Building an Intergenerational Worship Service at the Family Church of Connecticut: A Theology of Unification Worship as Nurture and its Application
Doctoral Dissertation Project by Robert Bruce Clarke | r.clarke@hji.edu
Abstract
This research examined the development of intergenerational worship services that had begun the previous year by implementing a framework of six theological themes – mutuality, reciprocity, accommodation, interdependence, unity, and the divine, unique, cosmic value of every person, or equity. Intergenerational services intentionally sought to increase the closeness of members’ connection to God and to each other. Through obtaining 110 questionnaires from six generations in pre and post surveys as well as responses from three focus groups, the project measured the effectiveness of liturgical elements designed for intergenerational worship. Essential to the success of this project was the intentional use of Unificationist theological themes rooted in a Creation-centered hermeneutic by a collaborative intergenerational planning team. Strong levels of agreement with the intergenerational worship programs’ goals suggested that a Unificationist community embraced the importance of interpersonal trust and belonging, inclusion of children, intentional planning, participatory worship, and personal opportunity for creative response. Members believed that their experiences improved personal relationships with Heavenly Parent and the community. These findings were especially true of its younger members.
Major Research Questions
1. What are the core principles of Unification theology that inform worship and how do those principles translate into effective practical theology for intergenerational worship?
2. What are the benefits and challenges of implementing intergenerational worship in a Family Federation local church setting?
Major Findings
1. Members Became More Connected to One Another
One of the strongest findings was a measurable increase in relationships across generations. The project documented nearly a 20 percent increase in members spending time together outside of Sunday services. Participants reported greater trust, familiarity, and comfort interacting with people of different ages. Structured opportunities for sharing, discussion, and relationship-building contributed significantly to this outcome.
2. Stronger Relationships Supported Spiritual Growth
One of the most important conclusions of the study was that horizontal relationships and vertical faith growth are closely linked. Members consistently reported that trust, belonging, and interpersonal closeness helped them experience God’s love more deeply. The findings suggest that healthy relationships are not merely a byproduct of spiritual growth; they may actually be a prerequisite for significant spiritual formation in a community setting.
3. Children’s Inclusion Produced Significant Benefits
The strongest positive responses often came from children, youth, and young adults. Participants appreciated seeing children treated as equal participants in worship through crafts, presentations, games, testimonies, and visible leadership opportunities. Parents reported strong appreciation for worship environments in which their children were fully included rather than separated. Theologically, this reflected theology inherent in the Three Great Kingships theology.
4. Joy and Belonging Increased
Survey results showed strong agreement that intergenerational services created more smiles, laughter, anticipation, and enjoyment than traditional formats. The younger generations, especially Gen Z, demonstrated some of the strongest positive responses. Many participants reported looking forward to these services and experiencing a stronger sense of belonging within the congregation.
5. Younger Generations Responded Especially Well
Millennials and Gen Z consistently demonstrated the strongest levels of agreement regarding the value of intergenerational worship.
Recommendations for the Family Federation
1. Encourage local churches to develop intentional intergenerational worship practices.
2. Equip pastors and ministry teams to facilitate collaborative worship design.
3. Provide training that connects ministry to theology inherent in the Three Great Kingships and the Great Realms of Heart.
4. Create resources and planning templates for local congregations.
5. Expand opportunities for children, youth, and young adults to participate visibly in worship.
6. Treat developing intergenerational relationships as a core principle of Unificationist family practice and ministry.