 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||
|
Forum on Religion, Spirituality and Aging |
|||||||||
Spring 2008 Growing Population of Elders Creates
|
||||||||||
FURTHER READING |
| Ministering to Older Adults: The Building Blocks, edited by longtime FORSA member Donald R. Koepke (Binghamton, N.Y.: Haworth Pastoral Press, 2005); paperback, 209 pages; $22.95. This book offers an approach to program development for elders, focusing on spiritual needs. Buy the Book. Vital Involvement in Old Age by Erik H. Erikson, Joan M. Erikson & Helen Q. Kivnick (New York City: W. W. Norton, 1994); paperback, 352 pages; $15.95. First published in 1986, this book offers landmark longitudinal studies of the last stage of the life cycle and its spiritual challenges. Buy the Book. |
There is good news within this list of seemingly bad news. Some wise souls see the current era as a time for reaping and building up. In October 2007, the first baby boomer turned 60 and began receiving Social Security. Representing almost a third of the U.S. population, the boomer generation also is the biggest mission field for faith communities in the United States.
Even as this shift in demographics increases the ranks of older adults in our society, churches are losing members, and a leap of faith is required to meet the needs of those who seek both social and spiritual security. Jesus’ words of caution in Matthew 6:19-20 come to mind. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Youth Is Glamorized
Older adults have witnessed Christian denominations dedicating scarce resources to youth and young adult ministries largely because they see in these ministries the future of the church. Youth is glamorized, if not downright idolized. But youth is not necessarily the church’s future. The church will survive because of -- not in spite of -- its older members.
The baby boomer generation brings with it great gifts and a wealth of largely untapped resources: Older adults offer stability, life experiences, wonderful stories and wisdom. At this stage of their lives, they often at last have the time to volunteer -- and they may have more discretionary income, as well.
People are living longer, and as a result, the vital task of well-being -- of continuing to find meaning and purpose in life -- is extended. Elders have a great need for reassurance and an even greater need to come to terms with their lives. From a holistic health approach, the church environment is ideal for addressing their spiritual needs. If the church can find ways to tap the potential and use the gifts of this great generation, faith communities will benefit from its energy and experience. It is a win-win situation -- churches and individuals thrive.
A Lifelong Process
The gifts to be reaped are not age dependent. Participation in the church is a lifelong process. Jinny Hammond, a 93-year-old member of the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury, N.J., exemplifies the spiritual energy of older Christians. For a year and a half, she worked tirelessly putting together the monthlong celebration of the 275th anniversary of her church. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication made it a very successful time. She says she is determined to serve God and her congregation as long as she has life. Would that more of us followed her example.
At a time when the attitude of many in society seems to be that older adults are disposable, may this be the season of reaping, when congregations realize that the gifts of the gray are ones that keep on giving!
The Rev. Joyce Smothers is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands, N.J. She has worked as a research assistant under an Older Adult Ministry initiative grant at Princeton Seminary in Princeton, N.J.
Kathi Heath is a 2006 graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with master of divinity and master of Christian education degrees. She currently serves as director of Christian education at the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury, N.J.