10 Ways to Involve Older Adults in Ministry

As a leader of older adult ministries, I find involving older adults in ministry to be an exciting yet sometimes difficult challenge. We hear older adults say, "I have done my part," or "It's time to get others (younger people?) involved," or "I'm too old." While we always want to encourage and equip leaders of all ages, we certainly don't want the faith, wisdom, and experience that often abound in older adults to be lost or underused. The following ten ideas are simple, yet effective, ways of inviting and involving older adults in ministry.

Perhaps you can add your ideas to this list.

1. Develop a shared vision for ministry with older adults. Share your vision and invite older adults to share their vision. Have a "meeting of the minds."
   
2. Involve older adults in the decision-making process. Ask them what they think. Older adults have lots of experience and knowledge to share.
   
3. Invite older adults to become active participants in the ministry. Help them integrate their faith in their daily life.
   
4. Say "Thank you!" Find ways to express your appreciation for the ministry of older adults ... a postcard or note, an e-mail message, or ... a dinner with a special recognition service.
   
5. Keep older adults informed. Use regular newsletters to make them feel important. Post information on an older adult ministries bulletin board in an area of the church where older adults normally congregate. Develop an older adult ministries website.
   
6. Pick up the phone or stop by for a visit. Make sure older adults know how important they are to the ministry of the church.
   
7. Never forget a birthday. Birthday cards, postcards, and e-mail greetings mean a lot.
   
8. Greet older adults with a smile. It may seem trivial, but greeting older adults with a warm welcome and big smile helps establish a positive tone for ministry.
   
9. Involve older adults in learning opportunities. Invite them to learn about new ideas and resources for ministry. Older adults want to continue learning, and your willingness to help says that you value them.
   
10. Engage older adults in prayer and Bible study. Allow God's Word to excite and invite older adults into discipleship.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2001 issue of Center Sage.