A companion to the author's earlier book Designing an Older Adult
Ministry (Discipleship Resources, 1999), this book will provide new
information and outline ways to develop and strengthen ministries by,
with, and for older adults that can, and will, enhance the spiritual
growth and well-being of people of all ages.
The church is
beginning to recognize that there are vast numbers of older people in
its membership. It is becoming aware of its indebtedness to them for the
leadership, support, service, and faith that has made the church of
today possible. The church is uniquely positioned to help older adults
respond to the challenges of aging; to see the tremendous potentialities
in the lives of older adult for making the church and community better;
and to assist older people as they experience new meaning and purpose
in their later lives.
Chapters include "Why Older-Adult
Ministries?"; "Understanding the Aging Process"; "Aging and the
Spiritual Journey"; "The New Seniors: Boomers?"; "Intentional Ministry
by, with, and for Older Adults"; "Organizing for Intentional Ministry in
the Local Church"; "Organizing for Intentional Ministry in the
Conference"; "Congregational Care Ministry"; "Additional Ideas for
Intentional Ministry"; and "Trends in Aging." Appendixes include a
"Facts about Aging" quiz, information on creating and using older adult
surveys, and suggested resources for further reading and study.
