The past few blog posts have centered on the leader and their role in the process of leading and serving an intergenerational choir. However, we realize they certainly can’t lead an intergenerational choir without singers and players to lead. Today, I will discuss some of the evidence I found in my research pointing to practical ways and comments that the choir members themselves do/say to celebrate the intergenerational nature of their ministry. Please note that ONLY the leaders that indicated that they believe their choir members truly understand the value of being in an intergenerational choir are represented in the stats below.
First, over half of the leaders reported the choir members hear intergenerational teaching regularly from them.
It just makes sense that if the leader is regularly teaching/celebrating the biblical and philosophical merits of intergenerational worship, then the choir members are more likely to value it as well. This step is CRUCIAL for leaders. We must regularly celebrate the richness of diversity in our churches. Find resources (such as this blog) to share about how important worshiping together and being mutually submissive to one another is as we seek to find common ground in Christ, not in preferences.
Second, a little over forty percent of the leaders indicate their choir members make comments about leaving a legacy to the younger generation and desire to recruit younger members.
If the choir members are talking about it, then surely they get it, right? I’m a little surprised at this percentage, because as I said in the opening, only those leaders who indicated they are convinced their choir members understand the value were allowed to give evidence (as seen here).
Third, just over a quarter of the leaders report their choir members make comments that the choir feels like a family.
Family atmosphere is important in the life of a church, especially when the family has multiple generations that co-exist. The family atmosphere, at least in the minds of those I spoke with, really meant that all are cared for as a family would for each other.
Fourth, just over twenty percent of the leaders report that choir members comment that a variety of literature from various music types helps all feel valued and motivated to participate.
This was the biggest surprise to me. Not the fact that it was reported, but that it wasn’t reported MORE. Using varying literature has a greater potential to touch the musical style preferences of most of the congregation. Using varying literature says to the congregation that you are interested in more than singing the newest songs only, or in hymns from centuries ago.
What items would you add to this list that weren’t shared? In what ways do your choir members show or say that being in an intergenerational church is important to them?