Generation Spark partners with church leaders to provide a research-based action plan that builds successful, authentic, and safe intergenerational mentoring relationships that spark intimacy with Jesus, a sense of mission, and meaningful connection.
Discipleship happens in relationship
Mentoring Matters.
Intergenerational mentoring plays a key role in spiritual, emotional, and relational growth, benefiting both the mentor and the mentee, and contributing to the overall health of the congregation. At Generation Spark, we pair two of the often overlooked groups in churches – young adults and older members – into mentoring relationships and set them on mission together.
Through mentoring stories are honored, legacy is passed, leadership is developed, new voices are supported, and relationships are built that promote belonging, discipleship and accountability.
Discipleship happens in relationship
Mentoring Matters
Intergenerational mentoring plays a key role in spiritual, emotional, and relational growth, benefiting both the mentor and the mentee, and contributing to the overall health of the congregation. At Generation Spark, we pair two of the often overlooked groups in churches – young adults and older members – into mentoring relationships and set them on mission together.
Learn More
Through mentoring stories are honored, legacy is passed, leadership is developed, new voices are supported, and relationships are built that promote belonging, discipleship and accountability.
It’s time to take a serious look at mentoring ministry:
After being a part of a Generation Spark Mentoring Ministry
93%
Of mentors and mentees surveyed said that mentoring had a positive impact on their sense of belonging.
77%
Said mentoring had a moderate to major impact on their faith.
50%
Of those surveyed said that being a part of a mentoring relationship positively impacted the person’s relationship with their church community.
80%
Said that mentoring makes the person want to stay connected to their church long term.
Sharing what we’ve learned
Explore Generation Spark tools and resources
Practitioners who see the problem, and have a solution
Helping Churches become places of Intergenerational Belonging and Mission
Generation Spark was first developed with and by Hope College students who were concerned about the rate at which youth are leaving the church. Through the work at Hope College, a mentoring ministry strategy was developed and piloted.
In 2020, the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) partnered together and were awarded a $1 Million Lilly Foundation Grant to take the reigns of Generation Spark, add their expertise, and work with churches throughout the United States and Canada to create intergenerational mentoring relationships.
“I have been feeling a little disconnected from our church, wondering if it really matters where I attend church. But this made me feel like an important member of the community."
– Kara, 25 years old
Practitioners who see the problem, and have a solution
Helping Churches become places of Intergenerational Belonging and Mission
Generation Spark was first developed with and by Hope College students who were concerned about the rate at which youth are leaving the church. Through the work at Hope College, a mentoring ministry strategy was developed and piloted.
More History
In 2020, the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) partnered together and were awarded a $1 Million Lilly Foundation Grant to take the reigns of Generation Spark, add their expertise, and work with churches throughout the United States and Canada to create intergenerational mentoring relationships.
“I have been feeling a little disconnected from our church, wondering if it really matters where I attend church. But this made me feel like an important member of the community."
– Kara, 25 years old
Wondering if Generation Spark is right for you?
Schedule a call with a member of our team today to discuss how Generation Spark might work in your context!
Ready to Get Started?
Apply today to be part of our next cohort of churches journeying together to design and launch a fully customized mentoring ministry in your context!
