| abstract |
This thesis develops strategies for fostering intergenerational relationships in the Black Church by means of intentional pastoral care, informed by qualitative research conducted in two congregations: Living Water Baptist Church of High Point, North Carolina, and St. John's Congregational Church of Springfield, Massachusetts. In response to congregational feedback obtained through generational cohort forums, I outline three primary ways in which pastors can facilitate authentic and valued intergenerational relationships: through preaching that highlights intergenerationality, biblical teaching that demonstrates how the value of intergenerationality is found in the biblical text, and pastoral care that attends to key moments of congregants' lives and relationships. The distinct needs of generational cohorts are emphasized throughout, drawing upon data gleaned through the research project.
The thesis begins by defining intergenerational ministry. It differentiates intergenerational ministry from a multigenerational church in that intergenerational ministry involves multiple generations interacting between and across the generations, with each generation contributing to and learning from the others. After highlighting the distinctive history, cultural function, and intergenerational challenges of the Black Church, I summarize the distinctives of each contemporary generational cohort. I then draw upon research on pastoral care in the Black Church to describe the context for how preaching, teaching, and pastoral care can foster intergenerationality.
The final section of the thesis describes the application of preaching, teaching, and pastoral care to developing intergenerational relationships, detailing the ministries I conducted in my own churches as a pastor and researcher, and the feedback provided in generational group forums. In this section I outline different preaching styles and emphases which are favored by each generational cohort. I also describe a Bible study I taught the church on the book of Ruth, highlighting how intergenerational relationships drive that narrative and encourage them in the church. Then I describe various modes of pastoral care which are distinct to church size, and how these different modes address the needs of each generational cohort. Finally, I analyze congregants' responses to questionnaires which gathered authentic perspectives from each generational cohort regarding their perception of activities among the various generations and how church ministries address those needs.
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