Psalm 78 envisions an experience that churches can use to model intergenerational practices. The psalm underscores the importance of remembering God's past acts of salvation and deliverance. Included in that remembrance is the often unfaithful response of the people.
Most notable in this psalm is the insistence that this recounting be shared among all generations. The older generations have heard of God's deeds from their ancestors. Now, they shall not "hide" these experiences from their children but share them. This sharing will spread to the "next generation." As a result, they will "set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Faith and discipleship take root in a community's shared experiences. Psalm 78 doesn't imagine an accidental gathering of the generations. Instead, it sees a deliberate effort to form young people in the knowledge and trust of God while also affirming and encouraging the faith of the older generation as well.
Our contemporary context is far removed from such a gathering. Most sermons and worship services are designed with older members in mind. Young people often leave without engagement or meaningful participation. To remedy this, some churches over rely on separating people by age so that messages can be crafted to their specific life stages. This solution is well-intentioned but ineffective.
In my pastoral experience, people often speak of revival in terms of increasing adult worship attendance. Psalm 78 offers a different approach, showing that lasting revival comes when all generations are gathered intentionally. In such gatherings, everyone learns from one another. They witness God's faithfulness together and participate in the work of the Holy Spirit. This intergenerational ministry ensures that young people will not only hear of God's power but also experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit firsthand with the rest of the church.
Stay blessed...john | 
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