Intergenerational Ministry
When we read the Bible from cover to cover, never once do we encounter a “JV (or junior) Holy Spirit.” So why do we often treat the spiritual formation and faith journey of our children and teens this way? If God spoke to a young Samuel in the temple (1 Sam 3), who is to say God won’t also speak to our youth today? We invite those whose heart is ministering to the youngest generations (children and teens) to join us as we wrestle with these questions and learn from Eli the priest—who encouraged Samuel to recognize and respond to the voice of God. Together we will explore how to create safe intergenerational spaces for believers to truly encounter the Spirit of the Living God. Come ready to be nurtured, encouraged, and maybe even a little challenged, as we grow in community with one another and the Holy Spirit.
FACILITATORS
Kaya Coleman
KAYA COLEMAN
Kaya Coleman is the Children's Minister at Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadows Place, Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree in Theology & Ministry from Lipscomb University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry at Abilene Christian University. Kaya's foundational ministry belief is that no child is too young to encounter the Holy Spirit. She likes to spend her free time visiting museums and local brunch spots in Houston!
Kevin Barnett
KEVIN BARNETT
Kevin Barnett is the Youth Minister at Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadows Place, Texas. Before that, he received his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries with a Biblical Studies minor from Biola University in La Mirada, California. Kevin is passionate about gathering people to “live life together” and the power that community has in the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. He enjoys being a part of his kids’ (ages 8 and 5) extracurricular activities, watching musicals/plays with his wife, and coaching baseball at the local private school.
Session Information
The intergenerational ministry community, led by Kaya Coleman and Kevin Barnett, will explore the importance and impact of a less-siloed way of doing ministry. They will examine the benefits as well as the challenges in order to help churches and church leaders think about how an intentional, multigenerational community strengthens the faith development of all. Kaya and Kevin will be joined by Stacey Losher as they enter into this vital discussion.
ADDITIONAL SPEAKER
Stacey Losher
Stacey Losher began serving as the Director of Marketing and Recruiting for the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University in January 2025. Prior to this role, she served for 24 years in congregational ministry—primarily focused on children’s ministry and next-gen ministry.
THURSDAY MORNING
Introduction
Spiritual Practice
Break
Session 1: “Parents Under Pressure” Surgeon General Report (Part 1) | Kevin Barnett
Why the findings from the “Parents Under Pressure” Surgeon General Report illustrate a clear need for a shift away from siloed ministries toward intergenerational ministry.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Session 2: “Parents Under Pressure” Surgeon General Report (Part 2) | Kevin Barnett
Why the findings from the “Parents Under Pressure” Surgeon General Report illustrate a clear need for a shift away from siloed ministries toward intergenerational ministry.
Break
Spiritual Practice
Session 3: Discipleship Pipeline: The Relationship between the Next-Gen Ministry and Intergenerational Ministry | Kaya Coleman
FRIDAY MORNING
Spiritual Practice
Session 4: Round Table Discussions
Moving to a Next-Gen Ministry Model | Stacey Losher
How the Church Can Respond to “Parents Under Pressure” | Kevin Barnett
Integrating Intergenerational Learning in Children’s Ministry | Kaya Coleman