Eight Steps to a More Effective Senior Adult Ministry Dr. Charles Arn Roanoke Valley Baptist Association March 30, 2006

Would you like to “jump start” your older adult ministry? Most churches have token senior adult activities... senior adult class senior adult class potluck dinners potluck dinners field trips field trips shut-in visitation shut-in visitation Nice... but inadequate!

Consider the following suggestions...

– freedom for greater creativity – broader appeal to sub-groups of seniors – more opportunities for involvement What is the difference between a senior adult ministry and a senior adult group? What is the difference between a senior adult ministry and a senior adult group? A ministry provides: A ministry provides: 1. Establish a Mature Adult Ministry, not a senior adult group.

Why have a purpose statement? -Helps keep you moving in the same direction, toward the same goal; -Helps you determine “success;” -Helps you determine the priorities of your S.A.M.; -Helps you decide what the S.A.M. will and will not do. 2. Develop a purpose statement for your Mature Adult Ministry

The adult ministry of First Church has as its purpose to serve, not to be served. We believe God is calling us to take his love in concrete ways to the unchurched senior adults in our community, as well as to extend the love of God and the love of the family of God to those within the church... The adult ministry of First Church has as its purpose to serve, not to be served. We believe God is calling us to take his love in concrete ways to the unchurched senior adults in our community, as well as to extend the love of God and the love of the family of God to those within the church... Sample Purpose Statement...

These goals will be accomplished through regular planned activities and emphases, with the anticipated results of God’s blessing and people coming to Christ and the church. By- products of these activities will be growth of members in their spiritual walk with God, and their relational walk with fellow believers in the older adult ministry. These goals will be accomplished through regular planned activities and emphases, with the anticipated results of God’s blessing and people coming to Christ and the church. By- products of these activities will be growth of members in their spiritual walk with God, and their relational walk with fellow believers in the older adult ministry. Sample Purpose Statement...

A good purpose statement includes... n Biblical Understanding — what you believe God is calling you to be or do; n Target Audience — identifying those people and groups who are the focus of your ministry; n Major Activities — ways through which the Good News will be communicated; n Geographic Area — where you are called to minister; n Expected Results — what, with God’s blessing, you anticipate.

n Full or part-time leaders do much better with training. 3. Find, select, train leaders

Retired pastors should be retrained for senior adult ministry! n Full or part-time leaders do much better with training. 3. Find, select, train leaders

n Mature in their faith; n Understanding—and commitment— to the purpose of the S.A.M.; n Genuine love for older adults; n Desire to improve the effectiveness of the S.A.M. 3. Find, select, train leaders Qualities of a good senior adult leader:

4. Get the facts “Abundant, accurate information, properly interpreted and applied, enables us to be good stewards of the grace of God and effective communicators of the gospel of Christ.” “Abundant, accurate information, properly interpreted and applied, enables us to be good stewards of the grace of God and effective communicators of the gospel of Christ.” How many middle adults ( yrs.) ? Senior adults ( yrs.) ? Elderly (86+yrs.) How many middle adults ( yrs.) ? Senior adults ( yrs.) ? Elderly (86+yrs.) What interests, needs, concerns, attitudes, problems exist in this group? What interests, needs, concerns, attitudes, problems exist in this group?

5. Start a new senior adult group Why? Easier for newcomers to get involved Easier for newcomers to get involved Avoids “saturation” of group/s Avoids “saturation” of group/s Broadens heterogeneous appeal Broadens heterogeneous appeal Keeps ministry focus-driven Keeps ministry focus-driven Allows for more leadership involvement Allows for more leadership involvement (not in your notes)

6. Study the growth of the early church together. n The purpose of Christ—and the church—should be a key part of the purpose of the older adult ministry.

7. Appoint outreach and assimilation committees n Build a “great commission conscience” in the group n Plan outreach events n Welcome newcomers n Follow up visitors n Monitor key health measures (attendance, # visitors, etc.) What do these group do?

8. Plan two “high-visibility events” n Celebration of Life Sunday n Health and wellness fair n “Snap, crackle, pop” exercise n Friendship Sunday n Grand-Parent Sunday n “Making A Difference” seminar n ? ? ?