Compiled by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Director, Center on Aging & Older-Adult Ministries

*Adult Ministries: Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Bill Lizor, and Debra Smith. (Abingdon Press, 2008)
A "how-to" guide that provides practical ideas and models for adult ministry (including older-adult ministry) in congregational settings.

Ageless: Take Control of Your Age and Stay Youthful for Life by Edward L. Schneider, M.D. Rodale (2003). This resource refutes the myth that age equals loss -- of our health and our physical and mental vigor.

*Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. Discipleship Resources, Nashville, TN (2008). This resource offers church leaders a structured approach for implementing strong ministries by, with, and for older adults. Aging: Concepts and Controversies by Harry R. Moody. (Pine Forge Press, Thousand Oaks, CA, 2000)
An excellent resource that helps readers confront many of the issues that have an impact on both aging persons and our aging society.

Aging, Spirituality, and Religion, Volume 1 edited by Melvin A. Kimble, Susan H. McFadden, and all. Volume 1. (Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN, 1995)
This book examines the ways religion and spirituality are experienced by aging people within an aging society.

Aging, Spirituality, and Religion, Volume 2 edited by Melvin A. Kimble and Susan H. McFadden. (Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN, 2003)
Picking up where Volume 1 left off, this book contains substantive theoretical essays on how religion and spirituality are encountered in the growth experiences and life crises of older adults.

Aging Well by George E. Vaillant, M.D. (Little, Brown and Co., New York, NY, 2002)
This book is based on what is arguably the longest study of aging in the world -- the Study of Adult Development at Harvard University.

The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life by Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. Quill (2001) This resource helps debunk the harmful myths about aging and illuminates the biological and emotional foundations for creativity.

A Deepening Love Affair: The Gift of God in Later Life by Jane Marie Thibault. (Upper Room Books, 1993.)
A classic book on spirituality in life's later years and ways to become aware of our gifts.

*Designing an Older Adult Ministry by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. (Discipleship Resources, 1999)
A "how-to" book and an informative resource for organizing and sustaining an intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults in local church settings.

Dimensions of Older Adult Ministry: A Handbook edited by Richard L. Morgan. Witherspoon Press, Louisville, KY (2006) An informative resource and practical guide for leaders in older adult ministry.

Faith in the Future: Healthcare, Aging, and the Role of Religion by Harold G. Koenig and Douglas M. Lawson. (Templeton Foundation Press, Radnor, PA, 2004)
The authors believe a major role for the church is to train volunteer caregivers and other volunteers to interact with the growing numbers of older adults.

*Forty-Sixty: A Study for Midlife Adults Who Want to Make a Difference by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., and Craig Kennet Miller (Discipleship Resources, 2001)
A small-group study book for Baby Boomers and midlife adults who are personally confronting the many issues of aging.

Growing Old in Christ edited by Stanley Hauerwas, Carole Bailey Stoneking, Keith G. Meador, and David Cloutier. (Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapid, MI, 2003)
Presents a serious theological reflection on what it means to grow old.

Lay Pastoral Care Giving by Timothy M. Farabaugh. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN (2009).
This resource offers a systemic way for pastoral care to happen within congregational life using the caring gifts among the laity in the church.

Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN (2008).
This book will be a comfort for those who are living out their last long years and a help for those who love to care for them.

Mature Years. (Abingdon Press; available from Cokesbury.)
A large-print quarterly magazine filled with articles and a Bible study based on the International Lessons. Especially written for older adults.

*New Beginnings: The Gifts of Aging (DVD) by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. Discipleship Resources, Nashville, TN (2005).
Video looks at aging in our society and provides a glimpse at a variety of church ministries that are being enjoyed by older adults.

No Act of Love is Ever Wasted: The Spirituality of Caring for Persons with Dementia by Richard L. Morgan and Jane Marie Thibault. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN.
This book presents a realistic picture of dementia, and encourages anyone who provides care to persons with dementia and those receiving the care to see caregiving and receiving as an opportunities for spiritual growth.

Not Alone: Encouragement for Caregivers by Nell W. Noonan. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN (2009).
Encouragement for those involved in long-term care for someone with chronic illness or disability to understand their experience as a spiritual pilgrimage and to look for God's embrace along the way.

Our Help in Ages Past: the Black Church's Ministry Among the Elderly by Bobby Joe Saucer with Jean Alicia Elster. Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA 2005.
This excellent resource provides a challenge to black churches to act upon the needs of older adults.

The Power of the Dream by Marie White Webb. (Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, 1999)
A moving testimony of faithful living in the later years.

Remembering Your Story: A Guide to Spiritual Autobiography by Richard L. Morgan. (Upper Room Books; Revised edition, 2002)
Designed for small groups, this resource encourages and guides participants through ten sessions of life review and future direction.

Senior Adult Ministry in the 21st Century by David P. Gallagher. Group, Loveland, CO, 2002)
This helpful resource provides step-by-step strategies for reaching people over fifty years of age.

Settling In: My First Year in a Retirement Community by Richard L. Morgan. Upper Room Books, Nashville, TN (2006).
This unique and candid collection of meditations will prove particularly helpful for those considering entering a continuing care/retirement community or for adult children or caregivers of persons facing the decision of retirement living for loved ones.

Soulful Aging: Ministry through the Stages of Adulthood by Henry C. Simmons and Jane Wilson. (Smyth & Helwys, Macon, GA, 2001)
A ministry resource for older adults as they journey through the later years of life.

Successful Aging: The MacArthur Foundation Study by John W. Rowe, M.D. and Robert L. Kahn, Ph.D. (Random House, Inc., New York, NY, 1998)
A good book about lifestyle choices that, according to the authors, are more important than genes in determining how well we age.

10 Gospel Promises for Later Life by Jane Marie Thibault. Upper Room Books, Nashville (2004).
This helpful resource invites readers to identify their own fears and learn to make the most of God's gift of longer life.

What are Old People For?What are Old People For? By William H. Thomas, M.D. VanderWyk & Barnham, Acton, Massachusetts (2004).
The author describes how our obsession with youth damages the well-being of all, young and old alike, and he offers an alternative.

Winter Grace: Spirituality and Aging by Kathleen Fischer. (Upper Room Books, Nashville, 1998)
A classic book showing how the losses that accompany aging can lead to freedom and new life.

* Books by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Director, Center on Aging & Older-Adult Ministries, the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

List updated 1-11-2010


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