Recently, six of us from Stouffville Grace had the privilege of attending the InterGenerate Conference at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. This experience opened our eyes to intergenerational approaches to being the church—approaches that envision a community learning, growing, and serving together across generational lines. Throughout the conference, we were not only equipped and empowered to pursue intergenerational ministry with renewed passion but also deeply encouraged through meaningful dialogue with both academics and practitioners.
One key phrase that has stayed with me since the conference is “co-learn and co-create.” This simple yet profound idea captures the heart of what it means for brothers and sisters from different generations, backgrounds, and cultures to journey together—learning and growing in God’s truth and love. It challenges me to remember that ministry is never a one-way street. In serving any generation, I am not merely teaching or leading; I am also learning and creating alongside them. This truth highlights that ministry is fundamentally grounded in our relationship with God and expressed through relationships, connection, collaboration, and shared life.
Reflecting further, I recall my first encounter with the broader family of faith beyond Stouffville Grace—the CBOQ (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec) Annual Assembly in June 2018. This was before I began serving at Stouffville Grace, after twelve years in an independent, non-denominational setting. Walking into a large hall filled with people from Baptist churches across Eastern Canada, I distinctly felt a stirring inside me. I thought, “When I join Stouffville Grace, I’m also joining something much bigger.” It was a moment of anticipation—a sense of stepping into a community far greater than myself, a collective body of believers united in purpose.
This anticipation has been joyfully fulfilled by being part of the Stouffville Grace leadership team. Under the guidance of Rev. Hubert, the leadership team had begun cultivating a unique culture of “Learn and Share.” Our team meets monthly to fellowship—reading and reflecting together on chapters from books that nurture our spiritual formation. We explore practices such as centering prayer, discernment, and seeking God’s will communally. In these gatherings, we do more than accumulate knowledge individually; we co-learn and co-create a culture that values ongoing growth, reflective practice, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
I believe this mindset of shared learning and creating must extend deeply across generations. When older and younger believers come together united in Christ’s love, seeking to understand, respect, accept, and trust one another with humility, the church reflects the very heart of Jesus. Valuing one another’s presence and contributions allows us to live out His love—not only when we gather as a congregation but also when we are scattered in our daily lives and diverse contexts.
Looking ahead, as Stouffville Grace embarks on the exciting journey of building a new church facility, my prayer is that we continue to focus on building up people—spiritually shaped and growing more into Christ in every way. After all, Christ is the head of His body, the Church, and it is in Him that we find our true unity and purpose.
In the words of Paul to the Colossians,
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)
May this call to compassion, humility, and love continue to shape who we are—as individuals, as leaders, and as a family of faith.
“Bind Us Together”
Bind us together, Lord
Bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together, Lord
Bind us together
Bind us together in Love
There is only one God,
There is only one King
There is only one Body,
That is why we sing.
Fit for the glory of God,
Purchased by His precious Blood
Born with the right to be free
Jesus the victory has won.
We are the family of God
We are the promise divine
We are God's chosen desire
We are the glorious new wine.
Bonus song:
📺 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” · Darby Hughes