Luke 1:50 – “[God’s] mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.”

Previously, in Part 1 of this blog series on “building community in worship,” we looked at what Multigenerational Worship is, some of the scripture behind it, and why worshiping together in a community is essential for a church like Central Bearden.

In this post, Part 2, we’ll look at the differences between Multigenerational Worship (all generations worshiping together) and Age/Affinity-Targeted Worship (worship focused upon a particular age group, musical preference, or a singular worship style). I’m grateful for this information drawn from a session of the Baptist Church Music Conference a few years back in Oklahoma City.

Multigenerational Worship is Different

What makes Multigenerational Worship different from Age/Affinity-Targeted Worship?

1) Multigen Worship purposefully invites everyone to worship
2) Multigen Worship seeks to give everyone a place at the table
3) Multigen Worship brings the church together
4) Multigen Worship encourages families and friends of all ages and affinities to sit, be and worship together
5) Multigen Worship acknowledges differences in age, musical style, “production value,” faith traditions, and more while focusing on what we have in common instead of what separates us

Coming Together in Worship

Now, on-screen, all of that sounds really wonderful, but we know that we’re all human beings who are created and wired very differently… and we have opinions, likes, and dislikes! How do we put those human traits aside, so we can celebrate coming together in worship?

• Recently we’ve sung the lyrics, “I will sing of the goodness of God.” Let’s celebrate the goodness and story of God together!
• Celebrate life together – sorrows, joys, God’s hand at work in his church and in peoples’ lives.
• Share the experiences of those who have gone before us and all those with whom we sit in worship.
• Be the church together!

Central Bearden is a wonderful place of worship and service for many around Knoxville, and we can be thankful that God moves among His people for His purposes. Let’s be watching for what He will do next.

Psalm 78:4 – We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of His power and the mighty miracles He did.

Join us online or in-person for our multigenerational Sunday Worship this Summer!