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Theological Framework for Older Adult Ministry
Wonder and reflect with Rev. Sarah Erickson as she lays out a theological framework for Older Adult Ministry, shares theological cornerstones, and ponders implications.
In This Section
Framework
Theological Cornerstones: Covenants and Sacraments
Implications for Older Adult Ministry
Your Guide
Rev. Dr. Sarah Erickson is a PCUSA pastor. She retired from the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, where she served for more than 20 years designing conferences and online courses. Sarah is also a ICF Certified Coach and has led Older Adult Ministry cohorts. She enjoys travel, swimming, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren.
Framing a Theology of Older Adult Ministry
Length: 7 mins | Transcript
Reflection Questions
- Find the vision, mission and/or values statements developed by your congregation or organization. Your website or manual of operations may be useful sources.
- How familiar are you with it?
- How well does it reflect an integrated approach to ministry through all ages/stages of faith?
- Take a few minutes and jot down some thoughts that describe why OAM is important to you. Set it aside and come back to it as you work your way through the rest of the videos.
Theological Cornerstones of Older Adult Ministry
Length: 7 mins | Transcript
Reflection Questions
- Jot down stories or Scripture references that come to mind relating to the theme of covenant.
- What resources do you have handy to help you research these questions? If you need suggestions, ask your pastor or educator for suggestions.
Length: 22 mins | Transcript
Reflection Questions
- What resources (denominational governance/polity, theology, guiding principles, faith statements) and Scripture passages do you draw upon to inform your understanding of the sacraments?
- How often does your faith community offer the Lord’s Supper? When was the last time a baptism occurred? A baptismal remembrance? Record your thoughts or do a little digging before moving on.
- How does your faith community express its commitment to carrying out the promises of baptism for older adults? How does your faith community incorporate and represent the various theological understandings of this sacrament in worship? How is baptism addressed in your age/stage educational ministries?
- How does your faith community understand the role of the Lord’s Supper in encouraging engagement in ministry for older adults? How does your faith community incorporate and represent the various theological understandings of this sacrament in worship? How is the Lord’s Supper addressed in your age/stage educational ministries?
Implications for Your Older Adult Ministry
Length: 8 mins | Transcript
Reflection Questions
- What did this theology of OAM series spark for you?
- What questions do you want to pursue in more depth in your setting?
- What resources – human, material, financial, other – do you need to enhance your OAM?
- What will you write for your own theology of OAM and how will it influence your ministry?