FLEE AGE SEGREGATION

Michael Ryan

“Nextdoor” is a social app my neighborhood uses to communicate with each other about anything from missing dogs and car repairs to unusual activity and crime watch reports.  Recently, a couple new to our community sent out a message, “Looking to connect socially with other 30-somethings in our neighborhood.” I was a little frustrated. I understand where they are coming from but I found myself typing in response, “What about the 70-somethings in your neighborhood?  We live here too.  Might it not be interesting to get to know some folks with a little more life experience than you?  Are you really only interested in people who could have attended high school with you?”

Actually, I didn’t type that, but I was really tempted.

Our multi-decade experiment with age segregation has had unintended consequences. We have isolated ourselves to our own detriment.  We have cheated ourselves out of the experiences of those who have gone before.  We have sacrificed the fresh outlook of those who come behind.  Interaction from multiple generations is essential to a healthy and well-rounded point of view.

I’m grateful that our Adult Community Groups are already not strictly age graded, but we felt it would be useful over the summer to pursue this integration more intentionally.  Earlier this week, Ben communicated more detailed reasons for this pilot project. For me the main reason for intentionally mixing generations is so we might take advantage of an opportunity to listen to and learn from one another.

“Flee Age Segregation” is the title to a chapter in a great book I finished this week about the “coming of age” crisis in this country. I’m grateful we have the opportunity to do just that in our Community Groups in the next two months.

This summer, as we integrate our classes, let’s remember that we are all members of the body of Christ. Each one of us, no matter our age, has something of value to contribute to the family. Let’s take advantage of this great opportunity to pray for one another as we study and learn together as a body.

-Gene Cornett