Respect and Resources for Seniors

Thanks be to God for Seniors!

Many of our congregations are well seasoned with older adults. Though the synod recently hired a Youth Ministry Coordinator to help with youth and young adult ministries, it is important to ensure all our members know how important they are, especially our seniors. A recurring theme in the Bible is to love and respect our elders and to ensure that they are being well cared for and involved in every way. Our culture tends to praise the young but scripture reminds us to remember those with more years and spiritual wisdom and experience.

All are a part of the body of Christ and each have an important role in the holy work of the church. Many who have been around a long time have been the backbone of congregations through thick and thin. Now their needs are changing and their involvement is, too. This may be concerning but it also gives opportunity for newer and younger members to begin to find greater roles in leadership. This is the work of every generation that has followed in the church. May God give us the sure and bold confidence to make it work and care for all.

These two resources from our full communion partners are worth a look:

• POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network): a wide variety of online resources for older adults.
• Encore Ministry Foundation: an offshoot of a Methodist Conference effort, the Certain Age website offers a number of resources to consider. They’re currently also piloting a program for becoming an “Age-Friendly Congregation” through some intentional learning about the needs and ministry for older adults — think RIC process but for ministry with older adults.