Date

11-11-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Baylor Whitney

Keywords

intergenerational ministry, Baby Boomers, volunteer engagement, expository preaching, church curriculum, generational divide, local church leadership

Disciplines

Practical Theology | Religion

Abstract

At the First Baptist Church of Grandview, Texas, Baby Boomers demonstrate strong attendance in age-specific ministries yet remain significantly less engaged in volunteering within the church’s primarily Millennial-led ministries. This action-research project sought to address this generational divide by implementing a seven-week intervention that combined expository preaching on intergenerational themes with a church-wide curriculum initiative designed to foster cross-generational understanding and service. The project was conducted in a congregation experiencing both numerical growth and increasing generational diversity, where the lack of Boomer volunteer participation created concern about long-term ministry sustainability and relational health. The intervention included seven expository sermons delivered across two Sunday worship services and a unified curriculum taught in Sunday School, Wednesday night Bible studies, and home groups. Preliminary and final questionnaires measured changes in Baby Boomer attitudes toward volunteering and intergenerational participation. The results demonstrated measurable increases in planned volunteer hours and in the number of participants willing to serve across generational lines. Qualitative observations also revealed meaningful relational connections forming between Boomers and younger members during the seven-week period. This project contributes to the field of intergenerational ministry by offering a replicable model that integrates biblical preaching with intentional, church-wide teaching. The findings suggest that when Baby Boomers are given clear vision, personal invitation, and structured opportunities to serve alongside other generations, many respond with increased commitment. The study affirms that lasting transformation requires ongoing intentionality, while also demonstrating that meaningful movement is possible when churches champion the value of generations serving together.

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