Ministry with Older Adults is a Great Need & Great Opportunity
Yet, there is a great challenge as well.
There are 2 generations of older adults . . . Ministry with them is different
Meet Bob & Betty Builder
They are part of the generation born before 1946
- They built a thriving post-WWII America and were shaped by two world wars and a Great Depression.
- They are characterized as hard workers, frugal, savers, patriotic, private, cautious, respectful, loyal and dependable.
- Many worked for the same company their entire career, and they are loyal to their church and denomination.
- Builders tend to work in service to the church taking on the roles of teacher, preschool worker, greeter, usher, and committee member.
- They are reliable, faithful in giving, and loyal to the church.
- They are followers, submitting as a group to the direction of the ministry leader
Who in your church fits this description? ____________________________________
Meet Brad & Barbara Boomer,
They are from the generation born between 1946-1964
- They are 60-77 yrs old and named for the baby boom following World War II
- They grew up in the United States created by the Builders.
- At 78 million they are nearly 1/4 of the US population and were shaped by the Vietnam War, assassinations, Watergate, sexual revolution, prosperity, & drugs.
- They are well educated, very active, media-oriented, tech savvy, independent, cause-minded activists, fitness conscious, rock music fans, diverse in interests,
- They question authority and seek significance in life.
- They struggle with addiction, depression & divorce more than prior generations
- Most are overweight and many suffer with chronic joint pain
- Cancer is the #1 cause of death followed closely by heart disease
- 1 out of 5 do not have health insurance
- Household spending is increasing annually, outpacing income - Debt is rising.
- Only 1/3 are adequately prepared for retirement – financially and emotionally
- Have a strong work ethic . . . Work becomes their identity
- 83% want to continue working in their later years
- Feel old age is 80 . . . Feel at least 14 years younger than they are
Who in your church fits this description? ____________________________________
Senior Adult Ministry inmost churches is focused on the preferences of Bob & Betty Builder (usually ages 75 – up). . . potluck lunches, entertaining programs, social gatherings, and bus trips.
Older Seniors are blessed by the programs and activities churches provide. They are encouraged and enriched by music, speakers, good food, great fellowship, and trips to the mountains to pick delicious apples in the fall
There is nothing wrong with ways churches have addressed needs of seniors in the past, but this won’t attract Boomers and keep them active in the church today.
Boomers want more than the traditional monthly “meet, eat, burp and go home” lunch meetings, games nights, and a trip to see leaves and pick apples in the fall.
Retired adults today aren’t satisfied being ministered to. Rather than having a meal and a speaker talk about a ministry, they want to be involved in the ministry.
The Boomer generation will not join traditional senior adult ministries. For most churches “senior adult” defines ministry to those over age 50. With the Boomer generation you will get push back if you use that term. Many don’t want to be called Senior Adults or Boomers . . They want to be adults.
- Churches need different ministries for older adults in various ages and stages of life
- Churches must respond to diverse experience, abilities, interests, passions, and goals of Boomers with ministries that help people age well and live with purpose
- Create ministry addressing life issues such as retirement, marriage, health, care of aging parents, adult children leaving the faith, and grandparenting.