Being a leader in any area of ministry today is a daunting task. Rapid change and uncertainty are constantly before us. While COVID-19 brought challenges to the forefront, ministry struggles have been with us through the ages.
During times like these, it’s helpful to remember the primary mission of the local church as stated in The Book of Discipline: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Many congregations are graying! Due to medical technology, scientific discoveries, better health care, nutrition, job safety, and a host of other variables, more people are living longer than ever before. As a result, congregations are enjoying the blessing of increasing numbers of older adults.
Church leaders who are intentional in older adult ministry realize that there is no older adult population. Rather, there are multiple older adult populations. And each one is very different.
In addition to COVID-19 and the uncertain future of The United Methodist Church, one of the greatest challenges facing church leaders in 2021 is the aging of our congregations. United Methodist churches are graying; our members are growing older.
“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Job 12:12 The COVID-19 pandemic is not just something for church leaders to endure until the vaccine becomes widely available and brings closure to the crisis. Rather, the pandemic is a lifetime change that is likely to affect our lives and our congregations for years. For older adults, the …
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon…In old age they still produce fruit, they are always green and full of sap” (Psalm 92:12,14). Some studies indicate that ageism is decreasing in our society and we’re headed toward a more inclusive view of aging. They also indicate that age stigma is getting reduced, citing …
As Christians, and especially as United Methodists, we are all too often painfully aware of our differences. Our socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, race, sexual orientation, professions, interests, and beliefs may separate us. Even attitudes and beliefs about aging and the elderly can fragment us. We all age differently.
Hearing stories about the many ways high schools are trying to deal with graduation ceremonies — or lack thereof — during the COVID-19 pandemic made me reflect on my own high school graduation. Perhaps you too have given thought to your own high school or college graduation.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, church leaders have experienced great change in how we do effective ministry. In some cases, the loss of face-to-face gatherings with social distancing, changes in the way we greet people (without hugs and handshakes), celebrate Holy Communion or holy baptism, or even in passing of the peace during worship services can be troublesome. Problem solving in …
The following are seminar presentations shared by Dr. Richard Gentzler, director of ENCORE Ministries. An Age of Opportunity (26 slides/PDF) Elder Abuse Seminar (50 slides/PDF) About ENCORE Ministries (23 slides/PDF) The New Senior Boomers (32 slides/PDF) Trends in Aging (41 slides/PDF)
