A Children’s Ministry Perspective on Intergenerational Discipleship-

Heirs of the Covenant by Susan Hunt is a 30-year-old book that has been read by many. Recently, Stephen Estock and Karen Hodge have joined Susan in updating this book that will be available at the end of 2025. In this refreshed book, a framework for discipleship is laid out, with Covenant theology as the why of discipleship. Discipleship is defined in the book as “using God’s outward means of grace—the Word, worship, prayer, sacraments, fellowship—to cultivate an intergenerational discipleship culture where all ages and stages flourish and multiply.”

As a part of this vision, the children’s ministry at CDM encourages the fostering of intergenerational connections within the church. It is not enough to simply teach children biblical truths; discipleship must be experienced through relationships—relationships that span generations, connecting the youngest members with the seasoned believers in the congregation. Children’s ministry leaders are uniquely positioned at the intersection of several key church communities: children, parents, volunteers, and the broader church leadership. This position allows us to be bridge builders facilitating meaningful relationships that strengthen the entire church body.

In children’s ministry, the primary focus is always on the spiritual maturity of the children, but that’s only the beginning. Children need adults who will walk alongside them in their faith journey. That’s where volunteers come in. But these volunteers are not just filling a space on the schedule; they are being called to invest in the lives and hearts of the children. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the right people are placed in the right roles, people who are not only capable of teaching but who are willing to form deep, lasting relationships with the children. These relationships will play a critical role in the child’s spiritual growth and in the broader effort to create a culture of discipleship.

Of course, children’s ministry leaders don’t work alone. They collaborate with church leadership to ensure that the ministry is aligned with the larger vision and mission of the church. Far too often, different ministry areas can operate in silos, disconnected from one another. However, for intergenerational discipleship to flourish, it requires unity across the entire church.

While not every children’s ministry leader may be a parent themselves, each is called to speak into the lives of families. There’s a unique opportunity in children’s ministry to bridge the gap between the church and the home. Leaders must partner with parents to equip them in the discipleship of their children. This partnership can take many forms whether it’s providing resources for parents, offering prayer support, or simply creating a space where parents can share their struggles and joys in raising their children in the faith.

Children’s ministry leaders are often the ones who build bridges of relationship. They are attuned to the needs of children, noticing when a child’s behavior issues may reflect a lack of meaningful friendships with their peers. Wise leaders then step in, providing tools to help children build those relationships. We are also attuned to the places where abilities and interests allow for natural connection. For example, a child who enjoys conversation can be connected to an adult greeter to hand out worship guides. Children’s ministry leaders also act as a bridge to church leadership, ensuring that prayer requests and concerns about the children are communicated and prayed over. They can serve as a bridge to the parents, providing them with resources and guidance to navigate unique parenting challenges. These bridges are built through the quiet, diligent work of discerning leaders who balance the teaching of biblical truth with connected, life-giving relationships.

Ultimately, the call to build intergenerational bridges requires prayerful eyes that are willing to see the needs around us. We must be intentional about noticing where connections can be made and where gaps can be filled. It means listening closely to the concerns of parents, working alongside church leadership, and praying for wise laborers. By doing so, we contribute to a culture of discipleship where everyone—regardless of age or stage of life—can flourish in their faith. Relationships are at the heart of discipleship, and we must remember that discipleship is not simply about information transfer, but about life-on-life intentionality. Those in children’s ministry carry a profound calling and a perspective that few others are privileged to hold.