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.
Grandparents play significant roles in families and there is an ever-increasing number of grandparents who are primary caregivers or raising grandchildren. According to Generations United, approximately 2.7 million children in the U.S. live in grandfamilies or kinship families — families in which grandparents, other adult family members, or close family friends are raising children — with no parents in the home.
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.
Funded by the Golden Cross Foundation, two videos from Alzheimer’s Tennessee can help adult Sunday school classes and other groups start or continue conversations about Alzheimer’s Disease.
As the pandemic continues, so do concerns about older adults and their mental and emotional health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a good time to shine a light on issues and resources for older adults and their families and caregivers.
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.
While Cookeville First United Methodist Church already had a Facebook page for seniors, it was primarily a bulletin board announcing various events. Interaction between individuals was limited and missing a sense of community and togetherness. As a result, our Senior Adult Council established a Facebook group for seniors in February 2020.
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.
SeniorHousingNet.com is a senior care organization dedicated to providing tools and essential resources to help enhance the lives of older adults. They have published a dedicated page that provides detailed information for families and senior citizens in Tennessee who are looking for senior living and care options that can help maintain independence and quality of life.
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.
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.
