Caregiving can be both an opportunity and a burden. It’s often a long journey with no end in sight. Few people face more daily challenges or overcome more obstacles than caregivers. During the COVID pandemic, the challenges of caregiving have been exacerbated for many who receive care and those who provide it.
The legendary late great pitcher Satchel Paige is credited with asking, “How old would you be if you didn’t know
The S.E.N.I.O.R.S. Ministry model is offered as a means of designing an intentional older adult ministry that meets the needs of all, or at least most, of the older adults in your congregation and community. The model’s components address: spirituality, enrichment, nutrition (health and wellness), intergenerational, outreach (evangelism), recreation, and service.
In the August issue of ENCORE Ministry Matters, I highlighted the role of intentional leadership in older adult ministry. In this issue, I want to share various ministry models by, with, and for older adults in the local church.
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
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon…In old age they still produce fruit,
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.
