Finding Meaning In Later Years
by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr.In my seminars and classes on aging and older adult ministries, I usually invite participants to reflect on the various myths and realities of aging. Since we live in an "age-denying," "age-defying" culture, I find it helpful for people to stretch their thinking and attitudes about aging.
The Bible is filled with wonderful stories and references relating to the blessings of aging. In Genesis 12 we read about the call of Abram. He was 75 when God called him to leave his homeland and depart for Haran. In Exodus we read about Moses at the age of 80 being told by God to return to Egypt to free God's people from slavery, bondage, and captivity. In Luke 2 we read about the prophet Anna. At 84 she was in the temple night and day, worshiping, praying, and fasting. As a result, she "began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (2:38, NRSV). These are just three examples in the Bible of older adults who were called by God for a special ministry and purpose.
The Scripture is quite clear: God does not stop inviting people into ministry when they reach older adulthood. Nor does God take away God's blessing when people reach 65 or 70. The writer of Psalms reminds us, "In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap" (Psalm 92:14, NRSV).
Recently, I spoke with a woman who was a participant in one of my workshops on aging and older adult ministries. She told me that, following the death of her husband, her self-esteem was shattered. She felt confused and had lost a sense of purpose in her life. She didn't feel like doing much but she had been encouraged to participate in my workshop. She felt blessed by what she had heard and experienced. As a result of the workshop, she felt God speaking a message of hope for her life.
Following the workshop, she publicly proclaimed that she felt God wasn't finished with her yet. She was enthusiastic about her life and what God might be leading her to do. She had come to believe that, even in her later years, she had found a new sense of purpose. She was grateful to God and appreciated my workshop.
I was grateful for her comments and encouraged by her enthusiasm. Yet, as she walked away, I wondered about her local congregation. Would they encourage her in her faith journey? Would they help her know and experience God's love through Jesus Christ? Would they provide her with the necessary resources for living her faith in everyday life?
Older adults have faith needs that may be overlooked by active, growing congregations. While we are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ, this doesn't mean just making disciples of children, youth, and young adults! Older adults need to experience a new (or renewed) relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to grow in faith maturity, too.
What faith needs of older adults do congregations need to understand? Older adults need to:
- Know that God loves older people. We sing "Jesus Loves the Little Children," and we know that he does; but older adults need to know that Jesus loves them, too. Living in a society that devalues old age, older adults may grow to believe that God no longer loves them. Older adults need to know and claim God's love.
- Experience a church that cares about older adults as individuals and as a group. We must be careful of the language we use in church. While we may pride ourselves on being a family church, this term may mean something different for older and single adults. If older adults only hear about the importance of children and young people from pulpit and pew, they may begin to devalue their own worth and believe that they have no purpose. The church must reach all generations with God's message of love and gift of salvation. No one should be omitted from ministry or experience a lack of care because of age or life stage.
- Remain a vital part of the church by making significant contributions to its ministry. While the church needs and appreciates the financial contributions made by older adults, the church must also equip and empower older adults for living out their Christian discipleship in other significant ways, even when health and physical strength decline. Helping older adults recapture a vision for service is important. Enabling them to identify and develop their spiritual gifts is not only essential for their well-being, it is vital for both church and community.
- Serve as mentors and role models. Successful aging involves opportunities for older adults "to give back" to future generations. This involves sharing their faith, knowledge, experience, and resources with others. The church is one of the few institutions where intergenerational opportunities can occur. Yet, all too often, intergenerational ministry is not being planned or carried out. As a result, children are not being exposed to the faith and wisdom of older adults; and older adults are not experiencing the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of young people.
- Have available support systems. Older adults experience many changes and losses in life. Helping them cope with loss and transition is an important ministry of the church. Ministry that helps meet the psycho-social and spiritual needs of older adults provides a valuable service that is essential to their continued growth in faith and trust in God.
What about your congregation? Are you deliberate in your ministry with older adults? Are older adults full participants in the life of your congregation and invited to share their faith with others? How are older adults in your congregation living out their faith in their daily life? How are you helping older adults deepen their faith in God? May we learn to proclaim as did Job, "Wisdom [is] with the aged, and understanding in length of days . . ." (Job 12:12, NRSV).
Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., D.Min., is the Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries. He may be reached at rgentzler@gbod.org.
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