Together 2025: Intergenerational togetherness

Major Jo Moir celebrates the intergenerational opportunities at Together 2025.

Together 2025 at the ICC Birmingham promises to be a space for every generation to celebrate, learn and reflect. The theme of the weekend (11–13 July) is Mission 160: From Generation to Generation and will focus on mission and the call we have to share God’s goodness with each generation (see Psalm 79:13), telling of his mighty acts and proclaiming his power (see Psalm 145:4).

What does it mean to be genuinely intergenerational?

I belong

The first core belief of intergenerational ministry states that everyone has a place and can feel that they belong. Being part of an event, no matter our age, being included in the planning and advocated for by those in leadership is at the heart of Together.

With separate spaces as well as inclusive worship across the weekend, free tickets for children to enable families to attend more easily and live-streamed celebrations, our prayer is that everyone truly feels part of the weekend.

I am needed

At the heart of Together is participation rather than spectating, a desire for all those who engage in the weekend to connect on a deeper level. The teams involved in planning the weekend are working to include groups from across the United Kingdom and Ireland, of all ages and expressions of The Salvation Army.

For anyone unable to join with us in person, we will be building on last year’s Together at Home concept with even more ways to be essential to the weekend wherever you are – whether that’s through the Together 2025 issue of Salvationist, live-streaming from home, holding a watch party at your corps or other ways of participating. More details about Together at Home and timings for the live-streamed events will be available soon.

I can learn from everyone

When we think of the phrase ‘from generation to generation’, we often consider older generations passing down knowledge and wisdom to younger generations, but within intergenerational ministry there are so many ways to explore journeying together as disciples.

How can we learn from our young people? How can children inspire and teach us? How can we truly learn from each other? Finding ways to listen to the voices of others is a key element of intergenerational ministry and that is at the heart of Together.

Life is fuller when we journey with people of different generations

The final core belief of intergenerational ministry focuses on the fruit of engaging and including people of all ages in worship and ministry – our lives are enriched by it. Far from being a mere gimmick or fad, intergenerational ministry when embraced intentionally can make all our gatherings – from informal get-togethers, picnics and Sunday worship to large events – fuller and more enriching.