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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. REACHING AN AGEING POPULATION FOR CHRIST

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

11. 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

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

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

14. 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

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

16. 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