Plan a Senior Adult Emphasis for Your Elder Generations

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Life is a journey, not a race. Facing the experiences of life therefore requires faith rather than speed. Through God’s presence and encouragement, we can find the faith and endurance needed to deal with all the experiences of life.

“Faith for the Journey,” the theme for the 2005 Senior Adult Week emphasis, recognizes the faith and endurance that most older adults have relied on for decades as they have navigated and overcome the dark times of our nation’s young history. Their strength of faith has been a model for generations that have followed in their footsteps of leadership in our nation.

Consider the obstacles many of our older generations have overcome: global war, depression, technological change, social upheaval - experiences that have touched every one of us in some way. Christian senior adults truly can testify to the strength they have found in the theme verse for this year’s emphasis: “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, Holman CSB). 

Celebrating with senior adults can be a joy for all age groups. Consider some of the ways your church can recognize senior adults.

Senior adult revival - Invite the community and neighboring churches. Use outstanding preachers in your area. Have a morning meeting and serve lunch afterward to provide good fellowship opportunities.

Senior adult Bible conference - Focus on studying one particular book of the Bible. Schedule a time that is convenient for seniors. Enlist a well-known teacher or pastor. Consider the current January Bible Study material for adults. The 2005 study was based on the Book of Mark.

Senior Adult VBS - Vacation Bible School is gaining popularity among senior adults. Use the adult VBS materials for a great learning opportunity. Offer it at the same time as other VBS groups are meeting, providing a unique study opportunity for grandparents who might be raising or caring for their grandchildren.

Senior adult retreat - A retreat provides a time for reflection, fellowship, and just good fun. Time away from a busy world is always refreshing.

Senior adult emphasis -  Conducting a special emphasis each day of the week could involve many seniors. Some suggestions include:

• a day trip to a historical site
• a picnic
• a ministry service at a campground
• a day of relaxation and recreation at a city park

Faith has sustained our elder generations as they have built their churches and communities. Senior Adult Week provides churches and leaders an opportunity to meet needs while providing appropriate recognition to friends and family who have invested themselves for a lifetime in the rest of us.

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