Youth and Elders: Fostering Intergenerational Connections

Many congregations are aging along with their members. Young adults’ religious participation is declining, even as they yearn for meaning and connection with other generations.

As part of CRCC’s Thriving Congregation series, experts in aging and religion speak to the needs and desires of people across stages of life. This session discusses practical ways that congregational leaders can reach more people of all ages and bring them together.

Young Adults

This video features Richard Flory, a sociologist and executive director of the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture. Richard has written multiple books about youth and young adults based on the National Study of Youth and Religion.

Aging and Elders:

Gretchen Alkema is a nationally recognized expert in health and aging, with more than 30 years of experience in care systems to improve the lives of older adults and their family caregivers.

Intergenerational Connections:

Rev. Melinda Dodge provides a practitioner’s perspective on bringing together an intergenerational community through Being the Church, Long Beach.