The Journey Outward

In previous generations, society supported religious institutions in general and the Christian church in particular. Businesses closed on Sunday, no meetings were held on Wednesday nights, and spring break and winter holidays always fell in conjunction with Easter and Christmas. Now, in our pluralistic society, in an effort to allow for the equitable practice of a multitude of religious faiths, soccer leagues schedule matches on Sunday mornings, meetings are held every night of the week, spring break comes whenever, and winter holidays may in the near future not include Christmas. The perils facing the church persist; the form has just changed. Although physical dangers may no longer threaten us, the influence of our secular society still seeks to weaken the role of the church in the world.

The twenty-first-century church has much in common with the first-century church and the world of Wesley's early Methodists. Jesus depended on his disciples to continue his teaching so that others could be led to servant ministry. Wesley created guidelines and accountability to prepare his followers to further his work. As the future of Jesus' ministry hinged on a sometimes seemingly inept group of disciples to ensure its survival, so the future of the modern church depends on the present membership to be good stewards of the faith, to tell the Christian story, to hear the cry of the needy, and to make disciples to assure that succeeding generations will perpetuate the church. The continuation of the church is always only one generation from extinction. Church leaders must offer models for transmitting our beliefs and practices to the next generations. Older adults who have long practiced the spiritual disciplines of our denomination represent the keepers of our faith and are the experienced tellers of the Story.

Confronting the Needs of Our World

Following is a brief list of suggestions for programs that older adults can help organize in local congregations. In some, they may facilitate the activities; in others, they may serve as advisors. In either capacity, they play a vital role as mentors and guides for younger generations seeking to serve after the example of Christ.

Spiritual
Compassionate Companions (Stephen Ministers if available)
Trained confidential companions provide a comforting presence and a listening ear through visits, phone calls, e-mail, and so on.

Service of Hope
Worship service during Advent for those who are experiencing loss.

Healing services

Home Communion
Trained lay members celebrate Communion in the homes of homebound as directed by pastor.

Worship tapes
Audio and/or videotapes of services delivered by lay visitors to help the homebound stay connected to the church.

Bible study

Retirement community outreach

• Retirement communities offer excellent opportunities for service by older adults through studies, worship services, friendly visits, transportation to worship.
• Residents can be invited to join in church fellowship activities.
• Inspirational notes and tray favors can be made by one group and delivered by another.
• Bedridden patients can be invited to participate in intercessory prayer as well as receive visits.

Sunday School by Telephone

• Intentional intercessory prayer ministry.
• Homebound are guided in offering intercessory prayer for individuals, the church, and the world.

Vigils

• Onsite prayer vigils for religious holidays, mission projects, or other identified needs
• Homebound can be assigned a time to pray in their homes.