As social researchers, we talk a lot about the differences between age groups. Media has a tendency to exacerbate such evidence of generational divides by critiquing Millennials, blaming Boomers or, well, forgetting Gen X. It can leave one wondering: Is there hope of Americans forging meaningful relationships that bridge these age gaps (and the cultural, spiritual and political gaps implied within them)? After all, Barna data has already shown that, when it comes to friendship, Americans tend to surround themselves with people who look, think and act similarly. A new Barna study, however, shows that intergenerational friendships can take many forms, and a majority of Americans reports engaging in them.

Two-thirds of Americans (68%) say they have a close friend who is either 15 years older or younger. A quarter of Americans (25%) has an older confidant, while fewer (16%) have a younger friend. Of those who enjoy multigenerational friendships, the plurality (27%) reports having both older and younger friends. Women are especially likely to report intergenerational friendships, usually with older peers (31% vs. 19% of men).

Still, a third of U.S. adults (32%) doesn’t closely commune with other generations. The data point to many factors that could set the stage for intergenerational friendships, including respondents’ age, current season of life and where they spend their time. These findings are worth noting for churches hoping to cultivate multigenerational congregations—and, indeed, one’s faith community also has bearing on the likelihood of cross-generational connections.

Understandably, a respondent’s age provides clues to the nature of the multigenerational friendships in their life. For example, Millennials (39%), being the youngest adult generation, are the most likely to report relationships with older peers (compared to 26% Gen X, 13% Boomers), many of which could be described as “mentors” (27% of Millennials with an older friend).