Getting older is an interesting process. Yet, few people think about their old age. This failure is 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 and ways in individuals.
While many congregations are experiencing decreasing membership among young people, most congregations are blessed by older adults who are actively engaged in the life of their congregation and community. As the older adult population continues to grow, we will need an array of services. While many older adults will be healthy and active, some will be in poor health and need special services and intentional ministries that best serve their needs.
Congregational leaders working with older adults need training, resources, and support to be effective. Unfortunately, many leaders may find training cost prohibitive or class offerings non-existent.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, College of Nursing, with additional funding from the Tennessee Department of Health, have developed a bold new plan to help make a positive impact on congregations, older adults, and persons of all ages. The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate (AFCC) program is an opportunity for congregational leaders, often lay volunteers, to learn about starting, renewing, and strengthening intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. The AFCC program will be available via in-person training or online classes.
The program includes an Introductory Class, six core modules (completed in any order), and a Final Action Plan. Throughout the experience, participants will join with other congregational leaders to explore the foundations of an age-friendly congregation through short presentations, individual reflection, and group conversations.
The six core modules are:
The Final Action Plan is a practicum in which the participant describes how his or her congregation is, or is in the process of becoming, an age-friendly congregation.
Thanks to funding, there is no cost for program participants. Our intent is to help make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, churches, and communities.
Interested? Join the AFCC movement in 2026! Sign up on our interest form: https://bit.ly/UTCAFCC.
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.
