Date

4-7-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

David Roberts

Keywords

Intergenerational, Mentorship, Co-Mentorship, Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Maturity

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This thesis examined the problem of the tendency for older adults to slow down in spiritual growth. The project instituted relationships between older and younger individuals in a Cross-Generational Co-Mentorship system, which allowed two individuals from different generations to engage in spiritual disciplines in a one-on-one format in a small church context. The purpose of this study was to foster spiritual growth and wellness through individual interactions and to enhance their engagement in various ministry opportunities. The study created intergenerational relationships that fostered spiritual growth in both the older and younger participants. The study engaged various types of literature on the psychological, theological, and theoretical implications of intergenerational relationships, with the aim of fostering a genuine and productive dialogue on spiritual wellness from each individual’s unique perspective regarding the challenges of life. The local church, Immanuel Baptist in Muskogee, Oklahoma was used in this study. Through assessments and statistical analysis using T-Tests and Cohen-D statistical tests, conclusions were drawn that measured the program's impact and determined the overall effect on the co-mentors, compared with the growth in a control group that met during regularly scheduled Wednesday night meetings. Two formal assessments were given and subjected to various statistical tests to determine the overall effect. Other methods included field notes during group discussions and individual exit interviews. By analyzing the information statistically and qualitatively, conclusions were founded upon the revealed outcomes. Participants experienced a new understanding of the generational divide. Moreover, statistical tests showed moderate growth in both subject groups.

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