Don Wilcox with Leadership Network is conducting a research project on Innovative Senior Ministry. Senior Adult Ministry is undergoing rapid and needed change in many churches around the country. Churches that understand the untapped potential of a culture where there are more people alive today over 65 than under 18 are discovering new and creative ways to engage older Americans in productive ministry and kingdom expansion. Americans are living longer and more productive lives than ever before in the history of our nation and they want to give back to their communities.
Civic Ventures and MetLife sponsored a recent survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research International from March to April of 2005. The survey involved 1,000 people age 50-70. This “New Face of Work Survey” revealed that about half of the people surveyed expressed interest in taking new jobs that help improve the quality of life in their communities. Dave McClamma, the Senior Adult Pastor of First Baptist Church of the Mall in Lakeland, Florida says that the new senior is saying to the church, “Use me or lose me.” The church whose leadership understands this is going to be ready for the age wave of older Americans that is coming our way.
The focus of our research is on churches that are doing innovative ministry through and to older adults in their communities.
If you are aware of churches that are doing new and creative ministry engaging older adults in outreach and service and in care giving for the feeble elderly please contact Don using the contact information located to the right.
Don Wilcox - Leadership Community Director