Dunson encourages congregations to stop separating classes according to age, and to learn to talk with one another. We need to offer intergenerational opportunities for worship, Bible study and prayer so older people can learn from younger people, and the young from the old. In this way our values can be passed on and on. Click to enlarge Gayle and Michael Barbee, members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn., with Gayle Barbee s mother, Gladys Sherrill, for whom they have been caring for 16 years. In contrast, Americans worship their independence.
Teens try to be independent from parents, and older parents seek independence from younger people.
With 35 percent of Presbyterians over the age of 65, Dunson says, we need to prepare for what is now upon us. The church needs to use the skills of the retirees and meet the demands of those 85 and older, who have expanding physical demands. Traditionally we've focused on the youth in the church, but that's not where the numbers are. There are more people over age 65 than are 18, so we can't ignore these people. Dunson believes older adults have rare gifts, professional skills, and time on their hands.