This year, POAMN launched a new online resource to assist you in ministry to and with older adults. Called “Expressions of Older Adult Ministry” and housed on the POAMN website, this guide provides helpful material for effectively working with, to, and for older adults. New and experienced leaders and volunteers in older adult ministry will find valuable resources inside.
“Expressions” covers guiding principles for serving older adults, a reformed theology framework, and a multitude of ideas you can implement in your context. The information is communicated through instructional videos, interviews with ministry leaders, and written materials.
The content was created by a variety of knowledgeable individuals who are actively involved in serving older adults.
This resource came into being through the efforts of many people—from POAMN and elsewhere—working under the guidance of the Office of Christian Formation in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, PC(USA). The project started in 2022, when POAMN board members wanted to update older adult ministry manuals created by PC(USA) in the 1990s. Rather than print new paper materials, POAMN instead developed this online resource that will be improved and supplemented over time. With funds, expertise, and connection from the Office of Christian Formation, “Expressions” was born.
Begin exploring the wide variety of “Expressions of Older Adult Ministry” at poamn.org/expressions.
Inside “Expressions of Older Adult Ministry”
“Expressions” is composed of four sections, described below. Choose how interacting with the resource works best for you. You can undertake it all at once or by sections over time. You also can engage individually or with a team. Reflection questions throughout give you opportunities to pause and consider what you have heard or read. Additional resources allow you to go further into a topic if desired.
Guiding Principles for Older Adult Ministry
Learn important principles for working with older adults, explore the gifts of aging, reflect on relationship and community, and vision and plan your ministry. Rev. Joyce MacKichan Walker is your guide.
Theological Framework for Older Adult Ministry
Learn how to ground your work in ways that relate to foundational aspects of Reformed Theology and practice with Rev. Sarah Erickson.
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. Find examples of programs with and for older adults from congregations and communities across PC(USA). Many colleagues contributed video and written materials to this section.
Explore More
Find links to additional materials that can elevate your ministry.
“Expressions of Older Adult Ministry” is a place for you to engage as a leader and learner in Christian community. Whether you are a volunteer, formation leader, or a pastor, you are invited to explore and adapt the resources for your setting.
This article originally appeared in the 2024 Older Adult Ministry Planning Guide.