Guiding Principles
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A Variety of Contexts
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Ministry in a Variety of Contexts
Ministry with older adults looks different depending on the context, size of church, number of older adults, community setting, and more. Colleagues from across the PCUSA and country have shared some examples of what ministry with older adults can look like and tips for you through videos and downloadable Quicksheets (fast and fabulous ideas for ministry).
Length: 10 mins
In This Section
Millennial Leaders and Older Adult Ministry
Discovering or Refocusing your Mission and Ministry
Ministry with LGBTQIA+ Older Adults
The Third Thirty
A Ministry of Presence with Older Adult Widowers
QuickSheets
Millennial Leaders and Older Adult Ministry
Listen as a group of pastors and formation leaders share their experiences of being in ministry with Older Adults.
Length: 10 mins
In This Video
- Grandparent Power
- Slow Fellowship
- Digital Church Is Not Just for the Young!
- Volunteering Across Four Generations
- Engaged, Self-empowered, Self-possessed
- Work ‘With’ Not ‘for’ Them
Reflection Question
- Think about experiences from your ministry context with Older Adults. How would you share these with others?
Length: 8 mins
In This Video
- Empathy Over Availability
- Church Is a Team Sport
- Navigating Limitations
- Pastoral Boundaries
Reflection Questions
-
Do any of these resonate? Which one and why?
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What joys and challenges do you find in ministry with Older Adults?
Length: 5 mins
In This Video
- Communicate Ahead to Avoid Apologizing After
- Connect through Experience
- Humor and Honesty
- Be Genuine
Reflection Questions
-
What are some key things you keep in mind when in ministry with Older Adults?
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What did you learn from this series of videos that will be helpful in your ministry context?
Discovering or Refocusing your Mission and Ministry
Learn about an innovation process through the eyes of a Presbyterian church in Wisconsin and their thriving ministry. Then become familiar with questions you can ask for discovering mission and ministry with Older Adults in your context and how to innovate by taking small steps. Rev. Will Houts serves as your guide.
Length: 5 mins
Length: 5 mins
Resource and Opportunity Questions
- What are the interests of the older adults in our congregation?
- What are the skills and abilities of the older adults in our congregation and the congregation in general?
- What are the needs of the older adults in our congregation and community?
- What services are already available in our community for older adults?
- What are the limitations of the older adults in our congregation and community?
Exploration and Engagement Questions
- How can older adults in our congregation use their interests, skills, and abilities in service of the broader community?
- How can we partner with resources already available in our broader community?
- How can we advocate for the needs of older adults in our broader community?
- How is the Spirit calling us to engage older adults in our congregation and the community in ministry that shows the love of Jesus Christ?
Ministry with LGBTQIA+ Older Adults
The Third Thirty
The Third Thirty is a series of discussion session plans on various topics that explore the challenges of aging in the third part of our lives (nominally ages 60-90). It entices us to consider how aging wisely, smartly, sensibly, gracefully and spiritually might look for Older Adults. Chris Pomfret, a POAMN leader, is your guide.
A Ministry of Presence with Older Adult Widowers
Legacy Village Senior Living Community in Xenia, Ohio, is home to a group of widowers who were primary care partners with their spouses. The Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley provided a space through a ministry of presence for these men and shares their stories in this video. In addition, you will find an article telling more from Rev. Tinsley’s perspective. Finally there are questions for you to reflect on the ministry of presence in your context.
Length: 12 mins
Resources
Reflection Questions
- How as a pastor, faith formation leader, or congregational leader are you present with Older Adults? What might be some additional ways you or your congregation could be present with them?
- How could you listen to the wisdom of Seniors?
- What kinds of intergenerational activities can the congregation initiate that could be beneficial to several generations?
- How could your congregation provide opportunities for widowers to speak and be heard or support each other around the loss of relationships?
- What might be one way you could help build community with widowers?
- How could the Older Adults who have experienced loss support others who may find themselves with similar experiences?
QuickSheets
QuickSheets are articles with ministry ideas on a variety of topics. Each is a PDF of two to three pages.
Using the Expressions of Older Adult Ministry Resource
Grey is a Vibrant Color: Ideas for Being a Vibrant OA Congregation
Loneliness and Isolation in Faith Communities
Tips to Address Loneliness in Older Adults
Supporting Older Adults through Grief
15 Tips for Home and Hospital Visits
How to Develop a Dementia-Friendly Worship Service
Ideas for Establishing a Card Ministry
Devotions: A How-to Guide for Spiritual Inquiry in Elderhood