I-Beams for Seniors

Solid buildings rely upon strategically placed “I-Beams”. These steel reinforcements allow for people to interact on various activities. Similarly, effective adult ministry rests upon biblical foundations (the Bible speaks about seniors 300 times!) and practical realities. These “I-Beams of senior adult ministry” provide the essentials upon which to build creative and expansive ministry.

 

Senior adults represent a growing demographic group, both in the church and across the globe. Each subgroup remains distinct and calls for a specialized approach. They come in three groups that define them more by their energy and mobility than their age:

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Still Going...energy, resources and health;

Slow Going...declining health but some energy and much wisdom;

Not Going...loss of mobility and health as well as declining cognition and health.

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Seniors have very individual life experiences. Unlike young adults, who tend to walk through similar life stages and events, each senior adult has a distinctive and sometimes lonely story. Pastoral care is about helping each senior through their individual journey.

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• The INVITATIONAL I-Beam: Senior adult ministry begins with a warm invitation to all seniors-regardless of their spiritual status or length of time in the local church. The discipleship mission of the church includes reaching seniors and welcoming them into the presence of the Savior. Many are isolated or dealing with life’s disappointments.

 

• The INTER-GENERATIONAL I-Beam: Both scripture and current research emphasize the vital role of keeping generations in constant contact with each other. Seniors represent the “grandparents” and “elders” of church life and often love to listen as well as speak into the lives of younger adults and children. How each church addresses this intergenerational reality remains a matter of personal choice and planning. Table games with teens, camping with young adults, shared dinners are just a few examples of the endless ways to connect the “grandparents” of the church with the next generations.

 

• The INTEGRATED I-Beam: Seniors often face distinctive issues that emerge from health, cognition, relational, financial, moral and emotional factors. Effective Bible teaching acknowledges that these factors do in fact shape the spiritual life of each senior, thus effective teaching addresses these questions in the light of Scripture and with practical help. Discussion groups and interaction remain at the centre of this, more so than sermons and “talking heads”.

 

• The INVOLVEMENT I-Beam: We are never too old to serve; therefore, seniors’ ministry is best done WITH seniors rather than FOR seniors. A common complaint among seniors is: no one wants me anymore in the church. Keep them involved as long as possible, especially as people of prayer. One wife said to me, “Our marriage started to crumble about the time Mr. ____ died. No one else prayed for us like he did”.

 

• The INSPIRATIONAL I-Beam: Seniors need to laugh and have fun! Music and sharing of all kinds give life to all ages- especially seniors. Music evokes memories of God’s grace and shared experiences deepen relationships. Aging requires a good sense of humor, therefore senior adults want to be joy filled.