ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides resources to equip older adults and church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, College of Nursing, with additional funding from the Tennessee Department of Health, are embarking on a bold new plan to help make a positive impact on the life of the congregation, older adults, and persons of all ages. Together, we are developing an Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program (AFCC). The Certificate program is an opportunity for congregational leaders, often lay volunteers, to take classes to learn about intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. Congregational leaders will be engaged in ways to start, renew, or strengthen older adult ministry. The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate can be received by taking in-person or online classes.
If you have been reading ENCORE Ministry Connection, you are aware that the ENCORE Ministry Foundation has collaborated with the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, College of Nursing in creating an Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program (AFCC).
Home health care is often confused with homecare, but they are vastly different. Homecare is non-medical assistance with personal care and activities of daily living in one’s own home. Home health care is short-term, physician-designated medical care designed to prevent or recover from an illness, injury, or hospital stay – usually prescribed after a hospital stay.
In our culture, we tend to think about the here and now — the immediate. Many people are so focused on getting the right job, building a successful career, and taking the next step into retirement. There was a time when people used to think beyond themselves. They thought about future generations — the people who would come after them.
Periodically, every church should review and evaluate its ministries with older adults. What’s working well and what’s not? Keep in mind it’s not always the number of people participating. Rather, it’s the difference the ministry is making in the lives of older adults who participate.
Good communication is an important part of the relationship process among the pastor, church staff, and congregation. However, having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies.
ENCORE Ministry Foundation provides training and support, resources, and networking opportunities to equip church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. There is no cost to congregations or districts for its service.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.
