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6 Questions and a Cup of Coffee with
Linda Staats
With a master's degree in Human Development and the Family and minor degrees in Child Development and Gerontology, Linda brings a life-span approach to ministry. Her career reflects a desire to listen, engage, equip and empower all generations for serving like Jesus at home and in the world. Her greatest joy is bringing people of every age and decade together for significant interaction.
Linda is a national speaker and workshop facilitator, curriculum writer, consultant, leadership coach, and founder of HomeGrown Faith.
Linda is a Boomer, married to a Booster, who together have two Gen X sons. Thrree Kenyans of the Millennial generation and an Alpha generation toddler call Linda their "Grand Mum!" Linda's mother is a 101-year-old wise elder and proud member of the Civic/Builder generation.
1. Can you describe your call to intergenerational ministry?
I gravitate toward the phrase "Cross+Generational Ministry"- an image of all ages gathered around the cross of Christ.
The only way I have ever engaged people in ministry is with all ages gathered together, even before it was called "intergenerational ministry."
I was not professionally trained as a teacher. The idea of my being in a room as the only adult responsible for a group of children or teens is simply terrifying. However, when all ages are gathered together, ages 1 to 102, whether 10 or 150 in the room, I am energized and uplifted.
My passion and life's work in Cross+Gen ministry was stirred and shaped by the work of
Search Institute's
focus on "Developmental Assets" and Peter Benson's book, All Kids Are Our Kids, 1997. On page 43 he writes, "Religious institutions are one of the few remaining intergenerational communities to which youth have access...yet, congregation-as-intergenerational community represents potential more than reality, since most communities of faith are as age segregated as the rest of society." I heard him once comment that Sunday morning was the most age-segregated hour of the week.
When I hear ministry leaders bemoan that their age-designated classrooms are empty, I respond, "YEA!" This new reality creates an opportunity to weave the
gifts of every generation into the very fabric and witness of the faith community.
Intergenerational ministry took on new depth and meaning for me through the influence of the
ELCA Mission Formation
staff and the concept of "accompaniment." Cross+Gen ministry embedded within the congregation is a way to live out the values and actions that form the foundation for how we walk together. Effectively accompanying one another across the borders and boundaries of generations within your walls, prepares a congregation for ministry and mission outside the walls of the church.
2. What is the best part of your ministry now?
Coordinating The Generosity Project (TGP) for the ELCA. The foundation for this ministry is bringing all ages and generations together to learn of God's grace and abundance. We explore the influence of society on us as consumers and how to practice God's generosity in our congregations and households. When a synod or institution hosts an Introductory Workshop, two-year olds to 101-year-olds are engaged with one another for four-hours in playing, praying, sharing and embodying God's Story. The Holy Spirit shows up! Teens and elders ask, "When can we do this again?" It is life giving!
3. What is one thing about you that would surprise us?
I grew up surrounded by generations - it was a natural part of my church, my community, and family life. I had eight grandparents and great-grandparents who lived long on this earth - into their 90's and even 102. They dwelled within 14 miles of my rural home, loved me, and meddled in my life. I call it God's sense of humor that as an adult I do not have grandchildren of my own... yet I have been surprised and blessed by a global family and meaningful relationships and interactions with children and youth here in the USA and beyond.
4. What do Christian educators need to keep their eyes on?
Congregations are struggling with declining participation in congregational life. Leaders are suffering from low-self esteem, often blaming themselves when traditional Christian education models are no longer working. I believe that busy families, socially isolated teens, and lonely seniors are hungry for community and purpose. All want a place where the wisdom of the elder, energy and expertise of our young adults and teens, and curiosity of the young ones connect. Take up Peter Benson's challenge to tap your congregation's potential to create space and opportunities for all ages to truly SEE and BE with one another. Truly celebrate the gifts of each generation. Honor God already present and active in each generation - one generation does not bring God to another generation.
5. Can you tell us about some of your favorite resources?
- I am known for identifying generations with varied colored dots and forming what is called, "A Circle of Blessing." These practices, which are core to my ministry, I borrowed from James V Gamboni, PhD. and his book, All Are Welcome, A Primer for Intentional Intergenerational Ministry and Dialogue. Elder Eye Press, 1998. A second edition was released in 2015.
- Intergenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry. Holly Catterton Allen, Editor. Abilene Christian University Press, 2018. An encyclopedia of information representing the voices of 24 academics and practitioners for building an intergenerational church.
- For practical, on-the-ground stories of leaders' successes and failures with Cross+Gen ministry, the series by Dr. Rich Melheim can't be topped. Let's Kill Sunday School (before it kills the church)
- All the resources associated with John Roberto and intergenerational faith formation found here.
- Of course, The Generosity Project, a 294 page ELCA intergenerational resource and curriculum for discipleship and stewardship.
6. How can we pray for you?
What is God's call at age 71 and in this decade of my life? I want to know when to lead, when to mentor, when to walk alongside as a coach, when to be an advocate, be a "Grand Mum," when to tend my herb garden, how to rest and reflect, and simply when to get out of the way! Let every age receive, lift up, and celebrate the gifts and perspectives of each generation and engage in the
ferrying of faith, the redemption, hope and healing of God's world.
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If you would like to recommend a Lutheran or others with a passion for lifelong learning for the "6 Questions and a Cup" column, please let us know!
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Prayer Pause
God of Mercy and Grace,
We pray for those whose actions are motivated by fear and anger. May they remember that you are a God of abundance.
We pray for our leaders. May they be guided by your wisdom. May they be courageous and make the bold decisions necessary to end this pandemic.
And we pray for all the advocates and the volunteers who are responding to your call to care for the people who are most vulnerable in our communities and around the world. Give them endurance. Stir them with your longing for justice. May they be comforted and moved by your Holy Spirit.
It is in the strong name of Jesus that we do pray.
Amen.
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Intergenerational Ministry:
New Resources!
Check out the many resources on our
website
!
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Our Facebook group continues to grow with over
1,000 members!
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Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Vision Statement
Building a community which equips, encourages and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith formation in a changing world.
The CENetwork will:
- Identify and evaluate resources and educational opportunities
- Facilitate communication and conversation
- Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
- Nurture spiritual growth online and face to face
Check out our website
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