OLDER PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH Sussex Gospel Partnership – 23/05/18

HIGH PROPORTION OF OLDER PEOPLE Statistically likely – increasingly the case – many factors affect this. Issue for Concern but not despair Tragedy of absent young people – lives without Christ Young people are not the future of the church – Jesus is building His church – change demographic of a congregation. Gospel work can continue if older people see their calling God is the God of the Generations – Paul, Barnabus, John Mark, Timothy, Titus, Onesimus, Philemon etc. Subject for greater prayer Opportunity to prove God – preparing for eternity.

FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT Congregation that Welcomes – support available, singing and speaking that is clear, friendliness and understanding, Physically Adapted Premises – building which caters for disabilities - sound systems that are suitable, visual provision for deaf, large print for poorly sighted, accessible toilet facilities. Quiet Spaces – especially for those with dementia or anxiety states – valuable for reflection and counselling – provide safety Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults - protecting everyone’s right to be safe and stopping abuse.

ACTIVITIES THAT RELATE Multi-generational emphasis – relevant to whole congregation. Services that do not exclude Activities appropriate for older people - lunch clubs; day centres; arts and crafts; reading groups; bible study groups

SERVICES THAT DO NOT EXCLUDE Music for all ages – a balanced and thoughtful mixture Widest range possible of participants – older people not excluded Preaching that applies to all ages – older people’s needs being addressed Intergenerational socialisation promoted – before and after services

GENERATIONS DIVIDED Culture of age distinctions Ageism & Stereotyping Age related activities promoted Cross-generational activities rare – not just in services Distinctive emphasis of Gospel hidden – John 13:35

RELATING TO THE REAL PROBLEMS Believers under Pressure – learning contentment – fighting negatives. Loss, limitation and trials - spiritual and physical impacts Pressured by an alien culture – negative expectation Doubts and fears – declining assurance Sin our worst enemy.

A BETTER WAY TO DO COMMUNITY Focus on the Word – speaking to the heart Prayer at the Centre – really is the powerhouse Maximising Gifts – irrespective of age Openness to change – as age profile changes

REACHING AN AGEING POPULATION FOR CHRIST

SOME PROBLEMS PEOPLE FACE Loneliness Meaninglessness & Emptiness Uncertainty and Fear Loss of Role & Bitterness Regrets & Missed Opportunities Disappointments that Embitter

Relationships open doors Visiting and Befriending Involvement in Non-church activities Listening Like Jesus - woman at the well Practical Care and Support Conversations that Value – Zacchaeus and Nichodemus – warmth and laughter

SERVICES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE Well-known Hymns/Songs Prayers – Brief & Pointed Familiarity In Everything Relevant Preaching Follow Up Friendliness Prayer Before & After

SPECIALIST ACTIVITIES Dementia Care and Carers Support Brain and Soul Boosting Bereavement Group Walking Groups History and Literature Groups Bowls and Sports

CHANGING CULTURE OF SENIORS Change and decay in all around I see. Oh Thou who changeth not abide with me Different Education System No Knowledge of Hymns & Songs Little or No Bible Knowledge Christianity Seen as Irrelevant Atheistic Culture Antagonistic To Christianity

CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE RELATIONSHIPS ALWAYS KEY INVOLVED IN REAL WORLD ACTIVITIES THAT RELATE SPEAKING TO REALITIES OF LATER LIFE PRAYERFUL & SPIRIT- LED

THINKING OUT OF THE BOX SERVICES THAT INFORM AND ILLUMINATE SERVICES THAT ARE COMPETENT AND ATTRACTIVE SERVICES THAT GO TO THE HEART PEOPLE WITH PASSION WHO PRAY