Cross-Gen Worship Resources (or "How do you do this?")

I've had a lot of requests recently for information about how to build or begin Cross-Gen Worship in a church. "How do you do this?" people ask.

The short answer: "by the grace of God." (I'm working on a case study to explore the longer answer and will post in the coming months.) Each congregation, each sanctuary, each worship service has it's own unique gifts and challenges. I don't believe there isn't a set formula for "how to" but I encourage you to pray, dream, and listen to the calling of the Holy Spirit. 

And also know, I do NOT do this alone. I may be a part-time solo pastor, but I have colleagues and mentors and friends all over the globe whose work inspires, challenges, informs, and contributes to this work. They can be your community too!

This is my current resources list for creating worship love. It is by no means exhaustive, so please share your favorite resources with a one sentence note about what makes them wonderful and I'll keep updating the list!

Getting Started - blogs, articles, and books for information, education, and inspiration

• ​The Art of Curating Worship: Reshaping the Role of a Worship Leader by Mark Pierson – a good introductory text to thinking outside the box as a worship leader as well as creating prayer stations and alternative worship experiences.
• Let’s Kill Sunday School (Before it kills the church) by Rich Melheim & Friends – Don’t be scared away by the “click-bait” title! This is a great book has a good intro to Cross+Gen worship and education as well numerous case studies for how (and how not) to make it a reality in your church. I’ll be writing a case study for the second edition of this book.
• Faith Inkubators -The work of Dr. Rich Melheim, books, curriculum, and other resources for “Faith Five,” “Killing Sunday School, Birthing Cross-Gen Worship,” and more.
• Breaking New Bread -   “A blog about forming children to be ministers, cross-generational worship, theology of childhood, and catechesis. Also, crafts.” For "Pew Projects" that are introduced during the Word with Children then the kids work on during the sermon.
• reFocus Ministry - "Our hope is that you find the resources, encouragement, and support you and your church needs as you transition into intergenerational  and family-focused ministry."
• Clay Fire Media - Great articles for those new to creative worship as well as continuing inspiration that follows the liturgical year. Blog post can be delivered to your inbox.
• GenOn Ministries - From Liz Lyn Perraud, "One of the 4 parts of weekly LOGOS (that we teach and resource) is Worship Arts and so we provide for churches to regularly involve children and youth in worship leadership. ​"
• KarenWareJackson.com - yes, that's me. Don't miss my resources page with pictures, videos, webinars, an example family worship guide, and more!
• Facebook Groups 
  • Hope4CE – variety of posts on Christian Education, worship, workshops, books, and other resources.
  • Killing Sunday School/Birthing Cross+Gen Worship  - a whole team of cross-gen worship and education experts and practitioners at your fingertips. Go ask a question!

Worship Resources and Curricula

• A Sanctified Art - Videos, banner designs, art work, graphics, liturgy - you name it, they've got it. And it's GORGEOUS.
• ​The Work Of The People –  for visual liturgy, benedictions, scripture, and prayers
• Illustrated Children’s Ministry - resource for Illustrations, coloring sheets, art work, curricula, and leader guides for use with all ages in worship.
• Still Waters – Theresa Cho, creative worship maven
• Flame Creative Kids Ministry  - wonderful site for interactive experiences for children, easily searchable by key word
• Worshiping With Children - Ideas for engaging all ages in worship. Follows the lectionary cycle and posts worship aids one month in advance.
• Bible Songs Cross+Gen - (Faith Inkubators) an "edu-worship" curriculum full of visual and interactive components based on Rich Melheim's theory of families and all generations learning together.
• Seasons of the Spirit: Fusion - A worship resource based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) that is "created in community to support and inspire any worship leader in the church." You'll find liturgy, prayer stations, art ideas, biblical background, and much more for every season of the church year!
• Storypath-  - a resource from Union Presbyterian Seminary that links children’s books to lectionary readings. It can be great for inspiration for working with children, as well as visual images and stories for the whole congregation. Follows the lectionary and posts at least one month in advance.
• ScriptureColor - Scriptural coloring pages by artist/priest Eliza Buckakjian-Tweedy.
• Facebook Groups - These are public groups of pastors, educators, and worship leaders sharing ideas and resources. Search for the group, request to join, and start sharing!
  • Lent Consortium
  • Advent on the Brain?  
  • Pentecost Planning