I believe some of the stickiest faith moments happen at home — in familiar spaces, with familiar faces. Me and all the research. While we may get just one hour a week with the littles if they come to church, the family gets nearly 50 together. That’s why equipping families with simple, meaningful tools (not just another thing to do!) is a big part of our discipleship plan for littles, middles, and talls.

We’ve added a wheeled shelf of goodness to a narrow little hallway — right where families check in and check out for programming. It’s packed with faith-forming resources we’ve already been using behind the scenes, and now we’re rolling them out (literally!) to share.

We do have a fabulous church library and it’s one of the most used spaces on campus. This small family resource center gives families easy access and it’s super convenient.

And as items disappear (yay!), we’ll replace them with fresh, thoughtful tools based on the real-life hallway conversations of what are families talking about.

What’s on the shelf for the beginning of this school year?

Clear signage that items are free to take – I gleaned the design from the fabulous Amber Pike of RenewANation which offers the Family Ministry Academy which I can’t say enough great things about. Their new cohort season begins in October.

“Are My Kids on Track?” by Christian family counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas
Remember those milestone checklists at the pediatrician? This book is like that—but for hearts and minds, not just height and weight. It’s a go-to guide for raising emotionally, socially, and spiritually healthy kids.

Catechism Books — Faith Q&A for the Whole Family
The word “catechism” means to teach with questions and answers—and Christians have used this method for centuries to pass down the truth of the Christian faith. We’ve stocked two favorites:

• Foundational Truths: A Modern Catechism – Beautiful and accessible for parents, grandparents, and older kids.
• The New City Catechism – Pocket-sized, app-available, and great for on-the-go moments like carpool, waiting rooms, or the sidelines of life. These were gifts to all of our elementary families on Promotion Sunday.

Two Discipleship Blueprints — Because Faith Has a Framework
Our faves from Rev. Jeremy Bannister and The Next Generation Ministries:

• Discipleship Begins at Home: For Littles – A year-by-year guide to nurturing holy habits from birth onward.
• 5-Year Plan: For Teens & Adults – A roadmap for walking alongside your middle & high schoolers (or even yourself!) in Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, service, giving, and more.

“Count Yourself Calm” – A Read-Aloud for Big Feelings
This playfully illustrated book helps children breathe, pray, and reflect on God’s goodness—especially when emotions are high. It’s calming, Christ-centered, and a great resource for mental and spiritual health for everyone.

HomePoint Resource Guides for Families with all ages and stages
These straight-talking, grace-filled resources from D6 I first experienced at Children’s Pastors Conference provide wisdom and encouragement for navigating life’s big transitions through a biblical lens.

As these treasures are taken, we’ll keep replenishing with tools that support whole-family discipleship – body, mind, spirit, and soul. Because the One who made us has a plan for helping us flourish, even in this temporary world.

What does your Family Resource Center look like?

“May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.” Psalm 20:2

July is the month that requires both an over abundance of physical and mental energy.

Physically, we’re still deep in summer programming:
Driveway Parties
Movie Nights
Ladies Paint Parties
Woodlands Freestyle Day Camp
National Ice Cream Day
Lunches and tea with new ministry leaders
And lots of calendaring for what’s ahead!

Mentally, we’re switching gears to the new school year—setting school-year calendars for littles, middles, and talls, creating graphics, launching registrations, making online room reservations, ordering supplies, and preparing to train our amazing leaders who jump headfirst into ministry with families of all ages and stages.

Held right after worship (Pastor Judy is not easy to follow!), we tossed the net wide to gather anyone who serves in nursery, kids, youth, young adult, men’s, women’s, and senior adult ministries for a training lunch. Our goal? Cover the essentials clearly, joyfully, and in under an hour to train our returning team and new team members!

Each table was set with clappers, megaphones, and pom-poms to help our leaders “make some noise.” Blue bags and pens with the church logo and the 2025-2026 Kids & Youth School Year Calendars were ready for everyone to take home.

On an index card each leader shared and left on the table:

• Their name and email
• Ministry area (one or more)
• Two church besties
• A prayer request
  These cards help us stay connected and serve as our attendance record.

The Training Focus: The MACLAND Acrostic

We used the letters of our church’s name to hit the majors:

M = Ministry Safe
Ministry Safe is how we set the stage to keep ministry safe. The Global Methodist Church provides free, excellent online training resources for GMC local churches. New leaders will get links this week for background checks and online training. It’s how we beat the devil!

A = Arrival Time
Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before your service time. Like band leaders say, “If you’re on time, you’re late.” Early arrival gives margin to prepare and pray for a smooth, grace-filled start.

C = Community
It’s in our name! We asked who had participated in the multiple community outreaches this summer—and every single person stood! The room exploded with cheers. This fall, we continue inviting and serving the community with the Tailgate Party, Macland Community Round Up, Friendsgiving, the Christmas Parade, and our Live Nativity. Everyone is invited to prayerfully consider how they can support each through Family Ministry.

L = Learning
Tables shared how they’ve grown in Christ this summer. Then we asked: How will you grow this fall? Consider joining a Life Group, Emmaus Walk, Face to Face Encounter, Chrysalis Flight, or using HomePoint and Family Resource Center tools. I was super grateful they attended this learning opportunity.

A = Assist the Church
From sharing on social media to emptying trash cans, we all serve together, especially as a lay-led church. Everyone has a part in caring for our church spaces and promoting the joy we share here.

N = New Opportunities
So much is starting this fall!
Kids Praise Team & Youth Praise Team (Wednesday nights)
Young Adults studying The Psalms (Thursday evenings)
Young Adult Quarterly Lunch & Learns
Confirmation for 7th & 8th graders
MacSenior’s Legacy Hymn Worship (Last Sundays of each month, 4–5 PM)

D = Departure Times Matter
Guests may not arrive early, but they often linger. Be available, be helpful, and let your presence reflect Jesus. And personally? Linger with Him. Make time for your own personal worship this fall. Don’t quit. Stay the course. Adjust as needed—but stay the course.

---

We’re in a month of transition and transformation.
Promotion Sunday is just around the corner! Bags are packed, scripture is written on mirrors and windows in dry-erase markers, rooms are getting decluttered, and databases updated as kids move up a grade. During the worship service, students and those serving them, both on campus and off-campus, will be commissioned as missionaries by the Missions Team to the areas where they’ll be in community this school year. On mission where God is sending them in community.

So keep the iced coffee and sweet tea coming — and let’s use every day of July for His glory!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

The discipleship of our Senior Saints is led by some amazing people. Some who have incredibly floppy Bibles from decades of use and some who have the gift of time to dedicate to serving. Senior Saints are an integral part of Family Ministry.

Because one of our core values is to be intentionally multigenerational, we lean into opportunities where generations learn from one another, grow together, and joyfully share in the life of the church. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

First Thursday Potluck (11am–1pm):
Each month, a team of servant leaders sets the theme and tables for a warm and welcoming potluck on campus. There is incredible food, plenty of sweet and unsweet tea, and a message of encouragement or information. The fellowship is rich, the laughter is real, and everyone leaves full.

Legacy Hymn Worship Service (last Sunday of the month, 4–5pm):
The Legacy Hymn Worship Service is a time to gather and sing the timeless hymns of our faith, accompanied by piano and led by a song leader using My Redeemer’s Praise (Seedbed). A message about the history and meaning of the hymns adds depth to the worship. We share the event with the community via roadside banners which read “Last Sunday of the month” set up and taken down by our youth—another simple act of intergenerational service.

Game Day (3rd Thursday, every other month):
From dominoes to card games, Game Day brings out the fun and friendly competition. This summer, a domino tournament welcomed middle schoolers into the mix, sparking conversations, laughter, and a whole lot of joyful connection. Sharing play across generations builds relationships in the most delightful ways. Even new senior saints attended because they knew middle schoolers would be there.

More multigenerational moments with our senior saints include…

• Face to Face (Walk to Emmaus for 60+):
  We’re honored to host this powerful spiritual retreat for those over 60 this fall. Our Senior Saints support and participate in ways that nurture their faith and uplift others.
• Senior Date Night with the Youth:
  A cherished highlight of our year! Seniors and youth gather to share a meal, swap stories of faith, play games, and build friendships. Themed evenings like Cinco de Mayo and Italian Night—with baked ziti, easy sign-ups, and Etsy game bundles—make these gatherings a favorite of the year.
• Christmas Hospitality:
  Our Senior Saints baked over 80 dozen cookies last year to welcome neighbors to the Live Nativity. They served cider and cocoa with warm smiles, creating sacred, accessible space for all. We intentionally hold this event on level ground so everyone, including those with mobility needs, can fully participate.
• Serving Widows with Love:
  This summer, middle and high school young men met bi-weekly to engage in ‘tough talk’ led by some incredible Titus 2 men and provided yard work and landscaping support for widows in our congregation who otherwise could not take care of it on their own. And if those ladies had a pond or lake? Yes, there was some fishing going on afterwards.

“In not knowing the existential and institutional reasons for church, we have deprived ourselves of an invaluable opportunity to taste and see that the Lord is not only true, but also good and beautiful. Second only to God’s gift of Himself, there simply is no greater blessing in this age, for us as our neighbors, than the body of Christ.” Brad Edwards, The Reason for Church, pg 207

I love our senior saints and the opportunities they leverage for their own faith formation alongside those of us watching how they model loving and serving the Lord with their whole hearts for, indeed, their whole lives. We have Annas in the breezeway. We have Simeons guiding folks to seats. We have Rose, Robin, Donnie, Mary June, Randy, Phil, Carolyn, Mala, David, Billy, Janice, Chris, Kristi, Allen, Emil, Janet, Morris, Barry, and Bob who pour into the littles, middles, and talls. And when I get to witness our senior saints fully engage in the other areas of the Christian community inside and outside the walls of the local church building, this Jesus gal wants to toss confetti all over the place.

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Titus 2:1-5

Not because the author was trying to stir up frustration, but because they held up a mirror to something you love—and the reflection was hard to see.

That’s how I felt reading the first half of The Reason for Church: Why the Body of Christ Still Matters in an Age of Anxiety, Division, and Radical Individualism (April 2025). Every chapter peeled back the cultural layers that have crept into how we see church—and it made me mad.

A ministry bestie who serves on staff at another church told me their staff was reading it together, so I grabbed a copy, too. We’ve had some great conversations over holy guacamole and queso over previous books. This one will be emotional.

The book begins with this idea: individuality has metastasized into individualism—a deep commitment to self-definition. And now, just like our playlists and social feeds, we expect the local church to be curated and customized to fit me.

Whatever that even means.

The author pulls no punches—starting with the Tower of Babel and moving through the seeker-sensitive movement, the rise of the “sacred self” (my own intuition is my north star and will guide me to what is best for me), and the consumer mindset that’s shaped much of American Christianity. We’ve discipled people to think of church as a spiritual vending machine aka a spiritual non-profit. And yet, we wonder why our discipleship feels shallow and anemic—when we’ve trained ourselves to sip from the well of living water instead of sink deep into the life of the Church.

Here’s what’s worse: in a world where “I feel, therefore it’s true” is a guiding belief, correction and instruction feels like harm. If you make me feel bad about myself or speak God’s truth in love to me, I’ll just cut you out of my life. When a teen calls family devotions “religious trauma,” or every boundary gets labeled “hurt,” we need to ask: are God’s people still open to conviction? Repentance? Growth? Instruction? Sanctification? Healing? Or is the church merely a service-provider?

Yes, real wounds exist. So does spiritual immaturity. Both can show up in the same room.

And counterfeit communities—especially online or on the field—offer quick belonging while slowly unmaking disciples. Algorithms feed our outrage. “Community” gets confused with comment sections. Practices and coaches take priority on the family calendar and finances. It’s all noise, and it’s numbing. It’s lonely, and it’s exhausting.

So yes, I got angry at what we’ve let shape her, the Bride of Christ.

But I kept reading—and the second half of the book makes me want to shout from the back row and toss glory confetti all over the place.

The church is still God’s idea to save the world. A greenhouse for exiles. A place where we learn to ask for help, live in covenant, and drink deeply of Christ’s love together—not in isolation. It’s where we’ll encounter hospitable and kind people of all generations who choose to accept you based on what Christ says about you without judgment of your past experiences. (Ephesians 1:6)

The author offers: If we want resurrection life, we must devote ourselves to the Bride of Christ as fully as He did—to the point of death. (Philippians 2:8) And we can’t claim to carry our cross if we won’t carry each other in sacrifice, through inconvenience, setting aside personal desires, expectations, and preferences.

I’ve got 50 pages left—and a lot more to process. The best part? This is a book which speaks so positively about the church and cheers on God’s plan to redeem the world through her. I love the church and Brad Edwards does an exceptional job of speaking well of her, The Bride of Christ. So very well of her!

Part two is coming. And probably more queso.

“They (all, together) devoted themselves (fully, together) to the apostles’ teaching (receive instruction), the fellowship (spiritual greenhouse), to the breaking of bread (Jesus), and the prayers (actively depending on Him), (Acts 2:42). Whatever metaphor we use, the early church was absolutely not a spiritual buffet from which individual believers picked dis-integrated ingredients. “Awe” is not on the other side of a balanced spiritual diet. That’s individualism talking. Instead, what Luke is describing is individuals called out from every tribe, tongue, and nation to become part of God’s “great nation” (Genesis 12). p. 143

Rev. Jared Lathem may be a newly ordained pastor, but he’s no stranger to church life. Son of the faithful Rev. Dr. Warren Lathem and Jane Baird Lathem, a saint, Jared brings a legacy of ministry into his own calling. So when I saw he had written The Sermon Killing Your Family: When Silence Becomes The Loudest Message, a book about reclaiming spiritual leadership in the home—for parents, grandparents, leaders, and everyday families—I didn’t hesitate. I ordered my first three copies on the spot.

I couldn’t put it down.

For those of us in the kidmin trenches who have spent years waving the banner of family discipleship—cheering for parents to lead at home, in car lines, at ball fields, and around dinner tables—this book is fuel to our fire. Jared doesn’t just talk about it; he lives it. He offers a simple, practical, Spirit-led invitation to turn the dining room table and the bunk bed into sacred spaces for revival.

And he does it with bold clarity:

This is the tragedy of the modern Christian family: fathers who were called to be priests but settled for being providers, and mothers who were called to be intercessors but settled for being schedulers. p. 47

In Chapter 11: Family Altars and Kitchen Table Revivals, Jared paints the hopeful picture of beginning and returning to a time of gathering at the family altar. It’s around the family altar, dining room-living room-beside the bunk bed-on the back porch, when fathers learn to be family priests and mothers learn to be prayer warriors.

Jared lays out simple, uncomplicated elements of the family altar to regularly practice together, starting where you are. He lists the common obstacles, the fruit of faithful altars and the generational impact because “it shapes how children view God, how they approach problems, how they make decisions, how they relate to others.” p. 131

And just when you think the book couldn’t offer more – there it is in the back: a 30-Day Family Devotional Guide: Building A Foundation for Family Faith designed for families who are new to this whole thing of family altar time. Each has scripture and a developmentally appropriate chat question for children, teens, and adults. It’s worth the price of the book.

If you’re ready to play the long game….

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re losing your kids to schedules, screens, and sidelines…

If you’re longing to see revival start right at home… Get this book.

Gather your people.

Light a candle.

Open the Bible.

And get ready to reclaim your family altar.

“The game is not over, but the clock is ticking.” p. 121

A dear Jesus-guy recently asked if I had ever been called to seminary. My honest response? “Nope. The Lord never called me to seminary—but He absolutely called me to be a professional Christian educator.” And with that call came a promise: that my training would come through the people, books, and spaces He would provide. And He’s been so faithful!

One of the greatest gifts in this journey has been my recent experience with RenewaNation’s Family Ministry Academy—and friends, it couldn’t have come at a better time. As our church was stepping into a new season of intentionally focusing on Family Ministry, the Academy became a tailor-made answer to prayer.

The structure was simple and powerful:
* One live webinar a month with amazing guest speakers (real-life leaders, not just big names)
* A thoughtful reading assignment I still use regularly
* Peer-reviewed assignments that brought fresh ideas from others walking the same road
* A Facebook group full of encouragement, wisdom, and practical resources

Month by month, topic by topic—from babies to grandparenting, from marriage to ministry models—it was all relevant, biblical, and so very usable. My books are dog-eared. My team is resourced. My vision is clearer. I walked away with a shared language, a deeper understanding of family discipleship, and a toolkit to equip our church and families of all ages and stages.

I’m still reflecting on what I’ve learned. Every piece of it—every speaker, every conversation, every assignment—helped me stay focused on what really matters. I finally feel like I have navigational beacons to keep our Family Ministry grounded in truth and aimed at real-life transformation.

And now – BIG NEWS – the next cohort starts in October, and I want you to know about it because….
1. Scholarships are available, thanks to a generous donor so that the cost is only $250 per person which is a $1250 savings!
2. The Family Ministry Academy is now accredited through the University of Northwestern – St. Paul.
3. If you are considering pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the Family Ministry Academy counts toward it – plus you get 20% off tuition at Northwestern.

Whether you’re new to Family Ministry or ready to take it deeper, this is an incredible investment in you, your calling, and your church. I’ll be framing my certificate and hanging it proudly—it represents months of growth, joy, and real equipping. I’ve been in the trenches for a hot bunch of decades and the Family Ministry Academy was the clarifying answer to ‘what’s next’ for me and the local church I serve.

If you’re even a little bit curious, reach out to the fabulous Beth Blair at bblair@renewanation.org and tell her I sent you. I get no greater benefit than the joy of sharing something that truly made a difference in me.

Let’s keep growing – together!

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5

One of our amazing leaders, who also serves on staff at a church in a nearby county, shared a beautiful story with me several years ago. Each week, her church gathers for prayer and lifts up their neighborhood—by name, with intention, and with care.

Inspired by their practice, I adapted the idea to fit the church I served a while back and will be incorporating it as part of our Sunday morning prayers beginning in July using the 5-Finger Prayer—a simple, sticky way to help children develop a holy habit of praying for others.

Each finger reminds us to pray for a different part of our local community:

• Thumb – Pray for someone closest to me
  (a local business)
• Pointer – Pray for those who teach me
  (a local school)
• Tall Finger – Pray for government leaders
  (a public official)
• Ring Finger – Pray for those who need help
  (another local church)
• Pinkie – Pray for our own
  (a church family facing extraordinary challenges)

How It Works Each Month

First Sunday of the Month:
We introduce a new prayer prompt card and practice the 5-Finger Prayer together during large group time. Kids take the card home to pray with their families throughout the month.
Prayer Time:
Each Sunday, we pause to pray silently and aloud. Students hold up each finger (or their full hand for the tall finger) as we name each person, group, or organization.
Letter Writing:
At the start of each month, we write a letter to each prayer partner—whether it’s a local school, fire station, business, or family. Kids and leaders sign their first names in bright, fun colors when they arrive on Sunday morning. We mail the letters the following week.

Sample Prayer Letter
Dear [Name],

We consider it a privilege at Macland Community Church to partner with and pray for our neighbors. We believe it’s a joy to lift up our local businesses, leaders, and families in prayer—because we’re all serving one another, and we serve better together.

This month, you were chosen as our Neighborhood Prayer Partner. During our Macland Community Kids Sunday school hour, we will mention you by name and pray for your safety, success, and encouragement.

May God’s greatest blessings rest on you as you faithfully serve our community.

To God be the glory, GREAT things He is doing in our community,
Macland Community Church Children’s Ministry
Littles (Nursery–5th Grade) & Their Leaders

Most children don’t know who to pray for beyond themselves. This simple rhythm helps them:

• Practice prayer, a holy habit , with purpose
• See themselves as part of a larger community
• Grow a habit of loving their neighbors through prayer
• Bless others in real and meaningful ways

This practice connects our kids to the wider world, teaches them to care like Jesus, and reminds our neighbors that we want to be good neighbors, too.

Who can you pray for today?

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 1:4

When summer planning began last winter, our Children’s Ministry team made an exciting decision: to partner with our local community to ENGAGE individuals beyond our campus and outside of Sunday mornings. One of the most joyful ways we do this is through Driveway Parties, in tandem with our town’s Family-to-Park Movie Nights every Thursday in June and July.

What’s a Driveway Party?

It’s a one-hour neighborhood gathering hosted by a church family on a Thursday—any time between 10:00am–11:00am through 6:30pm–7:30pm. Hosts invite neighbors, classmates, and friends through social media, texts, and fliers. The only “treat” needed? A handful of freeze pops at the end!

Our church supports hosts by:

• Creating a personalized graphic to promote the party.
• Sharing the event with our MCC family and inviting folks to attend as ambassadors of Jesus through service, storytelling, and play. Our church kids, and their families, are the best advertising for our children’s ministry.
• Providing all the fun and faith tools for a joyful, Jesus-centered experience!

A Typical Driveway Party Schedule:

• 3:30pm – Arrive & set up in the shade
• 3:50pm – Start hand/leg painting (we skip face painting so it can be seen!)
• 4:05pm – Group welcome & introductions
• 4:10pm – Song with motions (Ex: “Power Shuffle”)
• 4:15pm – Quick game (Heads/Tails with a quarter or Rock, Paper, Scissors)
• 4:20pm – Another motion song (Ex: “Praise the Lord Everyday”)
• 4:25pm – Jesus story with listener participation
• 4:30pm – Prayer teaching (from a greeting of “Dear Lord” to “Amen” which means ‘that’s the truth)
• 4:35pm – Sharing the gospel through colors, books, posters, or symbols
• 4:40pm – Prayer rock response (write or place in neighborhood)
• 4:50pm – Read-aloud: “His Grace Is Enough” or “Wherever You Go…” by Melissa Kruger
• 5:00pm – Freeze pop snack!

Why We ENGAGE

Our Driveway Parties are more than fun—they’re first-touch events designed to:

1. Show God’s love through generosity and gospel storytelling.
2. Teach and model how to share Jesus with others.
3. Offer all four parts of worship—teaching (the Bible), serving (games), holy habits (song & prayer), and table life (snacks & games)—in a playful, outdoor, developmentally-appropriate way.

ENGAGE is the first step in our church’s discipleship rhythm:

ENGAGE → CONNECT → FORM → SEND → (repeat ENGAGE!)

By engaging our community where they live and play, we live out our name—Macland Community Church.

Just last week, a local pastor shared with us the heartbreak of having no children in their congregation. Driveway Parties are one beautiful way we go to the children and their families, bringing the love of Jesus to their very streets.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14

Last week was my denominational Annual Conference. It’s a time of Christian community focused on worship (prayer, giving, singing, proclamation), teaching (workshops and breakouts), serving (sharing resources, hosting, helping, voting, equipping), and table life (prayer, meals, fellowship) of the Christian family business of the Global Methodist Church.

I was invited to present a Creative Intergenerational Community workshop three times. Within a limited time I hit the ground running to get as much shared as I possibly could to encourage the local church leaders of laity and clergy to intentionally engage as many generations as possible in all of the ministry opportunities we typically schedule on the local church level.

So, what do we mean by “Intergenerational Community”?

At its heart, it means people of all ages and stages connecting, building relationships, and honoring the wisdom, wonder, and gifts each generation brings. Everyone has something to give and something to receive. 

One practical expression of this at our church are the Family Tables in our worship space. These are tables set up right within the rows of chairs—not off in a corner, but right in the mix—inviting littles and their bigs to experience worship together.

The Family Tables are more than kid-friendly—they’re community-inclusive. Just like a hearing aid or a wheelchair ramp, they help make space for every member of our church family to belong.

“When we give our children (and youth) opportunities to watch and observe us engaging in the worship of God, we train our children in how to worship God themselves.” Beth Meverden, Church(ing) Kids, pg. 27. What’s good for kids is good for everybody.

All of God’s people (all ages and stages) are called by our Creator to ‘praise the Lord in His sanctuary.” Psalm 150:1

Littles and middles find plenty to see, hear, touch, and sometimes taste, all that is involved in the worship of our Great God. They pick up the language of worship, the customs of gathering as Christians, and fully join in to encourage one another, just as the Bible teacher in Hebrews 10:24-25 shares to ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’

Our Family Tables are cared for by our interns (weekly re-papering); a faithful servant-leader (weekly painted messages); and Ambassadors—4th and 5th-grade leaders—who take pride in cleaning the space each week after services. It’s not a drop-off zone, but a place where children and their adults worship together.

And they’re just one option! Littles, middles, and youth are scattered all over the worship space with their families. One of our youth sits with our beloved older adults during worship while their parents attend the Spanish-speaking service across campus. That’s what intergenerational community looks like!

In the past 15 months, we’ve seen these tables evolve—from small squares tucked in a corner to long tables woven into the heart of the worship space. This summer, we’ll be expanding them to both sides of the sanctuary. It’s been a beautiful journey, and we’re just getting started.

At the tables are buckets of markers as well as quiet building straws all maintained by the Ambassadors (4th & 5th grade leaders) during and after the services. Next to the tables is a box of clipboards which include activity sheets related to the sermon/season with a cloth zipper pouch (quiet) of alphabots and twistable crayons.

Because here’s the truth: Intentional Intergenerational Christian Community means there’s something for everyone, even if not everything is for everyone. That’s counter-cultural, especially in a world where personal preference often trumps shared purpose. But Christian community invites us to something richer.

Where can we start the conversation for intentional intergenerational Christian community? Start with something already on the calendar. Then ask:

• How can we engage and accommodate littles? – In worship? Family Tables; Ash Wednesday? Place ashes on the backs of hands rather than only on foreheads. On Good Friday? Put the tenebrae service outside at sunset rather than darkening an indoor space. Offer space to move freely.
• How can we engage and accommodate bigs? – At the Live Nativity? Provide a flat walking surface by placing it on the parking lot rather than a field. For Youth Mission Trip? Invite Saints to provide and pray over bagged lunches for the trip. Mix up seating at a dinner? Host a Senior Date Night With The Youth to ‘taco-bout’ our faith together.
• How can we coach a middle to take the lead? Invite a youth to take on new mission which has a beginning and an end, and requires recruiting and building a team to be a ‘disciple-maker’ for the team such as Operation Christmas Child, etc.

As Dave Ferguson writes in Hero Maker, “We aren’t doing anything new. It’s just our turn.

I just found out that someone who deeply hurt me during one of the hardest seasons of my ministry has died. What do I do with that?

We weren’t close. In fact, we rarely interacted or moved in the same circles. But she played a significant role in a painful episode that left a lasting scar. Years ago, I was blackballed from joining a local service organization. I found out when a professional woman from that group called me afterward—apologetic and honest—explaining what had happened once I left the room. Until that moment, the organization had never refused membership to an invited guest. But that day, they did.

I never shared what happened outside of my immediate family and the Lord, until now. I was ashamed—embarrassed that my grace and quiet accommodation were exploited. I later came to recognize that what I experienced wasn’t just rejection. It was bullying—systemic, tolerated, repeated, and even groomed within that organization’s culture. This was not an isolated incident for my time of service there. “To thrive, bullies require secrecy, shame, silent witnesses.” (The Bully At Work)

For clarity, Google defines workplace bullying as repeated, unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards another, escalating over time, which is intended to intimidate and creates a risk to the health and safety of the target.

After much research about bullies and targets on my road to healing, I prayerfully left that organization. To tolerate bad behavior in a Christian community is not God’s plan. Hardships, yes. Fear of bodily harm and spiritual bullying, no. Not in America. I began to understand that the bullying wasn’t ultimately about me. It was spiritual warfare—an attempt to disrupt ministry, discredit my calling, and shake my faith.

“We were meant to make the road a little easier for each other. Not shove the other down on it.” Beth Moore (twitter 12/10/10)

There were several years when I didn’t attend local festivals and community events for the likelihood of running into several of those who targeted me and still active in that organization. When I did see one at a local department store several years later, I panicked.  I couldn’t catch my breath, my heart began beating out of my chest, and I had to leave the store. I left a full shopping cart in the aisle and sat in my car praying and singing praise music until the Lord calmed me down enough to drive home.

Over the years which followed, God’s healing words jumped off the pages of my Bible like “Leave her alone, Jesus replied,” (John 12:7a) and “If you can extract the precious from the worthless, then you can be my spokesman,” (Jeremiah 15:19) Partner God’s words with the very presence of amazing women of faith (children’s ministry networking group; Women in Apologetics; Emmaus Reunion group; personal Board of Directors) and I know the wonder and joy that comes from Godly repair, redemption, and restoration.

Books and studies which also led me through that season and beyond:
The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
The Bully at Work by Namie & Namie
When Bad Christians Happen to Good People by Dave Burchett
Creating a Healthier Church by Ronald W. Richardson
Throw the First Punch: Defeating the Enemy Hell-bent on Your Destruction by Beth Guckenburger (Youtube study link)

Now, having heard of this woman’s passing, I’m flooded with complex emotions. I’ve read beautiful tributes about her generosity, her ministry, and her impact in the community. I wish I had known that woman—the one others remember so fondly—instead of the one who wounded me.

What do I do with that?

Beth Moore writes in When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, “Satan is out to destroy the testimony of the believer in Christ. The more influential the testimony, the better.” The gift I have now on the other side is that I know what spiritual warfare looks like, smells like, acts like, feels like, and sounds like.

When one of God’s own is permitted to speak ugly and plot publicly against another of His children within the family of God, this gal has had plenty of practice of not sitting in silence, nor remaining silent to keep the peace, nor pretending it doesn’t matter. I love my Christian siblings and their testimonies too much to let it slide. I’ll be praying and actively loving them to Jesus until restoration shines on us both. Loving on them in every love language to the point of being annoying. Reaching out a hand often. Starting the awkward conversation every time. Stepping into the ring to defend a target because that’s what family does for one another.

 “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

Originally written in the fall of 2022. Now published for the first time in summer of 2025.