Age-Level Ministries

Engaging every generation at appropriate developmental levels is critical for a growing and vital congregation. In many ways, engaging faith across generations is central to a community's culture of discipleship. Different life stages require different experiences and opportunities to continue maturing in faith. The resources below support discipleship over a lifetime, encouraging connection with the divine, with extended families, and with the community.

Children’s Ministry

Children are born with an innate sense of real, authentic wonder and faith. As guides, teachers, and leaders, our role is to provide a foundation of experiences that invite children and their families into a life of spiritual growth and curiosity.

• Website: Equipping Leaders—Children’s Ministry
• Article: Children’s Bibles and Books by Topic
• Website: Safer Sanctuaries, protecting children, youth, and vulnerable adults in the life of our congregations
• Worship Resources for Children’s Ministry:
  • Growing in Grace—Accessible Worship for All God’s Children
  • Weekly Worship Resources—Note that there is a Children’s Message included in each weekly worship resource.
  • Preview: Hymn Tails, a forthcoming animated series for children to learn scripture, hymns, and play (3 videos currently available).

Young People’s Ministry

Youth are the future of the church, and they’re central to the life of the church, now. Find ways to resource volunteer or paid leaders, support parents/guardians, and cultivate a discipling culture that invites youth into a vibrant, maturing faith as they engage with the community.

• Website: UMC Young People’s Ministries
• Resource: Crash Courses in Youth Ministry, resources available in areas of administration, digital youth ministry, discipleship, working with volunteers, self-care and sabbath, speaking adolescent, trips and retreats, and United Methodist heritage and beliefs
• Podcast: Youthworker Collective, roundtable discussions with practitioners of United Methodist youth ministries
• Resource: Weekly Lesson for Youth Ministry—Note that there is a youth lesson included in each weekly worship resource to accompany the Lectionary readings for the year.
• Website: Safer Sanctuaries, protecting children, youth, and vulnerable adults in the life of our congregations

Older Adult Ministry

Ministry with older adults is central to the life of any congregation. While the scope of older adult ministry spans from retirees with a great deal of energy, time, and attention to elders who are experiencing the sunset of their lives. Engaging purposeful and intentional discipleship formation with those in this important season is critical for a robust intergenerational church.

• Website: Equipping Leaders—Older Adult Ministry
• Article: Growing Strong Churches by Building Strong Older-Adult Ministries
• Article: Meaningful Intergenerational Ministry—A Model to Explore in Your Setting
• Article: A Chaplain’s Wish to Connecting with Long-Term Care Residents

Support for Dementia

• Article: Ministering with Families Facing Dementia
• Video: The Impact of Respite Ministry on Volunteers and Caregivers

Other Resources

• ENCORE Ministry Foundation: an intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults
  • Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate
• Respite for All Foundation, a community response to dementia