In our last blog we spoke about the message we send to others. I said, “that as we lift our heads and our attitudes in a more positive manner, our actions become positive as well.”
During past tough economic times, according to a March 7th article in Parade Magazine, there was a decrease in volunteering. However, today there is a compassion boom of people helping others.
An exclusive new Parade Poll of 1008 respondents demonstrate that our nation is in the midst of a volunteering boom. Thus, this blog will deal with how and why so many Americans are working to improve our communities and the world.
* * * * *
Public service has become more than a phrase or a school requirement in our country.
According to CEO, Patrick Corvington of the Federal Corporation for National and Community Service, public service has now become a way of life.
- Many people who are out of work are now volunteering to stay connected in their communities, as well as, help keep their job skills sharp.
Corvington also explains that 94% respondents believed that it is important to be personally involved in a course that they believe in and 90% said they are working hard to teach their children the importance of activism.
Parents are leading by example.
Parents are leading by example, talking to their children about issues and causes, and urging them to follow role models who are working for positive change.
It seems that compassion counts more than ever.
One of the respondents polled is an attorney who volunteers at an elder-care facility and takes his young daughter with him. He teaches her that those out of the public view need attention.
What would you do if given a $100,000?
One of the questions asked the 1008 Americans in the Parade poll was, what would they do if given $100,000 to donate to charity? I have listed the top ten responses:
- Food and shelter for the needy
- Disease research
- Disaster relief
- Animal welfare
- Youth programs
- Poverty relief/job assistance
- Education
- My religious charity
- Global environment
- Public health
It seems that a lot of people have been reshaped for service as the “mindset of Christ” becomes the focus instead of our “me” focus.
As we have looked briefly at the why people are becoming involved in more volunteerism, let us now look at the how aspect of the respondents.
Making a difference.
Almost all of the respondents (98%) have engaged in at least one activity to make a difference.
- 91% to the hungry.
- 30% helped organize a fund raising event.
- 32% participated in service projects such as clean up at a local beach, park, or public area.
- 24% volunteers at a soup kitchen or food bank.
What do you think is responsible for this great change in our country today in regard to this boom in volunteering?
In my study I have found it is not what but who.
In today’s population, based upon the Parade Poll, there are three distinct types of Americans who are driving the change in our communities and country.
“Yeppies, Rapid Responders, and The Mission Minded”
Just as this 76 year old was glad to see how the Boomers changed some of the ways we do church, I am now glad to meet the new groups which are the “Yeppies,” (Young, Engaged Problem Solvers), “Rapid Responders,” and “The Mission Minded.”
- “Yeppies” rely on social media and socializing to fuel their activism and volunteerism. They have faith that individuals can solve social problems. They are open to a variety of causes.
- “Rapid Responders” are not out to improve the entire world. Their focus is more personal as their causes tend to stem from specific problems such as health or a neighborhood issue. Responders often organize community events to raise awareness or money for the causes.
- “The Mission-Minded” consist of older Americans for the most part who are motivated by their faith. To them, supporting basic needs like food and shelter is a faith duty. They feel that the world’s problems can be fixed by faith groups.
There you have it in a few paragraphs, but I assure you, I shall study these groups in my future research.
Next time, we shall look at our diverse population.
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.
- Find, select, train leadership.
- Begin an Older Adult, not Senior Adult, Ministry.
- Develop a purpose statement.
- Build a Senior conscience.
- 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”.
- Middle Adults are at their peak of influence and possess great energy. Sometimes, though they are leaders in communities, they are overlooked in church.
- Their children are growing up and leaving home (empty nest).
- They are looking toward retirement.
- They are spending increasing energy in leisure time activities.
- 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.
- Connect with boomers in the church and community by participating in their activities periodically.
- Discover boomer characteristics.
- Give attention to expressed needs, interests, and concerns.
- Reach non-churched boomers by building friendship bridges.
- Enlist boomers to help you.
- Begin to educate all generations about aging issues without using the word “senior”.
- 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.
- Older Adult revival – can be during the day if it involves a large number of people.
- Older Adult Bible conference.
- Older Adult VBS.
- Older Adult retreat.
- Older Adult monthly theme luncheons.
- Older Adult historical site trips.
- 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