28 & 29 Jun 2025 (Pastoral Page) FAITH ACROSS GENERATIONS

By Asst Ps Timothy Lee

This June, our family went on a holiday trip to Hong Kong. It had been 17 years since we last visited, and it was our children's first trip there. In addition, my parents were also on holiday there. Travelling together, involving three generations, sparked a reflection on the different generational needs and desires. For example: I was eager to find good food, Tracey was excited to shop, my children wanted to go to amusement parks, while my parents simply wanted to reconnect with old church friends over yum cha together sessions. Each generation has unique wishes in the trip.

In contrast, our daily routine often feels simpler. Parents go to work, children attend school, and church life follows a similar pattern. Adults participate in worship services, children have their programs, youth attend youth services, and young adults attend theirs as well. This age-based segmentation is deeply embedded in our lives, making it easy to live in parallel yet disconnected lives. While practical in some ways, it can also make it harder to understand and truly connect across generations.

This idea of segmenting by age is not new. It became formalised in the mid-20th century, particularly in marketing, to address varying needs and preferences. While helpful in many practical ways, this approach raises an important question for us as a church community: How can we cultivate depth in our relationships and discipleship across generations, rather than apart from them?

Scripture reminds us that the faith community is meant to span all generations.

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 calls us to diligently teach God’s commandments not only to our children but to their children as well. This is a picture of a living faith, passed on and nurtured in the everyday rhythms of life.

Psalm 145:4 tells us, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” Our stories of God’s faithfulness are meant to enrich and encourage those who come after us.

In Joshua 4:21-22, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up stones of remembrance. He explained: “In the future, when your children ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them…” These visible, tangible reminders served to pass down the story of God’s power and provision, placing the responsibility on the older generation to bear witness to the younger.

The Church is not just a collection of segmented groups, but the “body of Christ” and “God’s family.” Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 of the church as one body with many members emphasises unity in diversity. It beautifully illustrates that each member, regardless of age or spiritual gifts, is essential and contributes to the healthy functioning of the whole. No part can say to another, "I have no need of you." This is a strong call to value and integrate every generation.

Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we “are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household”. Galatians 6:10 urges us to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This family - God’s household - is intergenerational by design.

Moreover, the New Testament is filled with “One Another” commands - love one another, serve one another, encourage one another, bear one another’s burdens. These cannot be fulfilled in isolation or only within specific age groups. It requires an intergenerational community.

Titus 2:1-8 gives us a clear picture of intergenerational discipleship. Paul urges Titus to teach and be an example to older men and women in godly living so that they, in turn, can encourage and guide the younger generations. This is faith intentionally passed down through relationships. Likewise, the mentoring relationship between Paul and Timothy is another powerful example of discipleship across generations.

This weekend, we are having our InterGenerational Weekend, a time when our church comes together across age groups. In past years, the feedback from previous InterGenerational Weekends has been very positive. Various ones have expressed how much they value time spent getting to know those of different generations. Many have shared a desire to continue engaging beyond.

So, how can we be more intergenerational?

The answer is simple, but not easy: we must be intentional.

It requires effort and a willingness to step outside of our usual routines. It’s more than worshipping and fellowshipping together - it means serving together, praying together and building relationships which encourage discipleship and disciple-making across generations.

In doing so, we become a true family of the living God.

So let’s keep pursuing this vision—one where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, is valued, seen, and connected with one another and in Christ.