What We’re Discovering Together
Barna research says 64% of young adults raised in church drop out as adults, but a study on Youth and Religion says 82% of children whose parents place great importance on faith and are active in church and practice their faith at home go on to follow Jesus and attend church as adults.
What We’re Learning
Through conversations with families, children, and church leaders across Florida, one message is clear: intergenerational worship matters.
Adults consistently shared meaningful memories of worshiping alongside all ages—experiences that helped shape their faith and sense of belonging. In fact, every adult participant affirmed the value of worshiping together across generations.
What’s Not Working
While the value is clear, the current experience often falls short for children and families:
Separating the different age groups has stifled discipleship opportunities for children and adults.
Separating children, youth, and college into their own ministries has led to disconnection within the church. Many members don’t know one another, and as a result, young people often grow up—and eventually drift away—without feeling truly connected to the body of Christ.
When children don’t see older adults actively worshiping God, they miss a model for what a mature faith looks like.
What Children Are Telling Us
Children want to be part of the church—not just present in it.
They crave connection, joy, and participation
They love music, stories, and seeing others worship
They are listening and learning—even when it’s not obvious
They want opportunities to move, engage, and belong
Why It Matters
Intergenerational worship isn’t just meaningful—it’s essential.
It helps children develop a sense of identity and belonging
It strengthens relationships across generations
It allows faith to be modeled, shared, and passed on
It reminds us that we are part of a bigger, ongoing story of faith
The Way Forward
There is a clear invitation for churches to rethink how worship is experienced.
Invite and train children to participate in worship: Sing in choir, read scripture in the service, greeters, communion servers
Equip parents to model faith inside the home
Include children in full worship service and church congregation instead of separating them into a "children's church setting"
The Heart of It All
This isn’t about entertaining children—it’s about forming them.
When all generations worship together in meaningful ways, faith becomes something we don’t just teach…
it becomes something we live—together.