SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY IN THE 21st CENTURY

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY IN THE 21st CENTURY. Sub Heading- Step by Step Strategies for Reaching People Over 50. (c) 2002 Group, Loveland, Col. pp.149 price 29.95
David P. Gallagher- pastor of Palm West Community Church in Sun City West, AZ.
Chapter One. Getting to Know Senior Adults.
The stereotype of seniors is changing. They are active, vibrant, volunteers and caregivers. The label senior has more to do with attitude and lifestyle than numerical designation. The author identifies fifteen characteristics of ‘active senior adults’. Most of these characteristics are also common in non-seniors. When seniors become less active for whatever reason these characteristics change.
Chapter Two, Getting Started in Senior Adult Ministry.
A senior adult ministry is an essential part of the overall ministry of the church. Like any other targeted ministry, senior ministry needs to have focus, vision, strategy, etc.
Chapter Three. Involving Senior Adults in Ministry.
Seniors want to be cared for but they also want to be involved.. i.e. care groups. The author suggests fifty ways to involve seniors in ministry. Suggestions are made regarding how to respond to the criticisms from seniors.
Chapter Four. Reaching Out to Senior Adults.
Seniors are looking for relationships. Keys to reaching out involve making it a priority, identifying opportunities, the effectiveness of love and care, leadership, etc. The methods are generic, the focus is specific, i.e.seniors. The chapter closes with a focus on seniors in ministry. e.g.mission’s trips.
Chapter Five. The Serious Side of Senior Adult Ministry.
Seniors have increasing health challenges. There are good things hidden in grief. It can draw us to God. It can open unique doors of ministry. There are common misunderstandings about grief. Principles of caring are suggested. A God-focus is paramount in times of emotional, physical, and relational challenges.
Comment. hd
This pastor has a whole congregation of seniors. His insights are based on hands on experience. Although seniors have unique challenges, their needs and passions are not different from those in other age groups. They should not be segregated or marginalized. They should not see themselves as those who society owes a debt. They should accept the challenge of being difference makers. My personal conviction as a senior is that we are not really doing that well in reaching the unbelieving seniors in our society.
Note: The author includes many forms and tools that might be helpful in doing the ministry for and by seniors.