Michael E. McCrary: 1
D.Min. Project Prospectus
Michael E. McCrary
Title
All Are Needed: Intergenerational Ministry Practices Discovered at Central Assembly of
God in Springfield, Missouri
The Context
Currently, I serve as the Senior Associate Pastor at Central Assembly of God, a
multigenerational church in Springfield, Missouri. Leaders can trace the beginning of Central
Assembly’s rich heritage to the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, which began with a meeting
on April 14, 1906. In June 2007, Central Assembly’s congregation celebrated its one-hundredth
anniversary.
This vibrant congregation has a history of providing excellent ministry for the whole
family. Central Assembly has weekly services for entire family units. Services include uplifting
contemporary worship, insightful Bible teaching, and age-specific opportunities for all
generations. During each Sunday service, for example, there is a wide variety of family ministry
opportunities geared especially toward children, teens, adults, and senior adults.
I began serving in my associate capacity in February 2006. For the past several years, I
have worked specifically with the Christian Education classes, small groups, and family
ministries at Central Assembly. As Senior Associate, I contribute leadership on the executive
team that charts the future direction of the church. On a daily basis, I work to implement the
decisions made at the executive level. Consequently, I regularly interact with all age groups in
the congregation.
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The Opportunity
Because of Central Assembly’s strong multigenerational composition, I see an
opportunity to strengthen the relationship that exists between the multiple generations, both in
terms of understanding and interdependence. Opportunities for greater Kingdom impact exist if
this project can clarify and articulate the practices that make Central Assembly intergenerational.
The Church is the whole family of God. However, many church leaders experience
frustration when they try to minister to all generations. Many even believe that a church cannot
effectively minister to all generations. This view proves detrimental to the mission of God.
Contrary to this belief, Scripture prescribes an intergenerational approach, which views
the multiple generations of the family of God as interdependent and necessary for discipleship.
Intergenerational ministry is not just another discipleship program. It is not just placating
multiple generations with different music styles, allowing children to sit in the adult service for a
few minutes, or letting the preschool class present a song during corporate worship.
Intergenerational ministry goes beyond mere programs to a form of being that helps Christians
define themselves and live together as a body of believers.
A deficient comprehension of the importance of an intergenerational approach weakens a
church’s perspective and its witness as the faithful seek to engage the unsaved community. Many
Spirit-filled ministers lack the understanding of the ministry practices that can unite the
generations in their churches. The opportunity exists for spiritual leaders to grow their churches
by identifying and addressing the needs of those whom they lead, engaging them in healthy
dialogues that result in greater Kingdom impact.
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The Purpose
The purpose of this project is to develop a handbook for intergenerational ministry.
Definition of Key Terms
Multigenerational—consisting of two or more generations.
Intergenerational—the dynamic relationship between two or more generations.
Builders—Those persons born between 1927-1945. In addition, this project refers to
those persons born prior to 1927 as Seniors. Normally, churches refer to the Builders and Seniors
collectively as Elders. For the purposes of this project, Builders will comprise both groups of
people.
Boomers—The Boomers, or Baby Boomers, are those persons born between 1946-1964.
Busters—There are no ubiquitous dates for the beginning and end of this generation. The
range is between 1965-1982. Scholars refer to the Busters as Generation X or the Bridgers.
Millennials—The Millennials are those persons born after 1982. Sometimes referred to as
Generation Y, Echo Boomers, or the Mosaics, this generation is the youngest represented in this
project.
Description of Proposed Project
This project will involve two important steps followed by the development of a final
handbook designed for churches that desire to engage in intentional intergenerational ministry.
The first step will include research for the biblical-theological literature review and the general
literature review, related to intergenerational ministry values and practices. The second step of
the project will include planning and teaching a six-week class at Central Assembly. I will give
careful attention to facilitate dialogue between the generations represented at Central Assembly.
The class will include the following: (1) a biblical snapshot of the purpose of the family and the
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family of God, (2) elucidation of challenges facing churches that have multiple generations, and
(3) the integration of intergenerational ministry practices. Class materials will include a detailed
facilitator’s guide, meeting outlines, participant handouts, PowerPoints, and videos.
Finally, I will compile a handbook for future use by other churches. The combined
insights from the research and class will attempt to provide practical knowledge and stimulate a
more informed understanding of intergenerational ministry practices. I will also interview key
leaders within other churches and ministries that are already successfully practicing
intergenerational ministry. By collecting insights from a broader group of leaders while pursuing
in-depth understanding of Central Assembly, I hope to provide a solid foundation for intentional
intergenerational ministry practices. I will incorporate key insights and lessons learned from the
research into a final handbook on intentional intergenerational ministry.
Scope
I will host the class at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, with a
participant base including approximately twenty-five individuals from four different generations.
Class sessions will consist of six ninety-minute sessions held over six consecutive weeks. To
qualify for participation, individuals must have demonstrated a faithful commitment to Christ
and have regularly attended Central Assembly for at least one year. The selected group will need
to commit to participate in all six sessions and agree to carry out all the work assigned during the
sessions. For each session, I will provide a meeting outline to each participant and serve light
refreshments. Participants will share in a celebratory meal following the final class session.
Prior to the start of the class, participants will receive general permission slips requesting
their consent to record each session and their approval to publish their comments, input, and
suggestions resulting from the discussions. In addition, participants will complete a pre-session
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survey to assess their levels of knowledge and understanding of key issues central to the
discussions.
This class does not intend to privilege any particular age group at Central Assembly. As
facilitator, I will play a key role in inviting open lines of dialogue on the nature of generational
diversity. The group will work together on scenarios in which they will examine the different
perspectives of each generation and determine a solution to a problem. Following the class, the
participants will take a post-session survey to evaluate the class. I will also conduct exit
interviews with several participants following the final class in order to gain feedback on the
value of the sessions in order to make improvements for future presentations.
Phases and Timetable
Phase
Research
Planning
Implementation
MM/YY
Beginning
11/1/12
MM/YY
Ending
11/15/12
Details/Comments
11/1/12
12/15/12
Complete research for biblical-theological
review. (A good portion of this has been
done already for my Core 2 paper.)
11/15/12
2/15/13
Complete reading and research for general
literature review.
12/1/12
2/28/12
Consult with my adviser(s).
11/1/12
11/15/12
Develop target list of persons to invite to
the class.
12/1/12
1/1/13
Develop class schedule.
11/1/12
2/1/13
Develop pre-class survey and post-class
surveys.
2/15/13
2/15/13
Write the class curriculum.
2/17/13
3/24/13
Conduct Intentional Intergenerational
Ministry Class
Secure location for six-week class.
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Michael E. McCrary:
3/1/13
3/24/13
Develop exit interview assessment.
Writing: Chapter 2,
Sources, and any
appendices
1/15/2013
2/30/13
Write chapter 2 and submit draft to editor.
Writing: Chapter 3,
Sources, and any
appendices
3/15/13
6/30/13
Write chapter 3 and submit draft to editor.
(Research will be done before
implementation.)
Evaluation
4/1/13
4/30/13
Conduct an exit interview with each
participant.
5/1/13
5/30/13
Evaluate the pre- and post-class surveys.
5/1/13
5/30/13
Evaluate the entire process.
Writing: Chapter 4
(Description of Field
Project)
Writing: Chapter 5
6/1/13
6/30/13
Write chapter 4 and submit draft to editor.
7/1/13
7/6/13
Write chapter 5 and submit draft to editor.
Writing: Chapter 1
7/7/13
7/15/13
Write chapter 1 and submit draft to editor.
Writing: Any
additional
Appendices
7/15/13
8/15/13
Following the post-class evaluations, I will
create a handbook for leaders who desire a
guidebook for intergenerational ministry.
Writing: Front
Matter
8/15/13
9/1/13
Write front matter and submit draft to
editor.
Biblical-Theological Literature Review Themes
The biblical-theological literature review will address the following themes:
The Intergenerational Motif in Old Testament Revelation
Biblical Responsibilities of Father, Mother, Son, and Daughter
Elucidation of House, Household, and Family Constructs
The Wisdom Motif in Proverbs 1-9
The Intergenerational Motif in New Testament Revelation
Biblical Responsibilities of Father, Mother, Son, and Daughter
NT Developments of House, Household, and the Family of God
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General Literature Themes
Critique of Age-Specific Ministry
Unique Needs of Each Generation
Advantages and Disadvantages of Age-Specific Ministries
Intergenerational Churches
Current Debates and Trends in Intergenerational Literature
Unifying Practices of Intergenerational Churches (e.g. Scripture, Storytelling,
Faith Development, Liturgy in Worship)
Contribution to Ministry
Developing an intergenerational ministry strategy is critical for healthy churches.
Churches must openly and directly work through all aspects of their ministries to confront issues
possibly perpetuating a generational divide. Most congregations are multigenerational in that
they have more than one generation engaged in worship and ministry activities. However,
intergenerational congregations will empower the various generations to communicate in
meaningful ways, interact on a regular basis, and serve together regularly.
This project should prove helpful on several levels. First, the research and class will assist
to clarify the values and practices that make Central Assembly an intergenerational church.
Second, given the intense and rapid changes churches face, the project will inform church leaders
about the challenges and opportunities of multigenerational churches. Third, the project will
serve the Assemblies of God, my particular fellowship, and other denominations by identifying
the best practices needed to empower the relationship between the generations and maximize
churches’ witness for Jesus. Finally, I will produce a useable handbook to equip leaders as they
guide their congregations through similar processes toward intergenerational ministries.
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