Welcome back to Redd’s Diner as we find ourselves sitting around the big table discussing issues involving, “Savvy Seniors”which are part of the “Encore Generation.”
* * * *
Seniors are living longer and doing more in their later years than some people give them credit for.
Even in my own church some members are questioning why we are spending more for youth programs than we are for golden agers, and as I have stated before in my blog musings, seniors make up the larger percentage of our country’s population. Even in our evangelistic outlook, seniors comprise one of the largest unchurched groups.
* * * *
Society, in general, fails to look at seniors as individuals with skills and knowledge based upon a wealth of experience and history.
Today, let us look at a group that church executives have identified as the “new old.” They are the boomers that bring much to the church, but often are “unnoticed.”
When you look at baby boomers such as my daughters (early 50′s), terms such as old, elderly, senior, golden-agers, etc. do not seem to fit or describe boomers. Many of these boomers, who were involved in youth ministry, are now entering their fifth and sixth decades of life.
So you may be asking what changes do they bring?
- Baby Boomers are approaching aging in a different way than the preceding generations They have no desire to spend their retirement years sitting in a rocking chair or playing shuffleboard.
- Just as when they were young, they are interested in changing the world.
- They do not want to get old and are doing everything they can to stay healthy and look young.
- Even if they continue to work, they work at jobs where they can make a difference in society.
The church has bought into the myth that younger is better.
They believe that a growing church has a lot of young people, and if you have too many older adults that must mean that you are a dying church.
Instead, we have the potential to grow a church by increasing the number of older adults because millions of adults over the age of 50 are not Christians.
If we will be intentional about reaching these people for Christ, our churches will grow, especially when you consider that there are 78 million boomers, many of whom are not connected to the church.
As you leave the diner, think about the distinction of doing things with or through older adults rather than seeing them as just older adults.
I also want you to do something that is an option. Look up Dr. Amy Hanson’s website www.amyhanson.org. She is a specialist in gerontology. Her book, “Baby Boomer and Beyond: Tapping The Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50,“ has provided much of the material for this blog.
Until next time, blessings.
Lou
Tags: Christian writing, church, church growth, church minister relations, clergy, community service, elderly, encouragement, Family, Life, middle adult, minister relations, ministry, older adult leadership, Older Adult Ministry, outreach ministry, Senior adult ministry, Senior adults
In our last blog we dealt with your personal encounter with our Lord and how the Holy Spirit moves you into a relationship that gives you a positive eternal life guarantee to heaven.
Once we accept that guarantee the Lord expects you to work for Him.
No matter what vocation you have you are expected to be a full-time Christian in that vocation. The message we send to others around us will determine the effectiveness of your full-time Christian experience.
Words are powerful tools; they can build up or tear down. You and I can not carelessly say whatever we want and then expect a quick apology to heal all wounds. Even words spoken in haste can deeply hurt someone.
Of course, not all messages we send are verbal. Facial expressions and body language can communicate acceptance or rejection, like or dislike, love or hate.
We should also consider whether we are making the most of every opportunity to encourage those around us. We can be tremendous instruments of God’s blessing to others if we will closely monitor what we communicate.
The apostle Paul instructed believers in Ephesians 4:29 in regard to words.
- “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment so it will give grace to those who hear.”
That does not just mean that we should avoid cursing, but gossiping as well. What we say should bless others.
Many times we have been victims of the power of words. Parents, teachers, other authority figures, and friends have encouraged or discouraged us through their words.
- The tongue has influenced nations; Hitler destroyed nations with his lies while Churchill energized England with his words.
How effective we are in living the Christian life also involves involving the examples of Christ-like living and how joyful and appreciative are we in what He has given us in life.
When students in school would ask me if I was rich I would reply,
- “Yes, I have a God who loves me, a Savior that died for me, and Holy Spirit that guides me, a family that loves me, and many church people who are my friends.
If I would react with a negative response, why would anyone want to belong to Christ?
We, of course in living the Christ-like life, need to obey the Christ-like principles as given in His Word, but we need to convey to others how much we really care.
Each person must have a sense of belonging, worthiness, and competency. When you accept Christ as Lord these three emotions fulfill those basic needs.
- Through our belonging to God, we feel acceptance.
- Through the worthiness evident by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we feel loved.
- Through the competence made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we feel secure.
Why not speak like, live like, and look like our God has satisfied those basic needs. Then you can pass on the message to others.
Through a personal relationship with Jesus anyone can find freedom from the negative messages they have endured.
Look for opportunities to build people up by your words and your style of living. I leave you with the thought of what we should do as we wait upon the Lord:
- Continue to do what you believe to be the right thing, trusting in the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)
- Listen for guidance God may be giving you through your pastor or other church leaders. (Acts 17:11)
- Pray and seek God’s guidance. let Him help you think outside the box. (Isaiah 55:8)
Our next get together we shall deal with, “A Positive Side During Economic Troubles.”
Lou