[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]The Golden Cross Foundation is blessed to have a committed, caring, and experienced board. Meet board member Michael Lorance.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was born in rural Warren County, Tennessee, one of four children. I graduated Centertown High School. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-1971 and am a Vietnam War veteran. Upon my discharge from the Navy, I married my childhood sweetheart, Joanna, enrolled at Tennessee Technological University and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1974. After college, we moved to Dalton and later Cochran, Georgia, before returning to Warren County in 1989 and becoming involved in the nursery business. I founded Cherry Springs Nursery in 1998 and continue to serve as its president in a retired capacity. We have two children and two granddaughters, ages 5 and 3, all living within a mile of our home.
Q: How many years have you served as a Golden Cross Foundation board member?
A: I have served on the GCF board since 2017.
Q: Why are you involved in ministry with older people via serving on the Golden Cross Foundation board?
A: Being an older adult and attending a small, rural church, I see the value and benefit of helping churches nourish and minister to their aging participants.
Q: How has God blessed you while serving on the board?
A: I am humbled and honored, indeed blessed, to serve with such a cross section of professional and dedicated people, all there for one purpose—to serve others. Having grown up in a small, rural church—Centertown United Methodist Church where I continue to worship—it is a blessing beyond measure to be a small part of helping churches become the church God has called them to be.
Q: What hopes or dreams do you have for the Golden Cross Foundation over the next year? In the next few years?
A: The prayer of Jezebel comes to mind: “that God would bless us indeed and expand our territory” by allowing the Golden Cross Foundation to assist even more churches in the Tennessee Conference expand their ministries to their aging population.
Q: Just for fun, what’s one little known fact about you?
A: My father, Arthur Lorance, served as mayor of Centertown for many years before his death in 2008 after living 99½ years. At his death, he was reputed to be the oldest mayor in the United States. He was honored with resolutions in both the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives which were signed by the governor. He was also the last living charter member of Centertown UMC.\n\n
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Improving Church Leaders’ Communication with Older Adults
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.
