Getting older is an interesting process. Yet, few people think about their old age. This failure is all the more surprising because we are likely to be old for a major portion of our lives. Aging is not a single event, but a journey that begins at birth, ends at death and occurs at different rates in individuals. Everyone ages differently. There is no typical older person any more than there is a typical child, adolescent, or young adult. We can each think of people who are “old” or “young” for their age.
While many congregations are experiencing decreasing membership among young people, most congregations are blessed by the number of older adults who are actively engaged in the life of their congregation and community. But, as the population of older adults continues to grow, in the next few decades we will need a vast array of services for our growing older population. Many older adults will be healthy and active. Some older adults will be in poor health and frail; and they will need special services. While we realize that older adults in our congregations are not a burden and a drain on resources but are resources themselves, we will need to develop intentional ministry that best serve their needs.
Congregational leaders who are working with older adults need training, resources, and support in their efforts to be effective in this vital ministry. Unfortunately, leaders who desire training may find the cost prohibitive or class offerings non-existent. Training, resources, and support are not always available from denominational leadership due to reduced staff, finances, and resources.
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.
The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate (AFCC) program includes an Introductory Class, six core modules (completed in any order), and a Final Action Plan. Throughout the learning experience, participants will join with other congregational leaders to explore the foundations of an Age-Friendly Congregation through short presentations, opportunities of individual reflection, and group conversations.
The six core modules are:
The Final Action Plan will be a practicum in which the participant describes how the congregation is, or is in the process of becoming, an Age-Friendly Congregation.
So, what does it cost? Because of funding, there is No Cost, meaning there is No registration fee and No class fee. Our intent is to help make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, churches, and communities.
Interested? Ready to get started? Join the AFCC movement in 2026! Plans for implementation will begin later this year.
Rev. Richard Gentzler Jr., DMin, is Older Adult Ministry Director, ENCORE Ministry Foundation
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
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.
