Abstract:
The role of the parental home in the intergenerational faith formation of the youth for the
sake of an integrated youth ministry. This article deals with the following question: What is
the role of parents in the intergenerational faith formation of the youth for the sake of an
integrated youth ministry? Several studies nationally and internationally have convincingly
pointed out that parents have the biggest influence on their children’s faith formation.
However, parents are currently still not sufficiently inclusively involved or supported in youth
ministry. Osmer’s fourfold reflective equilibrium model forms the frame for how this article is
structured. Nel’s theory of inclusive youth ministry is used as a theological framework from
which the role of parents in intergenerational faith formation is investigated. The empirical
research (quantitative, as well qualitative) was conducted among 175 parents and 10 ministers
coming from 29 congregations in the Noordelike, Oostelike, Hoëveld- and Goudland synods
of the Dutch Reformed Church. These congregations all have a family and/or intergenerational
focus in their (youth) ministry. The research has shown that youth ministry cannot by means
of programmes, structures and even relationships in any way replace the important role
played by parents in the lives of their children, regardless of what happens in the youth
ministry. When the parental home and youth ministries do not act as partners in the faith
formation process, it does not only lead to weak faith, but also to a lack of commitment,
unsustainability and ultimately alienation. Youth ministries can therefore not function
effectively without an integrated ministry, which includes the parental home. With all the
challenges threatening their capacity, the parental home can also not function effectively as
faith mediators without an inclusive youth ministry. The research thus clearly indicates that
Nel’s theory of inclusive youth ministry, is not only noteworthy, but it is also in the long term,
necessary to work towards the congregation’s eschatalogical sustainability.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND / OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: Youth ministries do not involve
parents as the core part of their ministry. When youth ministries integrate parents into their
ministry, children will be better guided in their faith formation. This adjustment calls for a
paradigm shift in the focus of traditional youth ministry. Intergenerational faith formation in
this study was approached within the framework of Practical Theology, Congregational
Development and Youth Ministry.
