It is quite clear when even a surface reading of Pauline literature is undertaken that Paul gives no partiality to any generation within the life of the community (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus). All are significantly important for the health of the Body--positionally and practically (Galatians). But, it is also quite clear that Paul believes that the generations of local faith-communities need each other. There are perspectives and faithfulness and years that the older generation has been given by God as a gift to the local church that are irreplaceable. Likewise, there is gospel saturated ingenuity, passion, and ambition that the younger generation has been given by God as a gift to the local church that is irreplaceable. (So, when I say irreplaceable, I mean that God has chosen to do it this way, not that he can't accomplish his mission without us. Of course he can if he wants to.)
"Sin destroys community" (Gen. 3). The gospel restores community (Acts 2). If the gospel consumes us, insignificant preferences quickly fade away. Our local bodies desperately need to be intergenerational for the life of the body to be healthy and vibrant rather than anemic. For that to happen and be a reality, the gospel needs to be central; love and grace need to abound; and practically--within the everyday life of the community--there need to be opportunities for the generations to speak into each other's lives. My natural tendency is to think that my generation has it together and the other generations need to get with the program. That is a "sin destroys community" perspective. I need a "new creation" perspective. Biblically, we need each other. So what do you see; a generational divide, or a beautiful mosaic of new creation?