If you have been reading ENCORE Ministry Connection, you are aware that the ENCORE Ministry Foundation has collaborated with the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, College of Nursing in creating an Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program (AFCC).
Since the program’s start in January, the AFCC Team is delighted by numerous inquiries and grateful for the dozens of participants who have started the program. There are two categories for the AFCC:
Age-Friendly Congregation Program Champion
In this category, individuals complete the AFCC learning modules, grow in their understanding of aging and ministry with older adults, and step into the role of an AFCC Program Champion — someone who helps lead and support their congregation and community in becoming age-friendly.
Age-Friendly Congregation Designation
In this category, individuals who have stepped into the role of an AFCC Program Champion will lead the congregation and its ministry initiative in becoming a designated Age-Friendly Congregation.
The steps for each program follow.
Becoming an Age-Friendly Congregation Program Champion
- Complete the Introductory Module: Creating Age-Friendly Congregations
- Register for the program, which includes submitting the Personal Commitment Form
- Complete remaining seven core modules:
- Healthy Aging and Resilience
- Spirituality and Aging
- Supporting Older Ault Well-Being
- Social Inclusion and Intergenerational Connection
- Ministry Models and Program Design
- Advocacy Safety
- Sustainable Action Planning
- Receive the Age-Friendly Champion Designation from UTC College of Nursing & ENCORE Ministry Foundation
Becoming an Age-Friendly Congregation
- Complete the Introductory Module: Creating Age-Friendly Congregations
- Register for the program, which includes submitting the Personal Commitment Form
- Complete remaining seven core modules:
- Healthy Aging and Resilience
- Spirituality and Aging
- Supporting Older Ault Well-Being
- Social Inclusion and Intergenerational Connection
- Ministry Models and Program Design
- Advocacy Safety
- Sustainable Action Planning
- Discuss with your congregation leadership to have their support
- Develop an Age-Friendly Action Plan
- Implement an action plan
- Document your journey
- Share your congregation’s achievement with others
- Receive the Age-Friendly Congregation Designation from UTC College of Nursing & ENCORE Ministry Foundation
- Participate in a Virtual Recognition Ceremony where you’ll have an opportunity to share your specific ministry with others
With current available funding, up to 300 individuals and/or congregations can register free to participate in the Age-Friendly Congregation Certification Program. To explore the Introductory Module, visit https://encoreministry.org/afcc
Rev. Richard Gentzler Jr., DMin, is Older Adult Ministry Director, ENCORE Ministry Foundation
