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Local Church Helps

Older Adult Ministries » Local Church Helps
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YOUR LOCAL CHURCH COUNCIL ON OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES – Responsibilities and opportunities for ministry.

  • Advocate on behalf of older adults and older adult concerns
  • Focus on the Primary Task of the local church (e.g., invite, relate to God, nurture in Christian faith, and equip Christian disciples)
  • Implement intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults
  • Network with community, district, and conference leaders and resources
  • Evaluate existing church programs and facilities

WHAT DO OLDER ADULTS WANT IN A CHURCH?
• They want a church that helps them deepen their relationship with God

• They want a church that provides the freedom for them to seek, doubt and ask questions related to a growing faith

• They want a church that provides opportunities for them to be in relationship with others, including children, youth and adults of all ages

• They want a church where the Word of God is proclaimed with clarity, assurance, and love

• They want a church that honestly wrestles with the tough issues of life and death

• They want a church that provides older adults with the opportunity to learn and serve

• They want a church that values the wisdom, experience, and faith of older adults

• They want a church that encourages the faith development of older adults

• They want a church that equips older adults for living as faithful Christians

• They want a church that is accessible and free of barriers

 

INVOLVING OLDER ADULTS IN MISSION AND MINISTRY:
1. Develop a shared vision for ministry with older adults. Share your vision and invite older adults to share your vision. Have a “meeting of the minds.”

2. Involve older adults in the decision-making process. Ask them what they think. Older adults have lots of experience and knowledge to share.

3. Invite older adults to become active participants in the ministry. Help them integrate their faith in their daily life.

4. Say “Thank you!” Find ways to express your appreciation for the ministry older adults … a postcard or note, an email message, or … a dinner with a special Recognition Service.

5. Keep older adults informed. Use regular newsletters to make them feel important. Post information on an older adult ministries bulletin board in an area of the church where older adults normally congregate. Develop an older adult ministries website.

6. Pick up the phone or stop by for a visit. Make sure older adults know how important they are to the ministry of the church.

7. Never forget a birthday. Birthday cards, postcards and email greetings mean a lot.

8. Greet older adults with a smile. It may seem trivial but greeting older adults with a warm welcome and big smile helps establish a positive tone for ministry.

9. Involve older adults in learning opportunities. Invite them to learn about new ideas and resources fro ministry. Older adults want to continue learning, and your willingness to help says that you value them.

10. Engage older adults in prayer and Bible study. Allow God’s Word to excite and invite older adults into discipleship.