16 & 17 May 2026 (Pastoral Page) ONE GENERATION COMMENDS GOD’S WORKS TO ANOTHER

by Asst Ps Patrick Chan Yin

One of the beautiful things about our church is that we are a church for all generations. Praise the Lord for that! Every weekend, we gather as children, youths, young adults, adults, parents, seniors, singles, and families — all seeking to follow Jesus together. At the same time, we also recognize that different life stages come with different needs. That is why we have age-specific ministries like Kids for Christ (KFC), Teenacity, CRUX, Families, and Seniors Ministry.

These ministries are important and valuable. Children learn differently from adults. Teenagers wrestle with questions unique to their season of life. Young adults face transitions around studies, careers, relationships, and calling. Older adults juggle with raising children, focusing on their careers, and taking care of their aged parents (among others). Seniors navigate retirement, health challenges, caregiving, and legacy. Age-specific ministries allow us to disciple people more intentionally, purposefully and pastorally.

But even as we organize ourselves this way, we must ALL do our part NOT to become a church where generations become disconnected from one another.

Recently, as we reflected on Psalm 145:4–8 over the pulpit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_2eQodkI0Y), we were reminded of God’s intention for inter-generational praise and faith:

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4, NIV)

Notice that the Psalm does not envision generations worshipping separately from one another, but speaking to one another. Faith is meant to be passed on relationally. Praise is meant to overflow across generations. The older generation tells of God’s faithfulness. The younger generation learns to trust Him. Then in time, they too become storytellers of God’s goodness.

This means inter-generational life is not an optional “extra” in the church. It is part of God’s design for His people.

In many ways, our church already reflects this beautifully. We see grandparents bringing grandchildren to church. We see youths serving alongside adults. We see seniors praying faithfully for younger families and even getting involved in missions (like “EquipAsia” Training or the Nepal Church Planting Work). We see young adults and adults teaching and supporting children during Sunday school time. We see youths and young adults caring for children during camps and ministry events. We see different generations worshipping or coming together during combined services, prayer meetings, community meals, Inter-Gen Weekends, and church camps.

But there is still room for us to grow deeper as one spiritual family.

Being inter-generational does not necessarily mean every ministry must become fully integrated all the time. There is still wisdom in age-specific discipleship and fellowship. Rather, it means we intentionally build bridges between generations instead of allowing ministries to become isolated “silos.”

So how can we continue to grow in this as a church? Let me humbly suggest some ways:

Firstly, we can grow by learning to notice and value one another across generations.

It is so easy for us to naturally gravitate towards people in similar life stages. But the church is not meant to function like a social club organized around age groups. The church is the family of God. This means younger members are not merely “the future church,” and seniors are not merely “the older members.” Every generation matters NOW! Every generation has something to give. Every generation has something to learn.

Our seniors carry wisdom, perseverance, and testimonies of God’s faithfulness through decades of life. Our young adults bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to step out in faith. Our youths often remind us of passion and sincerity. Our children remind us of simple trust and wonder before God.

We need one another more than we realize.

Secondly, we can grow inter-generationally through intentional relationships.

Programs alone cannot pass on faith. Relationships do.

This can happen in simple but meaningful ways: a senior couple intentionally encouraging a younger couple; a young adult regularly sitting with an older member during service or after service; parents helping their children know the names of seniors in church; CARE groups inviting different generations for meals and fellowship (hence, the importance of having Inter-CGs gatherings); ministry leaders creating opportunities for testimonies across age groups.

With more than 45 CARE groups in our church, there is tremendous opportunity for this. Even where CARE groups are naturally grouped around life stages, we can still create spaces for interaction, mentoring, prayer, and shared experiences across generations. Sometimes the most powerful discipleship moments happen not during a formal lesson, but around a meal table, a conversation after service, or a prayer prayed at the right moment.

Thirdly, we can grow by serving together.

There is something powerful about generations worshipping, praying, and serving side by side. When children see adults worship sincerely, they learn that faith matters. When youths serve alongside older leaders, they learn perseverance and humility. When seniors witness younger generations serving Christ wholeheartedly, they are encouraged and strengthened.

Inter-generational ministry is not only about older generations teaching younger ones. It is also about mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.

Finally, we must remember that what we are ultimately passing on is not merely church culture, traditions, or ministry structures. We are passing on the knowledge of God Himself.

Psalm 145 speaks repeatedly about declaring God’s mighty acts, glorious splendour, compassion, and goodness. The goal is not simply stronger inter-generational friendships, though those are important. The goal is that every generation would know and praise the Lord.

May our church continue to grow not just as ministries functioning side by side, but as one spiritual family journeying together. May our children hear stories of God’s faithfulness from our seniors. May our youths find spiritual fathers and mothers in the church. May our adults and seniors be refreshed by the faith and passion of our younger generations.

And may it truly be said of us: “One generation commends your works to another.” 🙏🏼