North Park University

Intergenerational Inquiry

The purpose of Intergenerational Inquiry is to design, implement, and evaluate novel strategies for caregivers to nurture their child’s Christian identity development. Adolescence and early adulthood are critical developmental periods for identity, as youth explore the beliefs, values, and characteristics that guide their behaviors and place in the world. Bringing together insights from youth/young adults who feel estranged from the Church and those who have remained involved in their local faith community through listening charrettes across the U.S., the project team will design guidebooks to help facilitate conversations between caregivers and their children about faith development. Through this project, caregivers will be strengthened to better support youth/young adult needs, as well as deepen their understanding of when and why young people move away from their faith, and reimagine ways they can be relevant and inclusive for the next generation of Christian worship.