Baby Boomers. Gen X. Millennials. Gen Z. Gen Alpha.
What do these five generations have in common? They are all current and active in ministry.
Now, what sets them apart? Plenty of things, but in regard to ministry, they each bring a unique:
- Perspective
- Communication style
- Set of expectations
When planning any event, planners have to think about their target audience. Identifying the target audience helps align future decisions, such as what social media platforms to use or what design to use on graphics. However, when planning a multi-generational event, planners have to adjust to appeal to a wide range of ages. This task requires purposeful planning and a creative approach.
Whether you are planning a retreat, conference, or church fellowship night, here are some practical strategies to help you prepare for a multi-generational audience.
Pre-Planning: Involve Multi-Generational Representatives on Your Planning Committee
One of the best ways to plan a multi-generational event is to plan alongside a multi-generational committee! Having a diverse planning committee will ensure your event meets the needs of each generation. Each member will provide value to the team by providing insights into what resonates with their generation.
By including members from each age group, your team can tackle planning with an inclusive approach. An added benefit: members can act as ambassadors and help generate enthusiasm and interest within their social circles and personal networks.
Planning Tip #1: Offer a Variety of Entertainment and Communication Styles
Entertainment preferences and communication styles can vary widely across generations, so aim to include a mix of activities and presentation formats. Blending these preferences will ensure that everyone feels considered and engaged. While it may not be possible to please everyone, a balanced schedule shows intentional and thoughtful planning.
Speakers & Worship: Choose a mix of speakers from various generations. This ensures that multiple perspectives are shared and heard. Similarly, when planning worship, blend contemporary and traditional styles to cater to a range of musical preferences.
Workshops & Discussions: Plan for a blend of interactive sessions with traditional lectures to cater to different age groups. Millennials and Gen Z tend to prefer small groups and breakout sessions, while Baby Boomers and Gen X often favor theatre-style presentations. Meet in the middle and compromise to engage everyone.
Games & Social Activities: Mix it up! Consider board games, trivia, interactive activities, videos, and classic outdoor games to cater to different interests. Schedule low-stress social opportunities that encourage multi-generational mingling.
Tech & Accessibility: Make sure event information is available digitally and in print. It’s so important to make information widely available. Some guests will prefer paper, while others are more likely to take a screenshot of the itinerary on their phone.
Planning Tip #2: Mix Up Seating Arrangements to Encourage Cross-Generational Conversations
A ministry event is an excellent opportunity to cultivate meaningful cross-generational relationships. We grow in fellowship, and there is a great deal of spiritual benefit from breaking bread with new friends. However, guests naturally gravitate toward other guests they know, so planners have to get creative to get conversations flowing!
Assigned Seating: Create a randomized seating chart using Excel or Google Sheets. Start by choosing a seating style and the number of chairs per table. For example, the style is round tables with eight chairs each. Then, enter guest names and ages in the sheet. Sort the list by age, from oldest to youngest, and then divide it into eight equal groups. Lastly, pull one name from each group to create age-balanced tables. Repeat until everyone is seated.
Conversation Starters: Provide conversation starters at each table to help fuel conversation. Purchase Christian Conversation Starter packs online, or check out Etsy.com’s downloadable and printable files for under $5.
Team-Based Activities: Plan small group activities that require guests to collaborate and work together. Simple activities are best! Something too challenging can be more stressful than fun. Stick with something light-hearted, such as Lego kits or puzzles.
Color Blocking: This tactic works best with small groups of 20 to 30 people. As guests enter the room, allow them to choose their seats, but hand each person a color-coded item. The color of the item will determine their group later on. Once everyone is seated and you’re ready to begin, instruct them to look at their item and find others with the same color. Items can be the event schedule printed on different colored paper or a style of name tag. Get creative! But keep it a secret until it’s time to switch it up.
Planning Tip #3: Incorporate Service Projects for All Ages
A shared interest is one of the best ways to unite people of different backgrounds. Provide a common ground for guests and incorporate a service project into your event. Christians of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to reinforce the heart of ministry by serving others together.
Hands-On Projects: Organize multi-generational teams for activities such as assembling care packages or writing encouragement letters.
Skill-Sharing Sessions: This is a fun ice-breaker for breakout sessions! Instruct everyone to “teach” the group something unique that they know how to do. Examples might include how to change a bike tire, moves to a popular dance, or ways to organize your iPhone apps.
Community Outreach: Plan a group service outing where attendees work together, such as a park cleanup or assisting at a local shelter.
Post-Planning: Establish Cross-Generational Prayer Partners
This follow-up element may push some guests out of their comfort zone, but it’s a great way to extend the influence of your event far beyond the time spent together.
Pair attendees up towards the end of the event. Provide each pair with a worksheet or piece of paper to write down prayer requests, contact information, etc. Instruct prayer partners to check in with each other periodically over the next three months, offering encouragement and continued prayer support.
Planning a multi-generational ministry event can be a challenge, but with intentional, thoughtful, and prayerful design, it can also be a meaningful opportunity to bring all ages together. Every generation has something valuable to offer, and when we honor those differences, we create space for deeper connection and unity in the body of Christ.
If you’ve been given the opportunity to plan such a multi-generational event, consider it a true privilege—because in embracing the richness of every age and stage, we reflect the heart of God and strengthen His church.
Kaitlyn Fath is the marketing coordinator for Christian Retreats Network, your partner in effective off-site ministry, www.christianretreatsnetwork.org. They believe off-site ministry is a powerful tool for churches and ministries, and their heart is to provide places where people can get away from their day-to-day and find God, deepen their faith, and connect with their family, friends, and peers. They have locations in Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska.
