The Intergenerating Church
This course explores intergenerational ministry and Christian faith formation through a practical theological lens, with particular attention to belonging, inclusion, and the relational conditions that support lifelong faith. Building on biblical, theological, and social-scientific foundations, students will examine how congregations can move beyond age-segregated programming toward communities of mutual formation, shared practice, and intergenerational vocation.
Attention will be given to the ways attachment, trauma, culture, race, power, and congregational context shape faith formation across the life course. Students will engage contemporary scholarship in intergenerational ministry, youth ministry, and practical theology while developing contextually grounded practices for worship, teaching, pastoral care, and congregational life.
About the Instructor: Rev. Dr. Michael W. Droege is a practical theologian, educator, and researcher whose work brings theological reflection into conversation with lived experience, congregational life, and human development. He holds a PhD in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria and serves as Adjunct Faculty in Practical Theology and Religious Education at Drew University. He has also served as Postdoctoral Associate and Lecturer in Pastoral Care at Yale Divinity School and is a University Research Associate with the Conectere Project at Eastern Mennonite University.
Dr. Droege teaches congregation-facing, student-centered courses in practical theology and religious education, with particular attention to reflective learning, identity formation, and contextually grounded ministerial practice. His broader teaching and research interests include practical theology, youth and intergenerational ministry, attachment-informed faith formation, and the reconstruction of Christian practice in changing social contexts.
Dates: September 9 - December 9, 2026
Requirements: Readings and discussions. No written work, projects, or presentations.
Books to purchase: Reading list will be provided by the instructor.
Fee: $275.00
Format: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences. After that time, fees are non-refundable.
Questions? Please contact: Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca