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.”
The United Methodist Church invites congregations to celebrate Older Americans Month during May by observing Older Adult Recognition Day. The 2021 theme as developed by the Administration for Community Living (www.acl.gov/oam) is Communities of Strength.
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.
Creative workarounds are helping senior adults at Cookeville First UMC stay connected and active during COVID: Adventures in Lifelong Learning and a seniors singing group that makes house calls.
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.
“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 …
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.
The purpose of the Golden Cross Foundation is to fund the expansion of older adult ministries and services in the Tennessee Conference. The foundation is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors with representatives from all five districts of the Tennessee Conference.