Twelve churches gather for Connecting Children launch
By Toni Taylor
Laughter and conversation echoed through Shandon United Methodist Church as more than 60 pastors and laity from across South Carolina gathered, united by a single goal: to transform worship for every generation.
Twelve diverse congregations gathered for a groundbreaking event—the launch of the Lilly Endowment Grant Initiative, “Connecting Children in Worship and Prayer.” This initiative, a first for the South Carolina Conference of the UMC, aims to transform the way churches approach worship by intentionally connecting generations through shared experiences, storytelling and the arts.
Toni Taylor, grant leader, welcomed everyone and introduced the Grant Leadership Team who attended. The gathering brought together churches from across the state—large and small, urban and rural, African American, White and multicultural congregations. Participants came eager to pray, learn and share ideas, embodying the connection that defines the Methodist tradition.
This collaborative atmosphere set the stage for meaningful conversations on how churches can become more than just multigenerational communities; they can become truly intergenerational.
What is intergenerational worship?
Intergenerational worship moves beyond simply having people of all ages in the same room. It is about fostering intentional relationships, where every generation is valued, heard and engaged in the life of the church. During the event, participants explored the unique perspectives and values each generation brings to worship. The group reflected on which voices might be missing and discussed ways to ensure all ages feel a true sense of belonging.
Learning from the early church
The Rev. Nona Woodle led a session examining how the early church naturally embraced intergenerational community and what factors led to the rise of age-specific ministries in the 20th century. Influences such as developmental psychology and cultural trends gradually shifted churches toward separating age groups, sometimes at the expense of communal discipleship. The initiative encourages churches to reclaim the wisdom of intergenerational ministry, emphasizing the importance of learning, praying and serving as one body.
Sharing stories and meals
A highlight of the day was the “Gather Around the Table” intergenerational meal, facilitated by Sonja Stetzler, a TEDx speaker and communication coach. Inspired by Acts 2:46-47, participants shared stories and engaged in meaningful conversation across generations, concluding with expressions of appreciation for one another. Each church left equipped to adapt this model, bringing generations together around the table for faith, prayer, and love.
The event also introduced Portico, a learning management system that will support training and resource sharing among the churches. Attendees completed assessments to establish baseline data on children’s involvement and intergenerational worship, setting the stage for goal setting in three key areas: belonging, intergenerational worship and children’s ministry.
Looking ahead, churches will continue their journey with quarterly in-person trainings and monthly Zoom sessions, focusing on SMART goals to create cultures of belonging, expand intergenerational worship opportunities and increase children’s participation in church life.
Through the Lilly Endowment Grant Initiative, South Carolina United Methodists are leading the way in reimagining what it means to be the church—one where every generation is welcomed, valued, and empowered to grow in faith together.