Redd Alert

When we last talked in regard to giants, we left the last six of our “battles” with the fact that giants can be conquered IF we dwell in God’s Word.

Anger, resentment, doubt, procrastination, failure, and jealousy are giants in our life.  They can all be conquered by our God in his Word.

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ANGER is a giant that manifests itself through us in society today.

In many cases it is an uncontrollable emotion that causes harm to people whether physically or emotionally.  Sometimes it causes more harm to the individual who directs his/her anger toward another individual.

• Ephesians 4:26a Paul said, “Be angry and do not sin”

The greatest example of this thought has to be Jesus in the temple.  He never was angry about His stuff, but He was angry about the worship of God being obstructed by booths and tables.  His response was an example of sinless anger, or as we sometimes call it, “righteous indignation”.

There are some ways in dealing with anger that will help us not to be defeated by anger.

• First, do not nurse your anger.

As the apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 4, do not nurse your anger.  In other words, do not dwell on anger as it will turn into resentment which turns into bitterness.  If we release it our Lord the giant will be defeated.

• Secondly, do not converse about your anger to another person.

That causes corrupt communication to come out of your mouth.  If you talk about your anger with other person, then you keep anger fresh in your mind.

• Thirdly, Paul says in Romans 12 that you should heap coals of fire upon that person’s head.  In other words be extra nice to that person.

RESENTMENT is a situation that many people find themselves in today.

When people find themselves in a state of a high degree of bitterness and many times it was caused by resentment.

If you look at resentment according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love thinks no evil.

• One way to look at this is that God does not keep records of our sin if we are in Christ.

Perhaps, an example of resentment would be if a person wronged you in some way you would keep bringing that wrong up over and over again.  The only person that suffers psychologically and physically is the one that harbors resentment.

• We pay a high price if we choose to possess resentment in our lives.

Basically there are five ways among others that we can live free from resentment if we want to live free.

1. Think about it, is it worth the obsession?
2. Write it out in a journal as to why we are resentful.
3. Work it out; in my position as an assistant principal if something became a problem I worked it out by rehearsing music.
4. Pray; talk it out with Jesus.
5. Get over yourself and give it up.

Your life free from the giant of resentment will be healthier.

DOUBT can either be a positive motivation in our life in order to make us dig deep to prove a truth, OR it can make us very cynical.

Very often, if we are alone for a period of time, we start to feel so isolated that doubts begin to rise within us.  Many of our doubts linger because we have just kept them inside. We need to redefine our faith if a doubt has cast a cloud over a belief.

In order to fight the giant of doubt, we have to do several things to force Satan to back off.

1. Admit your doubts personally to yourself or a trusted friend.
2. Be clear about your doubts and where did you doubters come from.  Turn your doubts into items of prayer.
3. God waits to hear from you.
4. Be willing to read writers that are Christian writers an order to find answers.

We must be willing to seek and find our answers.

PROCRASTINATION is a dangerous giant because we fail to act on what we know.

Many times we have good reasons for our inaction’s, but other time it is just laziness.  I feel that Satan’s favorite word is tomorrow.  Whether it is your salvation or service after salvation, Satan wants you to put it off.

Not only does procrastination rob you of opportunity for service, it also robs you of the opportunity to be successful.  Do no put off doing anything that needs to be done today.  You have no guarantee about tomorrow.

FAILURE can be a private or it can be made public when one is a nationally known individual.

• Life is filled with failure, whether presidential, corporate, or personal.

The problem exists when one does not know how to handle failure.  He or she may not be able to recover and many fall into depression.

If one is able to learn how to profit from failure, he or she can move on to accomplishment.  In my estimation, one should “fail” forward which allows them to benefit from looking ahead in life.

David Jeremiah wrote the following, which originally came from a Wall Street Journal advertisement,

• “You failed many times.  Although you may not remember, you fell down the first time you tried to walk”.  Did you hit the ball the first time you swung the bat?  Heavy hitters who hit the most home runs strike out a lot. R.H. Macy failed seven time before his store in NY caught on.  You should worry more about the chances you miss if you don’t try!

Paul in 2 Corinthians 4, and I urge you to read this chapter, has covered what you need to face when it comes to failure. He states that you need to face the reality, reason, and results of failure.

Perhaps the greatest way to defeat the giant of failure is to strive to received Jesus final words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.

JEALOUSY when it is self-centered is a giant to be avoided.  It is a sin that eats at the insides of a person.

This last giant on my list can erode the peace and joy that is gained by conquering all the other giants.

• Jealousy can be a problem in the areas of possessions and wealth.

God has blessed many Christians with wealth, and many have learned to give gratitude to God.  However, generally speaking,  jealousy and envy have an easy time of causing trouble among the wealthy.

• Power is something that causes problems as power invites power.

In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron were jealous of Moses’ power.  In the Gospels and Acts we read that the Jewish leaders were jealous of Jesus’ power and influence.

Power circles can be a problem in the church.  The two characteristics of jealousy in a large number of cases is that it destroys others, as well as, ourselves.

Like many of the other giants we have discussed, jealousy is a personal choice.

• We need to face jealousy and renounce it as a sin.

We also need to reaffirm God’s goodness to you and take an inventory of God’s blessings to you.

Just as I sited scripture in the first six giants in Facing Giants Pt 1, I am going to cite scripture involving these last six.

ANGER: Proverbs 15:1, Romans 12:19, Ephesians 4:31

RESENTMENT: 1 Corinthians 13:5, Ephesians 4:32, Hebrews 12:15

DOUBT: Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 59:1, Hebrews 11:1

PROCRASTINATION: Psalm 90:12, Proverbs 27:1, 2 Corinthians 6:23

FAILURE: Psalm 37:24, Habakkuk 3:19, Philippians 1:6

JEALOUSY: Proverbs 10:22, Proverbs 14:30, 1 Peter 2:1-1

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Next time we shall look at, “Messages to Others”

God Bless!

Lou

In our last computer get together, suicide was our topic.  I spoke in written form about causes that affect some individuals to choose the suicide path.

You may say, “I have never thought or will never think of being a suicide statistic.” Yet, Dr. David Jeremiah, the pastor of Shadow Mountain Church in California, has noted that many of God’s people have “Giants” in their lives.

In the Old Testament giants were present as the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land. They were actual people that threatened the lives of God’s people.

Later, David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-51)

Today, many of God’s children face several ‘Giants” in their lives that intimidate and do not allow them to have a joyful life in the Lord.

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Let us now take a look at some of these “Giants” that Dr. Jeremiah referenced, they may be one, two or ALL of the following.

* After commenting on Dr. Jeremiah’s “Giants” we shall claim scripture pertaining to each one.

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These 12 “Giants” invade our lives and seek to destroy the work of God in us.

1. Fear
2. Guilt
3. Doubt
4. Discouragement
5. Temptation
6. Procrastination
7. Loneliness
8. Anger
9. Failure
10. Worry
11. Resentment
12. Jealousy

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FEAR:

• Fear disregards God’s plan for us; after all His desire for us is that we walk not in fear, but in the power of His love.

• In a way when we live in fear we let it distort Gods purpose for our Life. Fear causes one to not believe God’s promises and could cause one to disobey God’s principles.

How can you overcome fear?  Claim scripture from God’s Word as fear is being disobedient to God.

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DISCOURAGEMENT:

• Discouragement is bound to hit us at one or two points in our life.  However, to dwell upon discouragement can cause problems.

• The best way to combat discouragement is to recognize what makes you vulnerable to it.  Then you can keep it at a distance.

• Basically, according to Christian psychologist, Larry Crabb, there are four factors that cause discouragement to be a giant in our life:  Note:  two of these are giants by themselves.

1. 1. Fatigue
   2. Frustration
   3. Failure
   4. Fear

How do you respond to discouragement?  Do as Nehemiah did, cry out to God, continue the work that He has given you to do and concentrate on the big picture.  Claim the encouragement of God’s promises that He is with you.

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FATIGUE:

• Fatigue is a factor that makes us vulnerable to discouragement.  Sometimes we push ourselves too hard.  Though It is necessary to work hard,  it is also necessary to rest and recuperate.

When we are tired, we have trouble accomplishing our goals.  Therefore, we become discouraged.

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FRUSTRATION:

Frustration is a factor that faces us at some time in our lives.

• Nehemiah’s workers in (Nehemiah 4:10)  faced both fatigue and frustration.  They had worked 25 to 30 days without a break and as a result they were tired and their strength was failing.

• In order to finish the wall they were faced with the frustration of moving the prior stones that the Babylonians had left when they tore down the old walls.  However, they persevered  and completed the task at hand.

• If you live your life without purpose or you can not accomplish the task that you have set out to complete, you will become frustrated

You can live life three ways; you can live out, wear out, or burn out.

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FAILURE:

Failure is a factor that affects people in various ways.  Failure is not always the issue, it is how you respond to that particular failure.

I truly believed in my playing and coaching sports, that a setback was a setup for a comeback.

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LONELINESS:

Loneliness is a “giant” that manifest itself in different stages in life.

One thing that is encouraging despite the fact your life may be devoid of human relationships is that God is always with you.

Many of us have passed through one or more of these stages in our lifetime.  It is not a sin to be lonely, but it can be a sin if you indulge in it and allow it to turn to self pity.

Whether you are a lonely single, a lonely spouse, a lonely survivor or a lonely senior citizen, you can be a servant for our Lord with a purpose.

Many lonely servants go to the mission field either as a short-term or long term missionary.

Dr. David Jeremiah has suggested four ways to accept loneliness and how we can escape from loneliness engulfing us by:

• Acknowledging not denying we are alone
• Accepting God’s provision for our loneliness
• Allowing God’s Word to fill our heart and mind
• To activate a network of Christian friends.

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WORRY:

• Worry is future focused.  Worry can not change the future nor can it control the future.

In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus said, “Don’t worry” three times.  These are our marching orders for defeating the “giants” of worry.

Jesus was not saying we should not plan or be concerned about things in life that concern us spiritually or morally. He meant do not worry about things over which you have no control that paralyze you and those who depend upon you.

Jesus said to focus on only one thing in life, the Kingdom of God and the values which it stands for. To win over worry, we need to set our priorities.

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GUILT:

David had two “giants’ in his life.  Early in his life he faced Goliath and later, as King David, he had to deal with the “giant” of guilt.  Defeating the guilt in his sin was far more difficult than dealing with Goliath.

Two Psalms – Psalms 32 and 52 give us the story of how David lived with his sin (Psalm 32) and confessed his sin (Psalm 51).

• In Psalm 32 David agonized over his sin while in Psalm 51 he admitted his sin.

• In Psalm 32 David could not even talk to the Lord about his sin nor could he talk to anyone else about it.

Guilt had shut David down into a world of sorrow and silence.  He stayed in that world until God sent Nathan the prophet to confront him.  Then David realized it was time to admit his guilt.

The admission of Psalm 51 is something that all of use need to use as we open our facebook to God.

It is not just for David in his time and situation but also for Lou Redd to admit to my Lord my sin, and accept responsibility for it.

This will allow me to restore the joy and fellowship with my Lord and refocus upon what He has called me to do.

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The last one we shall deal with in this time frame is temptation (we shall cover the other six next time).

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TEMPTATION:

The word temptation is exposure to the possibility of doing the wrong thing.  Acting upon that exposure is where sin comes into our life.

There is a good passage that speaks of temptation.  1 Corinthians 10:12-14 speaks of standing firm and the fact that God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

If we resist the Devil, he will leave us.

We need to flee from temptation.  Whatever it is that blocks you from a right fellowship with God, you need to flee from that temptation.

• We all need to resolve to get off the low road of non-commitment and live on God’s high road.
• The high road is not free of temptation, but it provides a route of escape.

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I leave you with scripture that may help you to defeat those “giants” that we dealt with in this part 1 of giants.

Fear:  Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, he is the one that goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Fear:  Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation, who shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life, of who shall I be afraid?

Discouragement:  2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Discouragement:  Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, wait I say on the Lord.

Loneliness:  Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. Though you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Loneliness:  Matthew 28: 20

Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Worry:  Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Worry:  Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Guilt:  Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us

Guilt:  Isaiah 43: 25

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions or my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

Temptation:  Romans 13:14

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Temptation:  Hebrews 2:18

For in that He himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

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I wish to thank you for the many kind remarks that you have provided in regard to the blog.

I ask that you to encourage your family, friends and church members to read the material.  If church members and friends would also urge others to read the information, perhaps they would be encouraged as well.

Until the next time, may you have peaceful journeys.

Lou

In my earlier blogs I concerned myself with facts related to organization and leadership involved in older ministry plans.  However, one thing that strongly affects the longevity revolution in the church and church community is what I left you with the last time,  ”The greatest proportion of suicides are among the elderly” as reported by ABMA (Association of Baptist Ministries of the Aging).

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Let us look at stress factors for older adults who are believers as reported by the geriatric study department at the University of Alabama.  Then we shall turn to AARP’s study of suicide.

Professor, Michael Parker, cited several stress factors or concerns among believers pertaining to a “youth oriented culture” (the world has left us behind).

Some of those stress factors are:

• Financial concerns (real or preceived)
• Loneliness (loss of family, friends and work)
• Physical loss (real or perceived)
• Feeling of uselessness (real or perceived)
• “The past” (the cumulative effects of life-unresolved issues)
• Pride (real or perceived loss of appearance, physical and/or mental abilities)
• Spiritual immaturity (the more mature we are as believers, the better we can deal with life-changing circumstances.)

It is important for the church (us) to find the “down and discouraged” and develop a relationship with those brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Now we shall look at the AARP study as of September 15, 2009 in regard to suicide.

Diane Griffin, the AARP health writer, has compiled the following information:

1. Every 90 minutes an older American commits suicide.  Most are white males over the age of 85.  Among the young, there is about one suicide for every 100 to 200 attempts.
2. In adults over 65, there is approximately one suicide for every four attempts.
3. Older adults are successful more often than any other group.
4. Suicide rates in the elderly are highest among the divorced and widowed.
5. Although the older Americans make up only 13% of the U.S. population, they account for approximately 18% of suicides each year.

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About seven million elderly Americans suffer from some form of depression, which interferes with their ability to function.

It is important to remember that depression is not a normal part of aging.

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Conditions that increase the risk of suicide are:

1. Death or terminal illness of a loved one.
2. Divorce or separation.
3. Heath problems.
4. Loss of job.
5. Substance abuse.
6. Depression.

Warning signs of suicide:

1. Depression that quickly disappears.  This may indicate that your loved one has finalized a suicide plan.
2. Pain that can not be controlled.
3. Hopelessness, feeling that things will never improve.
4. Withdrawal, anger, irritability, sadness.
5. Declining performance.
6. Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable.
7. Social isolation.
8. Poor Hygiene.
9. Change in sleeping or eating habits.
10. Self Starvation.
11. Ignoring medical instruction.
12. Giving away favorite possessions.
13. Talking about suicide.

Helping to prevent suicide:

• First and foremost – Take any one of these signs seriously! If a loved one expresses suicidal feelings, he/she needs immediate attention.  75% of all suicides happen after the person makes statements about suicide.

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Now that we have examined some AARP facts regarding suicide, how can the Christian community help those persons contemplating suicide?

Jesus took the initiative to seek out those that needed healing.  We have a responsibility to offer hope to those planning suicide.

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How to help:

• Listen: Let the person express his/her feelings.  You do not need to say much as long as you show your concern.  Arguing and giving advice will not help.
• Ask: Ask the person if he/she is considering suicide.  Find out if he/she has a plan.
• Do not leave: If the person is considering suicide never leave him or her alone.
• Seek professional help: This indicates that you care.

The church (you and me) has a responsibility to help those in the community where your church is located, as well as, those in our congregations.

Even if you are not a member of a church, you can do the “Jesus thing” by touching the lives of those who need help.  We need to save lives as the Holy Spirit saves souls.

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Help is out there.

Below I have listed some names of organizations that are informational, as well as, inspirational.  To access their websites I have posted, for your convenience, their links in the right-hand column of the blog page under “Blogroll”.

• National Prayer Center
• Healthfinder
• Social Security
• The Department of Health and Human Services
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
• AARP
• National Institute on Aging
• The Joyful Heart Newsletter
• Elderhostel
• The Christian Association of Senior Adult Ministries
• Focus Over Fifty
• The Sonshine Society
• Quiet Place
• Life Quest
• Single and Senior
• Eldercare
• Aging In America

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Next time we shall deal with the believers and the “GIANT” in his/her life.

Until then…”Godspeed”

Lou

In the last few months I have visited several older adult church groups in order to find out where they are in ministry opportunities.  There are several things that were revealed as I approached these church groups.

One of the issues that surfaced, in more than one situation, is the absence of older adult leaders.

Most leaders are over burdened with other church positions and few churches have full time or even bi-vocational older adult pastors. Yet, by 2010 older adults (50+) will comprise 40% of church congregations.  In addition, unchurched older adults are one of the largest groups in our population.

What is the answer?

Before you answer, “oh well” perhaps the following materials may help those who feel led to lead older adults who are looking to find significance in the second half of their lives.

My aim is to help that someone who feels “led to lead” receive God inspired help as I did.  After all, it is the Holy Spirit that leads; it is not about us.

Let us look at what it takes to lead older adults (50+) whether you are a lay leader or a pastor that leads older adults.

Older Adult Ministry:

Church growth indicates that as a church expands it’s ministry it needs to expand its base of leadership.

Not all of these leaders need to be licensed and ordained clergy.

“Called to lead” is very important as God does not always call the trained, but trains the called.  Therefore, the called will meet the needs of the people they serve.

Whether the leader is titled as a pastor, minister, coordinator or facilitator, he must be called and have love for the people he serves.  His job description should have the following goals:

1. To work with and within the existing older adult existing ministry program to bring it into anticipation with the total church life.
2. To become involved with the individuals currently participating in the existing program to the point of identifying their specific needs (been there, done that, continue to do that).
3. To concentrate on outreach, evangelism, ministry, for the purpose of discipling people age 50 and up.
4. To initiate new programs of service within and without the church (i.e) meals on wheels.
5. To work with assigned Deacons in Family Ministry.
6. To bring to the pastor older adult needs that require his attention.
7. To provide comfort, counsel, and referral as needed during times of personal crises.

In the past people lived in a world that did not change very quickly from generation to generation.

Western society is now much different.  Our culture is not one of harmonious continuity from generation to generation, but rather one of abrupt change.

The Second Fifty Years:

The Association of Baptist Ministries With the Aging, reported an alarming statistic, “Today the greatest proportion of suicides are among the elderly,”

Since much senior suicide goes unreported, we have evidence of an overwhelming need that exist within the older adult population.

Therefore, the church has an obligation to seek and develop leadership for the “Encore Generation” (older adult) group.

• The local church has a responsibility to evangelize them.
• The church should be a support group for believing and non-believing older adults.
• The church should provide opportunities for older adults to serve within present and new ministries.

On our next blog, we shall look at some stress factors that cause older adults to be depressed and sometimes suicidal.

Lou

We need to be aware that the older adult group is growing.  By the same token we need to realize another statistic.

By 2010, 40% of the average North American Congregation will be over 50.

Therefore, not only does the church have to plan ministry for older adults (65-74), maturing adults (75+), but also for middle adults (50-64) for their numbers are growing.

As a result, the church must develop ministry ideas and ministry opportunities for three church groups.

We also need to strengthen inter generational relationships among children, youth, busters, boomers and builders.

Builders must realize that significant living is necessary in the second half of life.  God is giving us more years and energy to serve while the church needs to develop communication tools to reach each targeted audience.

How do we get started correctly in Older Adult ministry?

Here are some principles that apply to all 50+ groups.

1. Find, select, train leadership.
2. Begin an Older Adult, not Senior Adult, Ministry.
3. Develop a purpose statement.
4. Build a Senior conscience.
5. Get the facts involving your target group such as;

• Number of people over 50
• Homebound
• Number of males and females
• Needs and interests

Now we are going to enter a new paradigm for ministry.

The “Middle Adult” group do not perceive themselves as seniors and anything that remotely resembles an activity will repel them.

One indication is that they drive; they do not take the bus.  A new approach is needed.

In addition, most present senior groups are saturated due to the fact that after a few years together a group stays to itself and inadvertently keeps others out.

They only replace people not add people for the most part.  A new approach is needed.

Briefly, let us look at some characteristics of “Middle Adults”.

1. Middle Adults are at their peak of influence and possess great energy.  Sometimes, though they are leaders in communities, they are overlooked in church.
2. Their children are growing up and leaving home (empty nest).
3. They are looking toward retirement.
4. They are spending increasing energy in leisure time activities.
5. They are adjusting to aging parents.

During the next 18 years, someone in the U.S. will turn 50 every eight seconds.

That is because from 1946-1964, 76 million middle adults were born.  Yes, the middle adults are exploding on the scene.

The present senior group will not hold the key for outreach to the boomer.

In my estimation, there are some key connecting points that those of us who are up there (age 75) can discover that will help us with this population.

1. Connect with boomers in the church and community by participating in their activities periodically.
2. Discover boomer characteristics.
3. Give attention to expressed needs, interests, and concerns.
4. Reach non-churched boomers by building friendship bridges.
5. Enlist boomers to help you.
6. Begin to educate all generations about aging issues without using the word “senior”.
7. Provide internet resources for issue solving.

The boomers that I have interviewed in several churches have several values that may set them apart from other groups.

The four main values that surface in most congregations among boomers are:

• Boomers value family driven ministry (children involved).
• Boomers value freedom (retired but free to travel).
• Boomer value Biblical preaching (raised on absolutes).
• Boomers value respect when church decisions are made.

Much of the boomers group are part of the sandwich generation.

Now we direct our attention to the “Older” or as we are referred to, the “Elder” generation.

Life is a marathon not a sprint, and in our journey we have had experiences that required faith and endurance.

We have overcome depression, global war, technological change, and social upheaval.  Yet, we are still here and we still have something to contribute.

Celebrating with “Older” adults can be a joy providing the church utilizes their experience and skills.

Consider some activities and some ministries for “Older” adults.  Here are some things that can provide joy and learning in the lives of “Older” adults.

1. Older Adult revival – can be during the day if it involves a large number of people.
2. Older Adult Bible conference.
3. Older Adult VBS.
4. Older Adult retreat.
5. Older Adult monthly theme luncheons.
6. Older Adult historical site trips.
7. Older Adult week or month.

The next Older adult ministries are “service”.  Which would bring experience and energy for significant living in the lives of many older adults.

Many ministries are local ministries in the church and community.  This would be older adults ministering to other older adults.

• Visiting other older adults that are homebound or in assisted living facilities.
• Lunch partner with a homebound person weekly.
• Substitute caregiver that relieves a caregiver an hour or two each week.
• School helpers in or outside the classroom.
• Audiotape of Sunday’s worship service; deliver and listen.
• VBS in a nursing home.

Our next blog will focus on “Who do we get to do ministry?” Until then, journey well.

Lou

Possibilities for a growth producing Middle & Older Adult Ministry

Now that I have sparked your awareness of how many of us there are, let me create a setting of possibilities for a growth producing Middle and Older Adult church program.

The possibilities in most churches are tremendous. 

While there are many middle and older adults in the church today, there are millions outside of the church.  Middle and Older adult ministry is a great place for a church to proclaim the gospel and effectively carry out the Great Commission. 

Considering that older adults are one of the largest unchurched groups.  Here are five steps that have worked in effective Middle and Older adult church ministries.

1. They begin by identifying those adults 50 years and above, both in the congregation and in the community.  They develop a profile of both groups, listing needs, interest, family, marital status, mobility, skills, and hobbies. 
2. They organize a three month trial program for middle and older adults to assess interest, participation and possibilities. 
3. They raise congregational awareness about the opportunity for ministry and the church’s response to those over 50.
4. They consider the addition of a full or part time middle and older adult pastor.  In most churches there are twice as many over 50 as youth 13-19 years of age.
5. They provide opportunities for growth and development in the following areas:
   • Ministry Opportunity:  Giving time, experience, energy to others.
   • Spiritual Growth:  Continuing to walk in the Christian life.
   • Evangelistic Outreach:  Sharing the gospel with others.
   • Friendship:  Building relationships with others.
   • Education:  Continuing growth.
   • Fellowship:  Providing recreational and social activities.

This is a critical time for the church in America as more and more people enter the 50+ population.  These people have unique skills, needs, and hopes.  The church with the good news of Jesus Christ has the wonderful opportunity to minister to them.

Lou

In the last blog I introduced myself and explained what the Middle and Older Adult ministry would focus upon.  Now I would like to speak to you in regard to why it is necessary for the church to turn their attention to this particular age group. 

Let us begin by looking at the Age Wave in order to catch the middle and older adult awareness. 

The age wave began to break in the mid 1990’s as the first of 76 million U.S. baby boomers turned 50. 

Looking at this ever growing demographic the church needs to, if they have not done so, adopt a new paradigm in reaching older people beyond “happy time travel” and “covered dishes”. 

Church leaders need to recognize and tailor ministry to include;  

1. Middle adults 50 to 70. 
2. Older adults 70 to 80.
3. Mature adults 80 and over. 

Older adults that are in many churches are an untapped resource.  In my case, significant living is very important to me.  Most older adults have a yearning to do something significant with their lives.  May you ask the question, “What has your church done or is planning to do to provide significance in the second half of your older adult lives membership?”

Let me leave you with some facts in regards to middle and older adults: 

1. The number of people over 65 will be greater than people 18 and younger. 
2. They comprise 20% of the population. 
3. 87 million older adults are estimated to be alive by 2040. 
4. At present, if a woman survives to the ag of 65, she can expect to live on the average another 19 years, five which shall be years of dependency. 
5. For men, life expectancy after 65 is approximately 15 years, with three years of dependency. 
6. 34% of all Americans are 50 years of age or older. 
7. Every 7 seconds another person turns 50. 
8. People age 65 number over 35 million, representing one of  eight Americans. 
9. The projection of the “older” Americans is 20% by 2030. 
10. More than 200 Americans reach age 100 each week.

Now that we have become aware of the ministry need for reaching the middle, older, and mature adult population, we shall move to the steps of  how to organize a group in each church.  This will be covered in our next blog.

Lou

The Scope of Older Adult Ministry

Why?

The Great Commission is both timeless and ageless.  Many people have bought into the myth that there is some magical age at which one retires, even from Christian service.  Some churches unintentionally feed this myth.

The generations of older adults have a history of mobilizing to get the job done.  Why would they stop just because they become older?  If anything, becoming older is more of a reason to stay faithful to the mission of “The Great Commission”.  After all it is not the great suggestion.

What?

Older adult ministry must be about developing strategies for involving older adults in making disciples, maturing or growing believers thus multiplying leaders and ministries.

Who?

Older adult ministry should involve all older adults in ministry with, to, and through older adults.  Then ministries will target people of all ages.  As an example older adults may minister to children as they volunteer through a community public library.

How?

Older adult ministries will use the existing structure of the church’s Sunday School or other Bible study groups in order to help other ministry teams.

When?

Anytime, as older adult ministry can not and should not be limited to one event or meeting.

Where?

Anyplace, in the church, down the street, or around the world.

Now that we have answered: Why, What, Who, How, When and Where, what should we anticipate will happen in our churches?  Here is my take on this.

• Churches will see older adults come to know Christ as personal Lord and savior and follow Him in baptism.
• Churches will hear stories of how God has changed the lives of older adults and those to whom they reach and minister.
• Church will see older adult ministry leaders sending out older adults in service, as well as, seeing older adults discovering how they link their giftedness beyond the walls of the church.

Do not throw out what you are doing with that monthly meeting, just give it an enhanced focus.

Lou