|
Christian congregations offer their members
opportunities to help others, share fellowship, and
learn. Especially on a short-term basis, this aspect of
congregational ministry appeals to younger more active
retirees.
You may find this quote from How to Minister Among
Older Adults, by Charles T. Knippel, surprising:
“At the present time in the United States the average
age of retiring persons is 57.5 years.” When you add to
the younger retirement age the fact that many people
remain very active long after they retire, there are
implications for congregational ministry.
In his book, Knippel examines congregational ministry
to, by, and among retired persons of all ages. He
emphasizes the Word of God that centers in the Gospel of
forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ. Ministry among
older adults, as do all Christian ministries, flows from
the Savior’s grace.
When Knippel writes about the Christian lives of younger
retirees, he says they “are likely to participate
eagerly in periodic events, usually short-time
opportunities and short-term group activities for both
pleasure and helpfulness to others. Remember that many
or most of them want to focus on being significant and
to contribute to the common good.” Of baby boomers in
particular, Knippel says this group is “attracted to
planning and participating in short-term educational and
servant events. Boomers will enjoy recreational and
travel opportunities.”
Because many younger retirees are not interested in
long-running programs, “Our task is to facilitate that
planning (short-term event planning) and support their
(retirees) chosen activities.”
Congregational volunteer management, in addition to
maintaining standing committees and offices, might also
administer short, one-time events and activities. Such
a congregational volunteer management effort would
appear to be especially relevant to the times in which
we live.
What is new is the lifestyle of many in the generation
that is currently retiring. In this changing world, we
are moved by the Gospel to minister also to, by, and
among these unique older adults.
Submitted by
Dennis Angland
pastoral adviser to the Iowa District West Older Adult
Ministry Committee |
