A basic glossary of ‘integrated worship’ terms.
In the last few years, ‘mixed’ or ‘integrated’ worship has become more of a priority topic across the church. There is, however, a general lack of clarity around the key terms.
To some degree that’s okay! It is an emerging dialogue after all, and that needs some fluidity. At another level, however, using the same terms to mean different things can stop conversations at the gate.
To that end, here is a basic glossary of some key terms we use around the topic of integrated worship.
I imagine there will be some disagreement on whether I’ve attached exactly the right meaning to each right term. They are evolving, however, and some have taken on additional meanings over time. Hopefully this will still be broadly helpful.
Multigenerational
Gathering people from multiple age categories in the same space at the same time. Emphasis is on proximity, but without a need for direct interaction between ages. Each age group is discipled primarily by their own leaders/pastors.
Intergenerational
Proactively mixing various ages within the same worship activities. Emphasis on mutually shared experiences, cross-age worship interaction, and muti-directional teaching. The ‘church’ is seen as primary discipling agent. Often emphasizes social sciences in learning theory.
Family Focus
Connecting church around family units, primarily supporting family experiences and worship. Single directional teaching and focus on family as the primary discipling agent. Often emphasizes biblical president in learning theory.
Programatic
Homogenous groups and streams emphasised over integration. Distinct programs made for each age-category. Follows a more secular model for education by specializing according to needs. Responsibilities for teaching/worship/discipleship abdicated to ‘professionals.’
Inclusive
Probably most open to interpretation. Usually in worship, a church calling itself ‘inclusive’ will possibly mean 1) actively trying to facilitate worship for people with additional needs and disabilities; 2) affirming of the LGBTQI+ community; or 3) lead by people from different cultural/social/gender backgrounds.
Polar-generational
I’m adding this to describe the reality of how many modern churches attempts at ‘intergen’ or ‘mutigen’ work out in reality. Polargen is when a church primarily reaches two polar-extreme generations (third-age and children), and miss a fabric of work with age-categories between them.
Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash.