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| One key to making intergenerational service experiences work is to have opportunities for each generation to listen to the stories of the other. We often assume that another generation won’t appreciate our stories or won’t find them relevant, but if we can listen to each other and how God is leading us we can learn and grow as we serve together. I am also a big fan of cultural exchange being a part of a service experience. How can that be part of a youth group’s experience? Many churches have developed sister church relationships that provide a natural way of connecting cross-culturally – serving in one community and then the other. If those relationships are not yet established, you may be able to get suggestions from church conference staff about a congregation you could create that exchange with. This is a bigger commitment, because it generally requires more planning, more sensitivity and a longer time to complete this exchange. The benefits are also generally much greater too, as groups learn how to be good servants in another culture, good hosts to others and to look at Jesus’ words and actions through the eyes of another. I know that some youth struggle with if they should go into a service assignment before or after college. What are the pros and cons of the different time frames? In addition to the benefit service is for others, it often helps bring clarity to a vocational call and it can also provide work experience that develops leadership and prepares them for a career. There is no “right” time to go into service. Continued... |
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