Intergenerational Faith Formation

This Cohort focuses on intergenerational ministries in the local church, which lends itself to a focus on faith-forming ministries and worship. Participants will acquire information through video instruction that includes research data, material from intergenerational ministry experts, recommended resources, and peer discussions on the following topics:

• the spiritual development and growth of people from birth through adulthood;

• age-appropriate faith exploration;

• how the post-pandemic paradigm shift from the Sunday School model impacts    the move to more intergenerational faith formation;

• Christian/spiritual practices across the lifespan; and

• practical application to support a congregation’s intergenerational spiritual life.

Leadership in the local church requires trained leaders, both authorized and lay, who can minister to all ages through the nurture and support of their parishioners’ growth in faith, their relationship with God and with each other, and as followers of Jesus. The outcome from engagement in this Ministry Cohort will be the understanding and assimilation of intergenerational faith-forming theories and practices, and the application in support of a congregation’s capacity and adaptability for engaging in intergenerational worship and ministries.

Part 1- Intergenerational Ministries — Relationships, Hospitality, and Boundaries

Part 2- Spiritual Development and its Impact on Intergenerational Worship and Ministries

Part 3- Intergenerational Ministry Models and Resources

Cohort Created and Facilitated by Rev. Debbie Gline Allen (photo attached)

 

Rev. Debbie Gline Allen has previously served as a Minister of Faith Formation for the Southern New England and New Hampshire Conferences (UCC) where she administrated faith formation training programs for local church lay leaders and clergy. She also has served in five United Church of Christ congregations, and as well as a resource and curriculum writer in a wide variety of UCC settings. She has held leadership positions in the local, regional, and national settings of the Association of United Church Educators (www.auce-ucc.org), currently serving as the Digital Missioner on the national AUCE Board of Directors.

She is passionate about guiding congregations in ensuring that their children are nurtured in the Christian faith through corporate worship and intentional intergenerational relationships, that they may grow up keeping their faith and a church community at the center of their adult lives. Debbie lives in Derry, New Hampshire with her spouse, two sons, and beloved cat.

Dates: 6-7:30pm, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar 17, and Apr 21, 2026

all cohort meetings will be online

Ministry Cohorts

Ministry Cohorts allow you to sample many theological themes, offering peer learning with your ministry context in mind. Scholars have chosen a specific lens on a particular topic and share their expertise through digital content you watch on your own time. Four monthly online meetings are interspersed, where you and your Cohort members gather for facilitated discussion with an experienced church leader.

Cohorts support lifelong learning and are for anyone- authorized clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, lay leaders and anyone interested in the topic. UCC members will recognize the Marks for Ministry woven throughout the cohorts, though anyone from any denomination, or no denomination, is welcome to attend.

Completion of this Ministry Cohort provides 9 contact hours of continuing education, subject to approval by the participant's credentialing body.