Torch, Fall 1986

.! j The ''Super Sixties'' at Blackhawk by Rev. George Lampman I n 1978 Blackhawk Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, gave my wife and me an opportunity to start a ministry of outreach and fellowship to senior adults . On October 13 of that year, Super Sixties held their first meeting with 34 people in attendance. Our goals included a service to senior adults that would: 1. Create an opportunity for making known to them the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Help them find comfort and peace through a daily, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. 3. Create an environment for them which will promote encouragement and Christian fellowship. 4. Assist them in finding God's purpose for their lives. 5. Help them to know and experience God's love . 6. Provide a platform for them to express their love for God and their love to others. 7. Assure them that they are special people and are important in God's sight. Unfortunately, our government and our society have put a demeaning connotation on the term "senior citizens." Therefore, at Blackhawk we decided to use the title "senior adults" to identify this special group of people who have much to offer. They have years of experience and the time to contribute considerably to our society and to the church ministry. The name "Super Sixties" implies and confirms that they are important in God's sight. I remember that the first fruit the Lord gave us was Peg and Vern. They attended the first meeting of Super Sixties and got involved in helping with the ministry. They came to know the Lord as their Savior, were baptized, and joined our church. Peg has since gone to be with the Lord and Vern is continuing his walk with the Lord in another location. Throughout the years Super Sixties has touched the lives of over 3 ,000 people who have attended at least one time. A number of people from other churches who have attended the meetings have found Christ as their Savior; others are learning more and growing in Christ. During the celebration of a recent Super Sixties anniversary, 23 people asked to receive Christ as Savior and Lord . Each Friday at 10 a.m. some 200-350 attend Super Sixties. On the seventh anniversary over 600 were in attendance from over 95 churches. A goal of 700 has been set before the Lord for the eighth anniversary. With a four "S" formula of singing, a special feature, a spiritual segment, and the social element, occasional surprise ingredients help to build interest, but the general pattern remains consistent so that members know what to expect . The program does not concentrate on problems of senior adults. Rather, we want to encourage them, love them , and make them know that they are an important part of our society . They need to know that God loves them and that the church loves them enough to provide a program where they can meet with others, have fellowship , and receive a spiritual blessing. These seniors are eager to return the love that is extended to them. One thing they do is bring some food item to share at the weekly meetings. To effectively reach senior adults in the community for Jesus Christ requires much prayer, time, and hard work. Numerous social agencies offer activities to meet physical needs and to occupy time. But the church can offer so much more: the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and to have abundant , eternal life in Him. Reaching senior adults in the community should have high priority in any church 's ministry. George: Lampman. Jr. directs Pastora l Care at Blackhawk Baptist Chu rch. Fort Wayne. Indiana . / 11