Redd Alert

Time to reboot and let the Holy Spirit recalculate our spiritual lives.

Happy New Year to each and everyone of you!  2011 was a year filled with great opportunities for service involving family, friends and our community.

As we look for opportunities in 2012, let us align ourselves with Christ as He came down to earth to seek and save those who are lost.  Let us remember that He came to serve others upon this earth and taught His followers how to minister His lessons.  Lessons that are sound and meaningful today.

Everyone that Jesus spoke to felt His love and compassion.

Let us go and touch the lives of others who need to meet Him or need to revive their relationship with Him.  Let us not worry about the world’s political correctness but rather worry only about our spiritual correctness.

It does not matter what age you are as any age can provide a true witness.

A number of people have asked about the age range I am trying to reach with my blog.  Though my calling in ministry is with older adults, I try to call attention towards Godly principles and how one may be of service with his or her fellow man or woman regardless of age.  I write for all ages and churches by providing facts that can be used in their ministry strategies with regards to builders, boomers, and those in generation X.

• Builders – born prior to 1946
• Boomers – born from 1946-1964
• Generation X – born from 1965-1980

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Current affairs.

As I am writing this blog,  I read that the Baltimore Sun newspaper headline is, “A big to do list in Annapolis.”  The Maryland State General Assembly began its session on January 11, and has a large number of issues to deal.   To be specific, Gender Identity and Same-sex marriage.

Spiritual point of view.

My concern, from a spiritual point of view, is the growing support for same-sex marriage.  We as Christians need to stand up and support the Biblical view in regards to homosexuality and God’s view on same-sex marriage.  God provided marriage as one man one woman.

Prayer.

I would like to ask you to pray, as God leads, pertaining to these vital issues facing our State.

Perhaps you could or need to organize a group from your church to be part of a rally that is going to Annapolis to let our legislators know how we feel about this sinful practice.  Perhaps you could draw up a petition for your members of your church to sign.

All it takes for sin and evil to thrive is for God’s people to do nothing.

Do not be ashamed to be the salt of the earth as proclaimed in Matthew 5:13.  Take action against the evil of this world!

“Graying” of the church.

Next time we shall review some statistics in regard to the graying of the church.  In the meantime, may I suggest to you of the encore generation the new Billy Graham book, “Nearing Home.”

I have provided a preview link of Nearing Home located at the bottom of the page.  Enjoy.

Lou

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well – by Bill Graham

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  -Acts 20:24 (ESV)

Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life,” says Billy Graham, known by many as God’s Ambassador. “I would have never guessed what God had in store for me, and I know that as I am nearing home, He will not forsake me the last mile of the way.”

In Nearing Home this man of faith-now in his nineties-explores the challenges of aging while gleaning foundational truths from Scripture. Billy Graham invites us to journey with him as he considers the golden years while anticipating the hope of being reunited with his wife, Ruth, in his heavenly home that eclipses this world. ”When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice,” says the author. “Growing older with grace is possible for all who will set their hearts and minds on the Giver of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Join Billy Graham as he shares the challenges of fading strength but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.

“Explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day.”

-BILLY GRAHAM

Click here to read a preview of “Nearing Home.”

Fixing a new generation gap by doing things with or through the Encore Generation.

As we sit at our table in Redd’s Diner, we want to look at some basic facts as we review some statistics in regard to boomers.

The first of the “baby boom” generation are now turning 65 at the rate of 8,000 a day.

They are the healthiest, best educated and wealthiest in the nation’s history.

As we celebrate their vitality we discover that they are a generation that;

• Loves the Beatles and Springsteen.
• Crusaded to end a war and stop the spread of “nukes.”
• Powered a new technology explosion.
• Fueled the feminist movement.
• Joined the battle for civil rights.

However, according to Jim Toedtman, Editor of the AARP Bulletin, there are challenges facing these Boomers who have saved too little, eaten too much and borrowed beyond their means.

It is not a fight among generations; it is a family working through the process.

In my estimation the problems that our society is experiencing were not caused by any single generation, nor can any single generation solve the problem.  It is not a fight among generations; it is a family working through the process.

According to a leading real estate firm, due to the 2010 real estate cost, more home buyers were looking for multi-generational homes.  With that statistic in mind, my thoughts in regard to ministry with or through the Encore Generation becomes my focus.

“Wake up son or daughter, I am still able to be erect each day.”

A ministry to older adults implies that older adults are passive receivers in the relationship.

There is the thought that you give me something because I am too old to contribute anything in ministry.  My response, “wake up son or daughter I am still able to be erect each day.”

A ministry with or through older adults is a ministry that all generations do together.  That way everyone in the family of God is serving together.

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

What churches fail to recognize in many cases is the potential to grow a church by growing the number of senior adults (one of the largest unchurched people groups) who comprise over 20% of our population.

Christian Boomers Characteristics

As we leave this session we shall look at some characteristics evident in Boomers commitment to ministry discovered and provided to us in a recent LifeWay “think-tank.”

1. Active Christian boomers love the Lord and their church.  They want to continue to be involved, lead and/or serve.
2. They see the church, para-church ministries as platforms for investing their skills and expertise in service that will make a difference.
3. Their dollars will follow their heart.  They may tend to do more designated giving for ministries that become close to their interests.
4. Conflict in the church could cause them to leave permanently.
5. Their attendance may be sporadic, interrupted by impromptu activities with grandchildren, short trips, vacations or illness.

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At our next time together I look forward in speaking to you more about these characteristics, as well as,  see what impact tomorrow’s church can make on the Boomers,and the Builders generation (which is my generation).

Go and serve, Lou

When we left the big table at Lou Redd’s diner, I gave you some things to think about for today’s session around the table.  I left you with the idea of doing things with or through older adults.

I would like for you to hold onto that thought until the next time we meet mainly because I would like to take this time for us to focus upon ourselves as we hit the new year head on.

New Year’s Resolutions?  How about rebooting yourselves instead?

I never do New Year’s resolutions; instead, I like to think of it as an opportunity to reboot.   And just like you have to reboot your computer ever so often, you must reboot yourself at least once each year.  In other words, you must evaluate or re-evaluate yourselves periodically.

Let’s do a 2011 Reboot

Beginning with me let us look at some things we can do to reboot as we begin 2011.

• Realize that church is not a noun; it is a verb.  Do something to improve the thing you have been complaining about.

• Break the Bible into manageable portions for reading purposes.  Do not try to read it all in one month.  Our goal is to let God speak to us thought His Word, not speed reading.

• Select a Bible study workbook that fits into your everyday work and family schedule.  Select one that fits your personality and lifestyle.  If you choose one that is a five-day-a-week study with daily homework, you will need to work at pacing your progress.

• Choose the right time that you can spend in prayer with our Lord.  It may be morning or night or at several intervals during the day.

• Take the time to take several families in your church, or church community under your care.   You  do not need to take on the whole world.

Stop and get your bearings

Before we leave this topic of rebooting, we all need to stop and get our bearings.  Beginning with Lou Redd we all need to ask the following questions prayerfully in the presence of God:

• What is one thing I could do this year to increase my enjoyment of God?
• What is the single most important thing I can do to improve the quality of my family life this year?
• In which spiritual area of my life do I want to make progress in this year, and what will I do about it?
• What is the single biggest time waster in my life, and what will I do about it?
• What is the most helpful new way I can help my church?
• For whose salvation will I pray most fervently this year?
• What single thing that I plan this year will matter in 10 years? In eternity?

So let us evaluate our lives, make plans and goals, and live 2011 with biblical diligence.

It is now time for us to leave the diner, and go back to work thinking about doing things with and through older adults.

Until the next time,

Lou

When we last met together on the written page, I promised that we would look at how diverse our world’s population has become.  We will do that; after saying, “Wow I never thought about that before.”

What is the next step that can be the most humanitarian thing you have ever done?

• Would you develop or ignite a personal vision to help someone, or some group, in order to be “salt and light” as God’s Word refers?
• Would you develop a behavior to impact others?

According to the Mitsubishi Research Institute the diversity of our world can be assessed in several ways.  If we shrink the world’s population to a village of 100 people.  It would look like the following:

• 57 Asians
• 21 Europeans
• 14 from the Western Hemisphere
• 8 Africans

Of these 100 villagers:

• 52 are female, 48 are male
• 70 are non-white, 30 are white
• 70 are non-christian, 30 are christian
• 89 are heterosexual, 11 are homosexual
• 59% of the wealth is held by 6 people
• 80% live in substandard housing
• 70% are unable to read
• 50% suffer from malnutrition
• 1 is near death, 1 is near birth
• 1 has a college education
• 1 owns a computer

Learning to live and embracing all that entails in a diverse culture is the heart of our survival.

What does it mean to you?

As you look at the list that you just read, what stands out that makes you want to do something about the problem?  As a servant of my Lord, I want to reach those and bring them to Christ.

At a Billy Hybels’ Summit in 2007, he introduced me to a stirring thought, “Holy Discontent.”  From that moment on I looked at the evil in the world and vow to fight it with more vigor.  However, I am not talking about evil as the only problem that we can help solve.

Let me use a personal example; I entertain in senior centers, churches, as well as, other venues.  Generally, I pick the style of music in regard to Gospel, 50′s, 60′s and so forth.  One of the senior centers that I entertain in has a large number of Asian participants.  Instead of doing comedy and ballads, I select a more upbeat music program in order to create audience participation.

What does this tell you?

Sometimes in order to be ministry effective we must get out of our comfort zone.  We might have to volunteer in a homeless shelter, or we might be convicted to learn a language in order to meet a need.  Dealing with diversity does not mean ignoring it; it means you are meeting a need head on with love for all people.

A pastor once told me that my age group does not keep pace with their younger counterparts.  I told him to ask a geezer like me to do something and it gets done.

We are not far behind in the electronic race.

According to Verizon FIOS:

• Older adults 65-74 access the Internet at rates higher than many expected with 58% stating they regularly log on.
• 28% of those over 65 discuss Internet health care information with their doctors, compared with 33%  of those under 65.

This short piece of information speaks of information necessary for me to listen to.

1. It indicates that all age groups can be wired for the future.
2. Each age group can have a desire for its individual members to know about world problems and do something about them.

All ages must consider the following and then identify one or more problems.  Then our “Holy Discontent”  will move us to do something.

• What about the poor?
• Who will care for the sick and dying?
• Will anyone visit the prisoners?
• Who will clothe the naked?
• Who will take in the orphans?
• Who will give water to the thirsty, and community to the outcast?

Remember Popeye and his famous statement, “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more?”

When all ages in our churches and communities recognize what is going on around us and we are stirred with “Holy Discontent,” we will become Popeye people loving our neighbors as ourselves.

The next time we have lunch together at Redd’s Diner (the written gathering) we shall look at the new old and their problems.

In His service

Lou

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.

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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:

1. Food and shelter for the needy
2. Disease research
3. Disaster relief
4. Animal welfare
5. Youth programs
6. Poverty relief/job assistance
7. Education
8. My religious charity
9. Global environment
10. 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.

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