Older Adult Ministries

What Works vs. What Matters

for Well-Being (and Mattering)

Because the next post will include some important but detailed examples of starting a specific type of older adult ministry, I want to use this blog to summarize some differences among three components involved in starting new ministries:

1. Planning         2.     Finding What Works          3.  Including What Matters

Though different from each other in many ways, these three components of starting an older adult ministry will reinforce each other in ways you may not even anticipate.  Each component you address in your congregation will be, in part, trial and error.  That is how it should be; we always learn what works from what we try out together. 

I urge all congregations to think “partnerships” (among the church staff, plus the older adult members) as they being their work. Not only can partnerships provide more inclusive and diverse possibilities, but the fact that more people will see themselves as creators of the ministry will increase the likelihood that they will continue with their volunteer leadership.

The “real people” talking about these issues below are Marguerite Manning and Jane Schott. 

PLANNING:  I suspect that there are some churches that just decide to do something about an older adult ministry, and get on with it the next day.  The programs may work, but missing, it seems to me, would be the inclusion of significant input from the older adult congregation.  An absence of older adult leaders would likely reduce the likelihood that a focus on “What Matters”  will be addressed (see below).

Here are some thoughts from real people:

·      Lots of pre-planning and a clear vision of what the main purpose of the group is, including meeting dates/times/place, possible programs.  

·      Leadership committed to whole-hearted enthusiasm for the program - at least for the short-run (three months?  six months?).  

·      Lots and lots of publicity beforehand in-house and to the community - local news, mailings to local churches, posters in stores, etc. (for programs that are open to the older adults in the community, like WOW).

·      Day-time events

·      Low cost activities

·      Transportation needs to be met

·      I am trying to think back on what we did when we started up, and I know we planned for about six months before we "opened the doors".  We were fortunate to have a super planning team (and still have the same ones except for our finance person).  They had no idea they were in for the long haul!!

WHAT WORKS:  Here is where we can all learn from each other.  What works in one church may not work as well in other church because of many differences; more people, very different weather patterns, less individual income, fewer nearby entertainment opportunities, fewer or more established friendships, and different customs and social expectations. 

But an important issue for “what works” is that it is meaningful to those you want to come; fun is always a reinforcement, no matter what our age.  So if you make the programs fun, they will pretty well insure that a number of people will show up.

Here are some thoughts from real people:

·      Enthusiasm and lots of planning!!!

·      Get people excited about what's coming!!!!  

·      Food of some type - whether snacks or lunch or just coffee and tea.  

·      NAME TAGS THAT ARE VISIBLE!!  

·      Seating/tables conducive to easy communication.  

·      Ice-breakers for discussion and get-to-know-you ideas.

·      A key for the success of the “story swap” sessions is to have a microphone that is passed around from speaker to speaker.  It makes all the difference in the world whether or not all of the rest of the participants will feel included --because they can hear what is being said!

WHAT MATTERS:  It is a little difficult to know what really matters to people (that is what programs and activities have an ability to make people feel a sense of well-being the next day)! 

This very important dimension is what will make a difference in the development of a person’s resilience.  It typically involves the making and solidifying of friendships that people know will serve as a bridge across the gaps in well-being as they age.

Here are some thoughts from real people:

A warm welcome as one enters.  

The opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends - community!  

Small tasks that give individuals ownership in the program  (we have a book corner where

    people donate books and magazines to borrow and share).  

A time for new friendships to develop informally.

A prayer list posted that all can add names,

A dessert provider list allowing people to contribute as they are able.

A diversity of programs and activities to match the diversity of interests and abilities of the older adult members of the congregation.

This issue of What Works vs. What really Matters is very real for me.  I see a reluctance by some older adults to attend a church program if they think they may have to say something (and not do it right?  correctly? well? ???).  Yet I know that those programs in which all share something meaningful to them and the others truly listen and express appreciation, are the ones that will make a difference in the level of feelings of well-being.  This may call for patience and time with just the “fun” programs for a while to allow people to gain skills in knowing names, and developing acceptance and trust -- before moving to programs that more directly engage people in a more personal way.  (see Lyn’s comments below.)

Let’s read again the comments from Lyn Reville (a volunteer coordinator for the WOW program):

 “Some of the best programs are those 'in house' brand - where we bring up a topic for discussion and have those present take turns with the 'mike' giving their feelings, memories, etc. about that topic.  Sometimes it is an item we have them share rather than a topic.  For example, we had the folks bring their wedding photos or albums and comment on them briefly.  We've had them bring an example of something they collect to share with the group.   We've had them bring patriotic items and have even had them share a quote that is one they may live by.  The explanations from those who participate are so heart-warming, sincere and open.  We get to know each other a bit better through these types of programs and likewise add to more trust within the group. The brief comments shared in these ‘in house’ programs, lead to longer private chats during lunch when the actual program for the day is over.  These program offerings are my favorites.”

      Bruce