Books For Senior Adult Ministry

In this book James M. Houston and Michael Parker issue an urgent call to reconceive the place and part of the elderly and seniors in the local church congregation.

Confronting the idea that the aging are mostly a burden on the church, they boldly address the moral issues related to caring for them, provide examples of successful care-giving programs and challenge the church to restore broken connections across the generations.

Cowritten by a noted theologian and an expert in the fields of social work and gerontology, this interdisciplinary book assesses our current cultural context and the challenges and opportunities we face. The authors show us that seniors aren’t the problem. They are the solution.

Amy Hanson challenges us to let go of many old stereotypes regarding aging and embrace a new paradigm that sees older adults as active, healthy and capable of making significant contributions.

• Debunks the myths of aging that keep us from fully embracing the potential of people in life’s second half
• Offers suggestions on how to re-invent ministry with older adults
• Focuses on unleashing older adults to serve and make an impact on churches and congregations
• A volume in the Leadership Network series

The author shows church leaders how they can unleash the power of the baby boomer population to strengthen their congregations.

Gentzler stresses that older adult ministries need to be by and with elders as well as for them, since participants will represent all stages of retirement and activity levels. In addition to the practical issues of programming, Gentzler takes on more difficult topics of aging including chronic conditions, depression and death. He also recommends that churches pay special attention to the needs of the Boomer generation, since they are now becoming the older adults who will determine the churchs path for years to come. “”As Boomers have cycled through their various life stages they passed through hippie and yuppie to become abbies: aging baby boomers,”” Gentzler writes. “”But dont tell Boomers theyre aging. …They really do expect to stay young and see getting old as an option, rather than a reality.

In six easy to read chapters, Designing an Older Adult Ministry:

• Helps congregations look at “why” ministry by, with, and for older adults
• Provides information on attitudes and trends in aging
• Explores myths and realities of aging
• Offers tools to help congregations assess current reality
• Showcases planning models
• Provides numerous resources and direction

Congregational leaders will find this a helpful tool in understanding and creating effective older adult ministries.

Too many churches and parachurch organizations know too little about the similarities and differences among the three largest generations that make up the American populace today, and the church often suffers because of it. Effective Generational Ministry offers students and practitioners cutting-edge research and biblical analysis of Boomers (1946-1964), GenXers (1965-1981), and Millennials (1982-2001) so churches can minister more effectively within and across generational lines.

The authors, one an expert on generational differences and the other a respected New Testament scholar, represent different generations and areas of expertise. Effective Generational Ministry explores key characteristics of each generation based on empirical research, provides biblical-theological analysis of generational attributes, and offers specific suggestions for ministry with and for each generation. The book also provides proven examples of intergenerational ministry.

When good leaders are needed, when the work is urgent, our immediate reaction is to enlist new leaders. Instead we are called to invest in new leaders.

Good leaders are developed in and through slow, deep mentoring. To think otherwise is to embrace the myth of the quick fix. We proceed, instead, by paying careful attention to and joining in the work God is already doing in people’s lives.Deep Mentoring is designed to help you know better how to come alongside others as a guide and a friend, to invest in their spiritual formation and leadership. If you want long-term impact on the lives of future leaders, how you guide must be as important as the content you impart. Only then will you see lifelong change and empowerment in those you mentor.

Randy Reese and Robert Loane show you how to make the most of the crucial ministry of mentoring. They offer a biblically grounded approach that draws on the research and teaching of Bobby Clinton as well as their own experience in resourcing churches and Christian organizations.

Sticky Faith is geared to spark a movement that empowers adults to develop robust and long-term faith in kids of all ages. This easy-to-read guide presents both a compelling rationale and a powerful strategy to show parents how to encourage their children’s spiritual growth so that it will stick with them into adulthood and empower them to develop a living, lasting faith.

Sharing personal insights and examples, he offers a compelling vision for lifelong learning, purposeful planning, running the race with endurance, and glorifying Jesus—no matter what your age! 128 pages, softcover.