Steps for the Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate
Steps outlining how individuals and congregations can become certified as an Age-Friendly Congregation.
February 6, 2026
Steps outlining how individuals and congregations can become certified as an Age-Friendly Congregation.
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. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.
Lifelong Tennessee: A Multisector Plan for Aging Well is a multi-year plan led by the Tennessee Department of Disability and
A cluttered wallet isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a security risk. Thieves look for wallets with multiple cards, identification documents, and personal information. Decluttering your wallet reduces your exposure and gives you peace of mind when you’re out and about.
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.
Each May, The United Methodist Church celebrates Older Adult Recognition Day to recognize older adults for their contributions to the church and community. This year’s theme, suggested by the Administration on Community Living (ACL), is Flip the Script on Aging.
Eleven spiritual practices that can deepen our awareness of the essential spiritual part of life and provide frameworks for navigating aging with grace and joy.
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. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.
While we prepare as best as we can for our physical and financial needs as we age, we also need to achieve some understanding of the meaning of our lives, i.e., our spirituality
As we age, we often find ourselves spending more time alone. Older adults are also at a higher risk for loneliness and social isolation as a result of health changes that can come with growing older — hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, and trouble getting around.
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.