Date
8-29-2024
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)
Chair
Mary Lowe
Keywords
intergenerational, discipleship, ministry, church, program, congregation
Disciplines
Christianity
Recommended Citation
Boychak, Keila A., "The Importance of Bridging the Generation Gap Within Grace City Church: A Plan for an Intergenerational Discipleship Program" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5923.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5923
Abstract
The generation gap exists within the local church. The purpose of this praxis problem was to address the lack of intergenerational ministry in the church and create an intergenerational discipleship program to start the process of bridging the generation gap. The researcher intended to study the generations that are involved within Grace City Church and better understand how to reach them. In following Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory (1969), the researcher planned to create a practical program that assisted in gaining participants, who are among various generations and are currently members of the congregation. Through the implementation of an intergenerational discipleship program that was executed as a mentorship project, the researcher was able to address the generation gap that exists in Grace City Church. After working with participants and her collaborating team, the researcher was given the ability to see firsthand the need for intergenerational ministry. This praxis project provides insight from members of the GCC congregation and staff members who agree that intergenerational discipleship is vital for the growth and development of the congregation. Each generation has wisdom and knowledge to share with one another. The instilling of mentorship practices in the congregation provides opportunities for each generation to connect on a personal level, which will assist with unity in the church.