Kids benefit from having input from people of all ages. God's plan is that the whole community are involved in passing on the faith to the younger generation. (IDeuteronomy 6)
Here are some ideas to help you do that in your church. Make sure that when you encourage sharing of experiences and interests, you encourage sharing of 'God things' as well.
Intergenerational Links Some churches intentionally link children from their Sunday morning program with older members of the congregation. With the cooperation of parents, the adult gets a picture of the child and a short description of their interests so they can start to get to know them and pray for them. The child gets one of the adult and is encouraged to pray for them too.
Interesting Visitors Many churches make a point of inviting adults who are not regularly involved in their kids programs to come and be interviewed, share a skill or tell about something they've done. It can be helpful to brief the adults well, perhaps giving them a list of the kids names so they can start to get to know them.
Church in the Olden Days Invite some of the oldest members of your church to come and tell the kids group what they did at Sunday School or church when they were kids and how they came to choose to follow Jesus. Let the kids ask questions of the old people.
Regular church dinners or picnics are good intergenerational opportunities if build in you chances for interaction. Have some games, trivia or activities with teams that must include a variety of ages.
Apprentices Encourage each adult with a role in the church to have an apprentice from a younger generation. Kids can welcome and hand out bulletins, learn the sound system, offer morning tea, pray, take up the offering, join a singing team, read the Scriptures, mark off attendances and count the offering. The key is to teach them to do the job well as an act of service to God and others, not just be a helper.
Cardmaking Have a supply of cards for the children to decorate or write on for people who deserve congratulations or need comfort or encouragement.
Interviews Take regular time in church services to have interviews with people from different generations. Mix questions about life and faith. Interviews could be prerecorded or be printed in the bulletin.
