Is Your Women’s Ministry Intergenerational?

A decade ago, during a difficult season caring for my terminally ill mother, I received daily encouragement from Wanda, a 90-year-old saint in our church. Her words became a lifeline, and many of them are still etched in my memory.

While Wanda’s spiritual strength and faith supported me during this challenging time, I was able to support her years later, near the end of her life. We prayed, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other’s company as my husband and I sat by her bedside. Though Wanda has since gone to be with the Lord, I carry her legacy of intergenerational friendship with me every day.

One of the greatest gifts of a church community is the opportunity to love and be loved across generations—especially in women’s ministry. But simply having women of different ages and stages in our church doesn’t necessarily mean women are connected across generations as I was with Wanda. To experience many of the blessings of Christian community, we need women’s ministries that are intergenerational, not just multigenerational.

Understand the Difference

Many women’s ministries are multigenerational, where women gather in separate groups according to their life stages: Older women may have a Sunday school class or a sewing circle, young moms may meet for weekly playdates, and single women or empty nesters might engage in their own Bible studies. While these groups are valuable and have a place in our churches, they can make us miss the deep, enriching relationships that come from intergenerational engagement.

One of the greatest gifts of a church community is the opportunity to love and be loved across generations.

An intergenerational women’s ministry fosters relationships that cross generational boundaries. Women don’t spend time only with their peers. Rather, connections across generations provide mentoring, encouragement, and shared wisdom.

This mentoring relationship is mutual—both the younger and older women have something to offer. The wisdom of age is invaluable, but so is the fresh energy and perspective younger women bring. This exchange makes the body of Christ stronger, more diverse, and more unified. The reciprocal nature of intergenerational relationships has been a significant blessing in my life.

Form Intergenerational Connections

So how do we foster an intergenerational women’s ministry? It’s not about forcing relationships but about intentionally seeking opportunities for women of all ages to connect, serve, and learn together. Here are a few practical suggestions.

1. Create mentoring programs.

Connecting older women with younger women for mentoring creates a reciprocal relationship where both grow in faith. But matching up pairs of women that have the right chemistry can be challenging. Consider starting with mentor groups. Brainstorm a list of important topics, such as evangelism, parenting, marriage, work, and contentment, along with a book or Bible study related to each topic. Find women willing to mentor a small group on one of these topics.

The hope is that out of these small groups, a few one-on-one mentor relationships will be established. Be up-front about that hope so leaders are prepared and so younger women might be open to the Spirit’s leading. Set a limited time frame for these groups in case a certain mix of women doesn’t connect. But a group could always choose to continue if things are going well.

2. Encourage cross-generational Bible studies.

It’s common to have women’s Bible study groups based on life stages (young moms, empty nesters, etc.). I know of one church with a dedicated Bible study for those “seasoned in the faith.” The problem is that younger women miss the opportunity to glean from their wisdom.

Consider creating groups that mix generations. Profound growth happens when we learn and study with those from multiple generations and walks of faith. And often, it’s in these groups that deeper connections form. My relationship with Wanda developed in a women’s Bible study.

3. Serve together.

Serving alongside one another is one of the best ways to form deep bonds in ministry. Organize service projects, outreach events, or mission trips that bring women of all ages together. Whether it’s preparing meals for those in need or serving at a local shelter, shared experiences of service create lasting connections and open the door to meaningful conversations. It’s often less intimidating to get to know someone when you’re working side by side instead of sitting face to face.

4. Host storytelling and testimony events.

A beautiful way to bridge the generational divide is by sharing stories of God’s faithfulness. Consider organizing events where women from different generations share their testimonies of coming to faith and stories of how the Lord has worked in their lives. These stories can help women relate to one another as they see that women who seem so put together on Sunday morning know what it is to have a hard marriage or to grieve a child or to struggle financially.

Graciously Address Resistance

Some women may initially resist intergenerational ministry due to the comfort of the status quo, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work in your church. Leaders can acknowledge the concerns and gently encourage new possibilities.

One way to ease the transition is through one-on-one conversations with key women. Emphasize that this isn’t an either-or situation. The goal isn’t to break up existing groups but to enrich the body of Christ by broadening connections. These women can help model that vision and might even be willing to step into different groups or serve in new ways.

It’s not about forcing relationships but about intentionally seeking opportunities for women of all ages to connect, serve, and learn together.

Even more helpful is finding women who’ve had a positive experience being a part of both long-standing groups and intergenerational relationships. They can be powerful ambassadors for the vision.

Change can be challenging, but with patience, prayer, and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to move toward a ministry that reflects the unique diversity in Christ’s body. Intergenerational relationships in women’s ministry aren’t just about filling the gap between generations—they’re about experiencing the fullness of God’s design for his church. They’re not just a nice addition to our ministries—they’re part of God’s redemptive plan to unite his people in love and community.

When all women come together to teach and learn and serve, the body of Christ is built up in love.