Intergenerational Research & Analysis
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Research
Bringing the Generations Together: Support from Learning Theory Holly Catterton Allen Is there any evidence to suggest that intergenerational religious experiences are especially beneficial for faith and spiritual development in children? And, if so, why might intergenerational religious experiences contribute significantly to children’s faith journeys? In her article Holly Catterton Allen addresses the role of learning theory in intergenerational experiences by examining: (a) a short definitional section concerning intergenerational concepts, (b) an overview of existing research that examines the effects of intergenerational Christian experiences, and (c) a brief treatment of the scriptural support for intergenerational community. Communion Across Generations: The Challenge & Promise of Intergenerational Dialogue Patricia Wittberg In this presentation, Patricia Wittberg describes the characteristics of Catholic Millennials (and younger Gen Xers) and the importance of and possibilities for engaging in cross-generational conversations aimed at increasing an understanding of generational cultures within the Catholic Church and eliminating the stereotypes generations have of each other. Her suggestions can apply to all denominations. An Ecumenical Study of Lifelong Faith Formation Joan Weber To research lifelong faith formation in mainline Christian, Orthodox, and Catholic congregations, the Center for Ministry Development received a grant from the Louisville Institute. The project was designed to discover effective practices, new insights, and key challenges in lifelong faith formation across denominations. The three goals of the project were to: 1) understand more about the experiences and needs of congregations, which are implementing specific efforts aimed at forming faith across the lifespan in order to identify the common elements of effective Christian education; 2) learn about what congregations are doing to provide Christian education in the intergenerational or whole community setting, the age-specific setting, and the family setting; 3) review effective models for lifelong faith formation, which are being implemented in parishes and congregations. The Church Sticking Together Kara Powell and Brad Griffin Wouldn’t it be great to find the youth ministry silver bullet? Powell and Griffin didn't find one in their Sticky Faith research, but it turns out that intergenerational relationships are one of the keys to building lasting faith in students. Read the article excerpted from their new book, Sticky Faith.
Intergenerational Faith Formation Today: It’s Impact and Sustainability Jim Merhaut This article reports on a very recent survey completed by experienced intergenerational practitioners in churches around the country. The survey reveals the most important practices that churches do in order to sustain intergenerational faith formation over time. The survey also identified the significant challenges for the future of intergenerational ministries. |
Analysis
The Benefits of Intergenerationality Holly Catterton Allen and Christine Lawton Ross This article supports the basic premise that intergenerational faith experiences uniquely nurture spiritual growth and development in both adults and children. The authors propose that frequent and regular cross-generational opportunities for worship, learning, outreach, service and fellowship offer distinctive spiritual benefits and blessings. Why Churches Tend to Separate Generations Holly Catterton Allen and Christine Lawton Ross When believers today gather for worship, service, ministry or simply for fellowship, they tend to gather in age- or stage-segregated silos. The question this article addresses is, “Why?” “Why has the body of Christ (at least in North America) embraced an age-segregated approach to community in the last several decades?” |