My advice: “For any older adult who is a person of faith, their congregation is the first and main contact with other people.”
For almost thirty years, Don Miller has participated in the life, growth and ministries of First Baptist Church of Mansfield. As the executive pastor, Miller has served his congregation and community in many capacities, but his involvement with adults age 50 and over has presented a great learning opportunity for himself and for the development of the church.
“On any Sunday, we have over 80 older adults involved in bible study classes and worship, but we have close to 200 members of the church who are over age 50,” says Miller, a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. First Baptist ministries for older adults include devotional and fellowship opportunities such as group bible studies, luncheons, guest speakers, and special events. “People get tired and bored cooking just for themselves and want the socialization,” Miller adds. “This generation loves music of any kind, like rock and roll or jazz. Anything upbeat.” For this reason, Miller involves local high school bands and choirs at luncheons or any other group meeting.
With the growth of older populations, faith-based organizations in communities large and small have devoted efforts to developing their older adult ministries. This focus is crucial to the growth and maintenance of churches with a mission to not only serve the communities in which they exist, but also church members who have aged as central components to their church’s vitality. Providing social connections through different group activities help older members of the congregation access social support, continue to grow spiritually, and enhance their quality of life. However, planning for a growing population of older adults can involve many considerations.
Miller says one of his biggest challenges is designing services and activities that meet the needs of different ages and interests of his older adult congregation. “If they are outgoing, they may already go to a senior center or belong to another organization or club,” he explains. “But if they are more reclusive, they may just go to bible study and church services.” Individual differences in health and activity levels among church patrons also require flexible scheduling. “We seldom schedule evening events during the winter months when there are fewer hours of daylight. We also had to change our monthly meetings from Mondays to Wednesday because after Sunday church services, it may take some seniors a couple of days to recuperate before attending another event,” adds Miller, who learned about these special issues firsthand when caring for his mother. With some younger adults age 50 and over still working, planning must also incorporate occasional evening events.
Miller notes several other considerations when designing or evaluating services and programs for older adults that come from his own experience in leading older adult ministries:
• Keep the group in the know. “Plan a year’s calendar of events so that people can schedule doctor’s appointments and other commitments that are difficult to reschedule around events they want to attend.”
• Take every opportunity to invite. “I give information about activities to everybody through the mail and as handouts in bible class and once in a while, they will show up!”
• Consider special needs when planning. “Because of the health and financial concerns of some people, our field trips are limited to about five hours.”
• Evaluate your guest speakers carefully. “You have to be careful about speakers. They should not be forceful or ask people to sign up or commit to something financially.”
• Open the doors. “It’s not a qualification to be a member of our church to participate in any of the activities.”
On a final note, Miller expresses the importance of faith-based organizations in the lives of many older adults. “For any older adult who is a person of faith, their congregation is the first and main contact with other people.” Providing access to this connectedness and community enriches the lives of older adults both emotionally and spiritually.
To learn more about the mission and ministries of First Baptist Church of Mansfield, visit www.firstmansfield.com.
