Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach - Paperback
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach - Paperback
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by Richard H. Jr. Gentzler (Author)
The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Gentzler affirms that the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience, and talents.
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 Baby Boomer generation, since they are now becoming the older adults who will determine the church's 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 don't tell Boomers they're aging. ...They really do expect to stay young and see getting old as an option, rather than a reality."
The Leader's Guide is here.
Back Jacket
Aging faithfully is a blessing and a challenge, and Richard Gentzler is an expert on the subject. In his newest book on aging, he offers church leaders a structured approach to implementing strong ministries by, with, and for older adults. The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Gentzler affirms that the majority of older adults have plenty to give, and the church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience and talents. He stresses that older adult ministries need to be by and with elders as well as for them, since participants will represent all states 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 Baby Boomer generation, since they are now becoming the older adults who will determine the church's path for years to come.
