗教超市。
1.4 為何需要重拾跨代塑造？
（1）研究所見：留在信仰群體的年輕人多與他代有真實關係。
（2）Sticky Faith 原則：一位青年若擁有約五位跨齡成年同行者，其信仰穩定度大幅提升。
（3）長者於跨代群體中更有生命感與歸屬。
→ 結論：這不只是為了下一代，更是為了整體教會的現在與未來。
1.5 牧養反思：我們能否重新成為一個家？
（1）講道與聚會是否預留世代交會空間？
（2）是否給孩童與長者「貢獻」而非只「被服事」的機會？
（3）是否營造「互相需要、彼此學習」的文化？
1.6 結語：從分裂回歸連結，從制度回歸生命
Part 1 核心訊息：跨代不是策略，而是一種悔改──從分齡與效率至上的事工邏輯，回到教會本相。「世人因此認出你們是我的門徒，是因你們彼此相愛」（約13:35）。
#跨代牧養並不等於把所有人集合在同一個活動或同一個空間。若只是坐在一起，卻沒有彼此的互動、學習、關係的建立，那並不是真正的 intergenerational formation。
核心意思是：
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跨代 ≠ 大雜燴活動
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跨代 = intentional（有意圖的）連結與塑造
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關鍵在於 presence, participation, mutuality 三要素（在 Part 1, Chapter 3 裡展開）。
部分二（Part 2: Practices & Spaces）塑造成為「場域」：跨代共融的現場
2.0 導言：理念必須成為場域
若只停留於理論，無法實現「全教會一起成長」的異象。第二部分聚焦如何構建「塑造的場域」。
2.1 核心觀念：教會是「跨代塑造的生態系統」
每次敬拜、聚餐、遊戲、討論，都是神塑造生命的地方；而這個塑造要跨代發生。
2.2 四大面向的實踐轉化
（1）人際結構：小組／家庭／團契轉為混齡結構。
（2）空間設計：教堂／家居／公共空間重新定義以容納跨代共處。
（3）教育內容：主日學與裝備材料更新為可跨代共學。
（4）節期與活動：將教會年曆轉化為跨代連結的節奏。
2.3 問題引導：如何設計真正跨代的空間？
– 敬拜是否讓所有年齡參與且被尊重？（參與不是重點）
– 小組是否打破年齡壁壘、促進互學？
– 空間是否讓孩子、長者、成人皆有歸屬？
– 是否願意拆解「世代分隔」的慣性？
2.4 結語：一場「場域更新」的靈命旅程
跨代塑造不是加活動，而是改文化；當我們重設空間（實體、心靈、結構），就為聖靈預備工場。
部分三（Part 3: Ministry Applications）實踐：教學、事工、敬拜
3.0 導言：強調「經歷共享」勝於「資訊傳遞」
3.1 教學實踐（Teaching Practices）
目標：建立跨代學習社群。
實例：
（1）主日學加入混齡單元。
（2）故事分享為核心的小組教學。
（3）「跨代導師」關係取代單向灌輸。
3.2 事工實踐（Ministry Practices）
目標：在共同服事中經歷神。
實例：
（1）全家短宣／社區服務。
（2）年長與青少年配對同工。
（3）代際事奉小隊承擔一堂崇拜或一段週期。
3.3 敬拜實踐（Worship Practices）
目標：讓每一代成為參與者，而非觀眾。
實例：
（1）每月一次代際主日（兒童禱告、長者讀經、青少年領詩）。
（2）設「代際見證」時段（如父子同台見證）。
（3）重新設計座位與流程，使家庭能同坐敬拜。
3.4 屬靈核心觀念（Spiritual Anchor）
外在行動 → 內在轉化 → 屬靈意義
（1）一起學習 → 由「教」轉為「同行」 → 群體記憶傳承
（2）一起事奉 → 由「效率」轉為「關係」 → 成為神家一分子
（3）一起敬拜 → 由「觀眾」轉為「參與」 → 體驗神同在
部分四（Part 4: Culture & Leadership）文化與領導：打造代際教會
4.0 導言：不靠活動疊加，而靠文化養成
4.1 從節目導向走向文化塑造
提醒：Intergenerational formation flourishes not in programs but in the ethos of the congregation.
反思：
– 我們是分開照顧世代，還是鼓勵連結？
– 空間、語言、服事安排是否促進自然共處？
4.2 領袖的角色與文化翻轉
（1）成為橋樑建立者（Bridge Builders），非界線劃分者。
（2）鼓勵各世代參與領導與決策。
（3）以關係為本，而非唯目標導向。
實踐：
– 代際領袖共學會。
– 執事與青年配對同行。
4.3 打造代際文化的四大元素
（1）敞開溝通：促進跨代理性與故事交流。
（2）彼此接納：包容語言、文化、表達差異。
（3）空間共享：時間與場地能容納家庭一同參與。
（4）異象共融：重大決策納入各年齡層聲音。
4.4 結語與挑戰：長路同行
A church becomes intergenerational not by adding a ministry, but by reshaping its soul.
這是關於教會靈魂的重整。
4.5 結構總結（Summary Table）
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節目導向 vs 文化導向：重氛圍，不疊活動。
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領袖角色：領袖即文化塑造者。
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四大元素：溝通、接納、共享、異象共融。
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長路同行：需要時間與堅持。
附錄：第二版的深層意義──從現象到靈魂的更新
A.1 神學深化：代際教會論（intergenerational ecclesiology）
跨代不是策略而是本體論回歸，呼應林前12的「互為肢體」。
A.2 世代理論與屬靈塑造：對 Gen Z／Alpha 的真誠對話
由「被服事對象」轉為「同行者、啟發者」，承認其屬靈洞見。
A.3 從活動到屬靈空間生態：核心節奏（core rhythms）
家庭式敬拜、交錯年齡小組、共融節期，形塑可持續的屬靈節奏。
A.4 領袖先行的文化翻轉
牧者先成為橋樑，在決策過程納入各世代，重塑教會的靈魂。
A.5 結語
這不是技巧升級，而是文化轉化──你我是否願意選擇這條跨代同行之路？
The Foundations of Intergenerational Faith Formation: Entering the True “Family” Church
Reading Guide:
Part 1: Foundations – Why Have We Lost Each Other?
Intergenerational Christian Formation
1.0 Introduction: Why Have We Lost One Another?
In many churches, we have divided people into separate groups for the sake of “efficiency” and to “meet age-specific needs.” Yet these divisions have also built walls that push generations apart.
This first section reminds us: the true church is a spiritual family where generations are connected—supporting one another, learning from one another, and bearing witness together. This is not merely an organizational strategy but a return to a God-centered culture of faith.
1.1 The Church’s Fundamental Calling: Generational Connection
(The original book presents biblical and theological foundations in Part 2. Here, however, we bring it forward to Part 1, because in the context of pastoral ministry, we must first see the theological calling of intergenerational formation before talking about practical strategies.)
(1) Biblical Overview
Deuteronomy 6, Acts 2, and 1 Corinthians 12 present a vision of a faith community where generations are linked together.
(2) Theological Foundations
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Creation’s intent: Humanity was made to live in families and communities. (See also the Sunday School course Family and Faith.)
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Jesus’ practice: He welcomed children, healed the elderly, and gathered people from diverse backgrounds.
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The Spirit’s work: Sons and daughters will prophesy, young people will see visions, and the old will dream dreams.
(3) Pastoral Reflection
Do we still design discipleship and ministry using the model of the industrial-age school system, or do we return to a relational model of formation?
Some churches, often without realizing it, have shaped discipleship after the industrial-era school system—segregating by age, focusing on curriculum delivery—rather than after the biblical model of family and community.
1.2 Three Core Elements of Intergenerational Culture
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Presence: Generations show up in one another’s lives. This is not just about “taking care of” but about walking together.
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Participation: Everyone contributes as part of the body—children in worship, youth in service, elders offering encouragement.
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Mutuality: Not one-way teaching, but reciprocal blessing and growth.
→ Intergenerational formation is not about adjusting programs but about a cultural reorientation.
1.3 Challenges and Blind Spots in Today’s Church
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Age-based divisions create generational disconnection.
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Faith transmission has been outsourced: parents and churches rely too much on programs instead of community life.
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Growth has been reduced to knowledge and activities, neglecting shared life and testimony.
→ The call: The church must become a home, not a religious marketplace.
1.4 Why We Must Recover Intergenerational Formation
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Research: Young people who stay in faith communities usually have real relationships with other generations.
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Sticky Faith principle: A teenager with about five adult companions from different ages is far more likely to remain strong in faith.
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Elders: They experience deeper vitality and belonging in intergenerational settings.
→ Conclusion: This is not just about the next generation—it is about the present and future health of the whole church.
1.5 Pastoral Reflection: Can We Become a Family Again?
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Do our sermons and gatherings create space for generations to meet?
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Do we give both children and elders opportunities to contribute, not only to be served?
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Do we cultivate a culture where people truly need and learn from one another?
1.6 Conclusion: From Division Back to Connection, From System Back to Life
The core message of Part 1 is this: intergenerational ministry is not a strategy but a form of repentance—turning away from age-segregated, efficiency-driven ministry and returning to the essence of the church.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Intergenerational formation does not mean gathering everyone in the same room for an activity. If people are simply sitting together without interaction, learning, or relationship-building, that is not true intergenerational formation.
In short:
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Intergenerational ≠ A mixed-age event with no real connection.
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Intergenerational = Intentional connection and formation.
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The key: presence, participation, and mutuality (explored further in Part 1, Chapter 3).
Part 2: Practices & Spaces – The Contexts of Intergenerational Life
2.0 Introduction: Vision Must Become Space
If we stay at the level of ideas, we cannot realize the vision of “the whole church growing together.” Part 2 focuses on building spaces of formation.
2.1 Core Idea: The Church as an “Intergenerational Ecosystem”
Every worship service, meal, game, and discussion is a place where God shapes lives—and this shaping must happen across generations.
2.2 Four Areas of Transformation
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Relational structures: shift groups, families, and fellowships into mixed-age settings.
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Physical spaces: redesign sanctuaries, homes, and public places to allow for intergenerational presence.
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Educational content: renew Sunday School and discipleship materials for intergenerational learning.
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Calendar rhythms: reshape the church year into rhythms that foster generational connection.
2.3 Guiding Questions: How Do We Design Truly Intergenerational Spaces?
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Does worship allow all ages to participate and be respected?
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Do small groups break down age barriers and foster mutual learning?
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Do our spaces give children, adults, and elders a sense of belonging?
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Are we willing to dismantle the habit of generational separation?
2.4 Conclusion: A Spiritual Journey of Space Renewal
Intergenerational formation is not about adding activities but about reshaping culture. When we reset our spaces—physical, relational, and structural—we prepare a workshop for the Spirit.
Part 3: Ministry Applications – Teaching, Ministry, Worship
3.0 Introduction: Shared Experience Over Information Transfer
3.1 Teaching Practices
Goal: Build learning communities across generations.
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Add mixed-age units to Sunday School.
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Make storytelling central to group teaching.
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Replace one-way teaching with intergenerational mentoring.
3.2 Ministry Practices
Goal: Encounter God by serving together.
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Family mission trips or community service.
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Pairing elders with youth for ministry teams.
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Intergenerational service teams leading worship together.
3.3 Worship Practices
Goal: Every generation becomes a participant, not an audience.
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Monthly intergenerational Sunday (children praying, elders reading Scripture, youth leading songs).
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“Intergenerational testimonies” (e.g., father and child sharing together).
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Redesign seating and flow so families can worship together.
3.4 Spiritual Anchors
Outer action → Inner transformation → Spiritual meaning
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Learning together → from “teaching” to “journeying” → collective memory.
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Serving together → from “efficiency” to “relationship” → becoming part of God’s family.
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Worshiping together → from “spectator” to “participant” → experiencing God’s presence.
Part 4: Culture & Leadership – Building an Intergenerational Church
4.0 Introduction: Not Program Stacking, But Culture Formation
4.1 From Programs to Culture
Intergenerational formation flourishes not in programs but in the ethos of the congregation.
Reflection:
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Do we separate generations into silos, or do we encourage connection?
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Do our spaces, language, and ministry practices foster natural life together?
4.2 Leadership and Culture Change
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Leaders must become bridge-builders, not boundary-keepers.
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Encourage all ages to participate in leadership and decision-making.
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Lead with relationships, not only goals.
Practices:
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Intergenerational leadership learning groups.
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Pairing deacons with youth for shared ministry.
4.3 Four Elements of Intergenerational Culture
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Open communication: sharing ideas and stories across ages.
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Mutual acceptance: embracing differences in language, culture, and expression.
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Shared spaces: creating time and place for families to participate together.
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Shared vision: including voices from every age in major decisions.
4.4 Conclusion & Challenge: Walking the Long Road Together
A church becomes intergenerational not by adding a ministry, but by reshaping its soul.
This is about the re-formation of the church’s very being.
4.5 Summary Table
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Program vs. Culture: focus on atmosphere, not more events.
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Leadership role: leaders are culture shapers.
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Four elements: communication, acceptance, shared space, shared vision.
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The long road: requires time and perseverance.
Appendix: Deeper Meaning – From Activity to the Soul
A.1 Theological Depth
Intergenerational church is not a strategy but an ontological return, echoing 1 Corinthians 12’s vision of “members belonging to one another.”
A.2 Generational Theory & Spiritual Formation
With Gen Z and Alpha, we move from seeing them as “recipients” to recognizing them as “companions and inspirers,” acknowledging their spiritual insights.
A.3 From Activities to Rhythms
Family worship, mixed-age groups, and intergenerational festivals create sustainable rhythms of faith.
A.4 Leadership-Led Culture Change
Pastors and leaders must go first—becoming bridge-builders, bringing all generations into decision-making, and reshaping the church’s soul.
A.5 Conclusion
This is not about upgrading techniques but transforming culture.
Will we choose the intergenerational path together?
I hope this guide will help leaders grasp the heart of the book.
—Pastor Antony
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