Date

12-19-2023

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Joshua Dugan

Keywords

multigenerational, multigenerational worship, intergenerational, intergenerational worship, blended worship

Disciplines

Liturgy and Worship | Religion

Abstract

Every generation has a different way of engaging in congregational worship, sometimes at odds with another generation. The current challenge for pastors and worship leaders of churches with multiple generations is planning worship services that consider the congregation's complex make-up and remain faithful to the principles of biblical worship. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to provide a worship model that facilitates the worship styles and preferences of multiple generations within a church congregation. An atmosphere of worship is desired for all persons attending weekly worship services whose hearts and minds are receptive to the move of God in their varied expressions of praise to Him. This thesis project examines five of seven generations worshiping together that pastors and worship leaders are responsible for ministering to: 1) Traditional (pre-1945; 2) Baby Boomers (1946-1964); 3) Generation X (Baby Busters) (1965-1980); 4) Generation Y (Millennials) (1981-1995); and 5) Generation Z (Linksters) (1996 to 2012). Data was collected from surveys of 37 participants aged 18-75 and over from various churches representing different churches. The survey consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions. This thesis project will help worship planners establish an understanding of each generation to plan biblically and theologically grounded worship services that engage the whole congregation.

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