Torch, Fall 1986

10 continued from page 7 grandparents. Pastors need to be well informed; yet they find it difficult to attend all the seminars, meetings, and commu– nity functions without hurting their ministry. Senior adults can act as rep– resentatives of the church and bring back materials and a brief written re– port to update the pastor. Senior adults can also help the church with its responsibilities to the community. They may participate as volunteers in hospitals , transporta– tion sources for Meals on Wheels, adult care center workers, and drivers for "Dial-a-Ride" services. Older in– dividuals may also serve as volun– teers in visitors ' centers, libraries, nursing homes , telephone reassur– ance programs, and information re– ferral services. Outreaches such as smgmg groups, nursing and retirement home ministries, puppet programs, and gospel magic are all within the reach of older individuals properly trained. Adopt-a-grandparent programs, phone calls to shut-ins, and visitation to the handicapped are rewarding mini s– tries. A very useful service is the maintaining and lending of wheel– chairs, canes, and walkers for those convalescing. If senior adults are properly moti– vated, almost unlimited oppor– tunities exist for them to fit into the realm of the church's total ministry. HINDRANCES While many churches encourage their senior adults to become in– volved, many do not. Unfortunately, the local church often hinders the role of senior adults, sometimes unknow– ingly and sometimes deliberately . A young pastor in Maryland was approached by some older members of the congregation about the possi– bility of starting a senior adult minis– try. They saw the outreach as an av– enue for service and, at the same time, as a way to meet the needs of their age group . The pastor unwisely did not encourage such a ministry . The result was a drifting of the older members of the congregation to a nearby church whose pastor recog– nized the value of the senior adults. Churches should be sensitive to the feelings of retired adults who can no longer contribute financially as they once did. A lady accustomed to giv– ing generously to the local church during her working years found her contribution diminished as a part of her belt-tightening strategy required by a lower retirement income. She had to be satisfied with less frequent participation in church activities re– quiring a donation. Little by little she felt estranged and she stopped attend– mg. Churches often fail to recognize the physical limitations of some older individuals that prohibit them from riding the bus , climbing stairs, and walking long distances from the parking lot. Inadequate sound sys– tems, lack of provision for meeting the needs of the hearing impaired, and crowded seating also deter older people from getting involved. Often churches don't recognize the tendency of senior adults toward in– flexibility. This age group is inclined to stick to tradition , resist change, and feel intimidated when fresh ap– proaches to reaching people for Christ are ventured by new or younger church members. A successful pastor blends the wis– dom and experience of the older adults with the fresh ideas and ag– gressiveness of the younger members of the congregation to provide a unity of spirit. BENEFITS If the church values the ministry of meeting the needs of senior adults , everyone benefits. There is the satis– faction of fulfilling biblical responsi– bility , and God blesses with salvation decisions, baptisms , and new mem– bers. New resources become available to accomplish needed tasks in the church . Pastors burdened for this age group are blessed by seeing their senior adults actively serving the Lord and fre– quently hear comments such as: Joining the Senior Saints was the best thing that could have hap– pened to me. I used to stay at home after my husband died. Now I am actively involved in the church. Through the phone network , I have made many new friends. My life has changed since I got in– volved in the Senior Saints . My husband would not go to church with me until you took an interest in us. When no one else cared, you came and listened. A gospel chorus of senior adults was formed a few years ago . Most of the participants were apprehensive about standing before an audience and few would give testimonies. Sev– eral months later all 15 singers were regularly giving praise to the Lord through public testimony. How can one measure the value of new confi– dence , self-esteem, and a radiant smile? The Bible tells us to "Bear ye one another's burdens ... " (Galatians 6:2). Is your church meeting the needs of your senior adults? Have you provided opportunities for service? Rev. Norm Hedding is Director of Senior Saints Ministry, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia .