Develop a Discipleship System
Online Resources for Older Adults
By Scott Hughes
Online Resources for Older Adults
This multi-layered resource explains level of care, signs to look in choosing specific option for care, what to look for in care facilities, and the estimated costs of each.
ENCORE Ministries through the Golden Cross Foundation
Through the Tennessee Conference, this website serves older adults through a grant of the Golden Cross Foundation. This ministry is headed up by Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler, author of An Age of Opportunity.
This Dementia Toolkit includes a ministry workbook, action plan, and early warning signs.
Book resources for Older Adults
An Age of Opportunity: Intentional Ministry by, with, and for Older Adults by Richard Gentzler
This book builds on Richard’s Designing an Older Adult Ministry (also a recommended resource) and presents new information and ways to enhance the spiritual growth of people of all ages. As many churches are growing older, the church has the opportunity to respond to aging and assist older adults in growing as disciples.
Pilgrimage into the Last Third of Life by Jane Marie Thibault, Richard L. Morgan
The Last Third of life, from age 60 on up, doesn't have to be feared. When viewed from a Christian perspective, this season of life can be meaningful, endurable, and even joyful. The authors suggest approaching the Last Third as a pilgrimage—a journey full of purpose, ripe with opportunities for spiritual growth.
The Life to Come: Re-creating Retirement by Steven M. Tipton
From professor Steven Tipton, this book, though more academic, includes research and practical examples about how new generations of older adults are revisiting retirement in light of cultural and economic realities.
Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms by Missy Buchanan
Aging can feel more like loneliness and pain rather than the so-called golden years. Missy Buchanan brings realism and honest faith together. This book is broken into short chapters with large print that are reflections on Psalms which makes it easy to read and possible to use as a daily devotional.
Scott Hughes is the Executive Director of Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship, Elder in the North Georgia Conference, M.Div. Asbury Theological Seminary, D. Min. Southern Methodist University, co-host of the Small Groups in the Wesleyan Way podcast, creator of the Courageous Conversations project, and facilitator of the How to Start Small Groups teaching series.
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