Theology in the Raw #1084: A Case for Intergenerational Ministry, Dr. Holly Allen
Holly Allen is an adjunct professor at Lipscomb University; her scholarly contributions are in the areas of intergenerational ministry and children’s spirituality.
In the 1970s, North American society began to silo people into age-specific groups, both for developmental and psychosocial reasons. The church followed suit. Allan’s research and experience has shown that bringing generations back together produces a richness that we have been missing. Intergenerational small groups are, in particular, a hothouse for spiritual growth. Mutuality, reciprocity, and accommodation grow us up as humans. Allen found that learning theory, developmental theory, and Biblical studies all point to the benefits of intergenerational community.
This rings very true to me (Claire) as I have witnessed James teach a course based on the book Befriending the North Wind, in which Dr. Robyn Boeré (a theologian) writes about intersubjectivity, a balanced give-and-take between generations. Similarly, Allen observes that when we are more embedded in each other’s lives, we imbibe from one another, even if unconsciously. We emulate one another. This is how we learn and become.
