Age Segregation and Spiritual Formation: A Case Study

Abstract

Age segregation in society has been widely researched and shown to have significant impact on our general communal wellbeing. Applying this research to religious environments has been challenging due to the scope and scale of the work. Using a framework analysis to compile the precedent research, this research project identifies four constructs of age segregation found in society: institutional, spatial/architectural, technological/communication, and relational.

The impact of age segregation in society has been well-documented. This research project asks if the same impacts are experienced in churches who can identify parallel constructs of age segregation in their ministry context. And if so, how do the constructs of age segregation in the church impact opportunities for spiritual formation through generational discipleship within a local congregation?

A case study of ten multi-denominational churches who utilized an assessment tool based on the four constructs of age segregation was completed. Participants observed parallel constructs in their churches and described interactions between generations in their ministry context. The case study results offer religious communities an opportunity to identify parallel structures that hinder or heighten age integration and consider how these constructs enhance or limit opportunities for spiritual formation through generational discipleship.