November 2007
A toolbox of wisdom to develop, nurture and encourage teachers, small group leaders and pastors in their teaching ministry.

Generations Sing of Faith...Together

 

By James H. Ritchie, Jr.

Imagine yourself stranded on a desert island. Among all ages of survivors, you alone wash up with an iPod (and speakers) with some of your all-time favorite music.

  • What might some of those songs be?
  • Are your musical tastes eclectic or do you have one or two preferred styles?
  • Would you expect your peers to welcome an opportunity to hear these selections over and over and over again? How about those younger or older than you?

Music can (and often is) generation- or genre-specific. Because we like what we like and turn a deaf ear to the music enjoyed by others both outside and inside the church what chance is there that music will become a unifying factor across the generations among persons of faith? A good chance, actually, but only with effort.

Using music in groups that span the generations is a cross-cultural enterprise.

Music can (and often is) generation- or genre-specific. Because we like what we like and turn a deaf ear to the music enjoyed by others both outside and inside the church what chance is there that music will become a unifying factor across the generations among persons of faith? A good chance, actually, but only with effort.

The challenge of working with generationally diverse groups is the absence of factors that quickly unify. In addition to contrasting physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual traits, there is also a generational culture defined in part by its music. While my teenaged years were spent in the sixties when a guitar strum prompted instant bonding, few non-Boomers have Puff the Magic Dragon, M.T.A., and Where Have All the Flowers Gone? stored in their memories for ready access.

Using music in Christian education settings that span the generationsperhaps during a Sunday school opening that involves all classesis a cross-cultural enterprise. In order to draw the ages together, we need to work on a repertoire in which the generations can share ownership. How?

  1. Plan ahead. Simply asking for hymn or song requests will not maximize the experience. Work thematically.

  2. Investigate childrens curriculum resources. All songs taught to children are not fluff. Many offer simple yet profound messages set to readily accessible music. Movement is a plus and not just for the kids. Adults come to church with bodies that need to move and enjoy doing so.

  3. If using hymns, be sensitive to language that excludes the young. Look for ones with visual lyrics (God of the Sparrow God of the Whale) that are short and/or repetitious (This Little Light of Mine) and those that have easily learned refrains (Here I Am, Lord).

  4. Determine who will teach and lead the songs. Dont underestimate enthusiasm!

  5. Plan for accompaniment. Involve persons from various generations on piano/keyboard, guitar, rhythm instruments/percussion, or other instruments.

  6. Leaders should have a plan for how the song will be introduced. Develop a plan that acknowledges diverse reading levels and musical skills. Vary the plan from one piece to the next in order to keep the process engaging.

  7. Since you are already crossing generational cultures, take it a step further and incorporate music from other geographic cultures. They are often new to everyone, so no one has an advantage and everyone learns together. Plus, much of the music that comes from non-Western tradition is brief and repetitive, with a simple yet substantive message, but invites everyone to a level of sophistication established by singing in another language.

The generations can sing of their faith together when we take the time to ask: What is our setting? What is our theme? Who will lead? Where will we look for resources? Who will provide accompaniment? How will we teach the songs?

Dr. James H. Ritchie, Jr., composer of many songs for use across the generations, is executive director of Ritchie Faith Span Ministries, working in the area of multigenerational ministries. Contact him at Jim@RFSMinistries.com.

For Further Reading and Reference...

 

Always in Rehearsal, by James H. Ritchie. (Discipleship Resources, 2005).

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