Episode 99: Old and young Christians need each other more than ever (Dr. Holly Catterton Allen)

Most Christians in the United States know the saying that Sunday morning is the most segregated time in the country on any given week. Though they often think of segregation as segregation by culture, language, skin color or tax bracket, perhaps the most accepted, encouraged and practiced form of segregation is segregation by age.

During the 20th century, changes in developmental theory led congregations to sort themselves by age group or "life stage" (children, youth, college, young adult, young married, seniors, etc.).

Dr. Holly Catterton Allen makes a compelling case for restoring intergenerational Christian formation in intergenerational congregations. This means purposeful, thoughtful integration of all age groups and life stages in helping each other grow and mature in Christ. This conversation includes helpful how-to tips for leaders who want to try practicing intergenerational Christian formation in their congregations.

Link to Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship (Second Edition)

Link to InterGenerate Conference

Link to The Christian Chronicle's review of Intergenerational Christian Formation (First Edition)

Link to The Christian Chronicle's review of Intergenerate: Transforming Churches Through Intergenerational Ministry, edited by Dr. Holly Catterton Allen

Link to Christian Chronicle profile of Dr. Holly Catterton Allen (March 2009)

Find more news and stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to support this ministry of "information and inspiration" at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send your comments, ideas, and suggestions to [email protected] 

Check out our sponsors:

Freed-Hardeman University Graduate School of Theology

Healing Hands International