When I was a student, I intentionally set out to meet with as many people I didn’t know in my congregation as I could. I realised that I didn’t really know many people outside of my own young adult bubble. Naturally, the people who were available during the day were retired and those of generations above me. So, we met for coffee, sometimes more than once, and simply chatted about life. Don’t get me wrong – it took some courage to ask people, and I was nervous. But I turned up, because I sensed something incomplete about allowing my discipleship to be shaped purely by those my own age. I’d heard and accepted the gospel, but I still had questions about the Christian life as a lived experience, about complex relationships, about pain and about life-long devotional rhythms that none of my peers knew the answer to either.

I know I was not alone, as a young(er) adult, in my search for these answers. When I worked for the Evangelical Alliance we held a Perspective Conversation Online event, in partnership with HOPE Together, and we looked at statistics from the latest Talking Jesus research which revealed that two key questions being asked by UK 18–25s are: ‘what should I do with my life?’ and ‘what will make me happy?’. An encouragement for older generations was simply to engage young adults with authenticity and have confidence to impart the simple gift of life experience, Biblical literacy, and wise counsel that many young people are genuinely crying out for. In an age of confusion, Christian young adults do not need a special programme in the current cultural language. We need real-life conversation that illuminates scripture and older, wiser Christians, who come as they are, to help us navigate the world on our walk with Christ.

I am so grateful to the older women who were, and still are, confident to share their authentic lives with me. As I have allowed these women to speak into my life – some having experienced incredible loss and yet still brimming with joy in Christ – I have captured some of what it looks like to journey through disappointment, hard decisions or poor health, all the while remembering the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus and the hope that comes from knowing Him. I’ve heard stories that have encouraged me and rigorously challenged my values. I’ve learned that no matter our age, personality or life experience, we have such a great deal to learn from each other. 

At the Perspective event, one older woman unmuted herself to ask a question. She sought advice as to how she could practically support ministry among young people at her church. It was clear that her heart yearned to pour into this generation in a tangible and gospel-centred way. She was 89 years old.

If you are older, cultivate a heart like hers. Reaching a young adult with the gospel could be as simple as a home-cooked meal or inviting them to your small group. Seek them out in your church and share how you have navigated life’s big questions in brave faith. Your wisdom is valuable! And if you are younger, be bold, and seek out someone like that kind-hearted 89-year-old. Invite them for a coffee. Ask questions, listen, and glean everything you can. We need older Christians in our lives to grow and move forward.

Intergenerational relationships are counter-cultural, hugely life-giving, and a beautiful image of our oneness in Christ. I believe young adults are longing for them, and I pray we would all have the confidence to pursue them with authenticity and joy as we walk the journey home together.