Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction : Introducing the generative church / Cory Seibel -- Some theological perspectives on generativity / Jan Grobbelaar -- Discipleship and intergenerationality - interrelated concepts at eh core of Christianity /Joe Azzopardi and Kayle de Waal -- Intergenerational ministry - youth and church in context / Anite Cloete -- The relationship between church and home - a theological approach / Gareth Crispin -- Generative catechesis - teaching the faith to the next generation / Ed Mackenzie -- The relationship between generative church and denominational growth - a reflection on the Baptist Union of Southern Africa / Garth Aziz -- Grow together - The US Church and the witness of the Global South / Michael Droege -- Who is this for? / Wendell Loewen -- On the brink of everything - embracing generativity with Parker Palmer / Darren Cronshaw.

Virtually all churches aim to invest meaningfully in the faith development of the younger generations who have been entrusted into their care. Some churches have a longstanding track record of faithfulness in living out this commitment. Some lose sight of this priority over time and allow their intentionality to fade. This book makes a distinctive contribution to our understanding of children’s, youth, and young adult ministries by appropriating Erik Erikson’s concept of generativity (“the interest in establishing and guiding the next generation”) as a way of exploring congregational life. Eleven accomplished authors representing five different countries provide diverse theological and cultural perspectives on key aspects of what it means for churches to invest intentionally in the faith development of the members of emerging generations. Their chapters challenge us to think about the intergenerational dynamics of our churches, the crucial partnership between church and parents, and what it means to involve young people meaningfully in the life of the church. The intriguing topics explored by this group of authors—and the diverse contexts from which they write—promise to broaden and enrich our thinking about caring for children, youth, and young adults as a vital responsibility shared by the entire congregation. -- Provided by publisher, page 4 of cover.