Different Ages, Same Church with Sarah Kendall and Alan Harnett
What happens when a millennial and a baby boomer make space to listen to each other, not as spokespeople for their generations, but as fellow members of the same church family? In this episode of The People of Springwood Podcast, Sarah and Alan share their stories and perspectives from two different seasons of life. Sarah is in her 30s and returned to the South East in 2022. She and her husband Matt have two boys, and together they serve in Springwood’s young-adult community. She loves being outdoors and is passionate about creating intergenerational connection: a community where people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are genuinely welcomed and valued. Alan is a long-time member of Springwood Church and is now happily retired after a career in the manufacture, sales and customer support of underground mining equipment. His long history in the church and the life experience he brings make for a thoughtful conversation about faith, service, community and change over time. Together, Sarah and Alan reflect on questions that matter well beyond one generation or one church: What do we assume about people whose lives and perspectives differ from our own? What can younger and older generations learn from each other? How can church become a place where people feel known, valued and included? What is worth carrying forward as communities change? What does it look like to practise humility, curiosity and mutual honour across generational lines? The conversation is grounded in their shared Adventist faith and Springwood Church community, while remaining open and accessible to anyone interested in belonging, faith, family, community and the challenge of building relationships across difference. Adventism is part of their shared story, but not a barrier to joining the conversation. This episode is an invitation to move beyond stereotypes and surface-level connection. Whether you are younger or older, new to church or a long-time member, consider this your encouragement to listen more deeply, ask a better question, share a meal, serve alongside someone different from you, or make space for a story you have not yet heard. Because church is not strongest when everyone is the same. It is strongest when every generation is seen, heard and welcomed.