A study of intergenerational Christian communities in Australia and New Zealand

Preston, Tamara 2026. A study of intergenerational Christian communities in Australia and New Zealand. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

There is currently a gap between the growing conversation for Christian churches who value the importance and strength of a person’s faith formation when it is positioned in a genuinely intergenerational faith community and the study of faith communities that are actually living this out. These churches are looking for examples of what this looks like in reality in faith communities today. The Intergenerational communities that are being studied in this research show an alternative, in response to the fragmentation of congregational life along generational lines. This research seeks to show that gathering across the ages together raises deeper theological questions concerning faith formation and the nature of Christian community. These questions cannot be addressed through programmatic evaluation alone. Rather, they require a mode of investigation that takes the theological significance of practice seriously. This research focuses on the voices and experiences of participants, and the researcher’s own auto-ethnological observations of one faith community in particular. Those in the area of professional practice who are persuaded by the need for more Intergenerational faith communities are struggling to make the practical steps forward to bring about this paradigm shift. By deepening our understanding of the experience of intergenerational faith communities, this practical theology project aims to help denominational leaders, theological educators, emerging church leaders and parents on this journey become more conscious of the factors which can positively augment this paradigm shift. If these churches can be given critically evaluated frameworks and ideas, they will be better equipped to bring about the changes they desire. This study will identify what has helped and hindered churches in their pursuit of more effective Intergenerational faith formations through an in-depth study and observation of 14 Christian intentionally intergenerational faith communities with some demonstrated track-record in shifting their ministry paradigm toward more intergenerational practices. This research highlights key elements that are effective for intergenerational communities. In order to make this transition or change it will require the current structures, programs, leadership styles and formats to consider an unlearning and re-thinking of paradigms and practices. It identifies further research needs and develops the basis for resources that churches might use to enhance their effectiveness as intergenerational communities.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	22 June 2026
Date of Acceptance:	8 June 2026
Last Modified:	22 Jun 2026 15:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187693

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