The New Elders Are Us!

Today’s so-called ‘Second-Half’ Christian arrived when much of the Church was looking the other way. And guess what. The GenXers are next.

Boomers alone represent as much as 25% of urban and suburban centers in Canada and America, and between 25–40% of many congregations. The first of the leading edge (“never trust anybody over 30”) boomers turned 65 this year. Together with their parents, they are the first generation intent on living another 30 or 40 years after reaching age 50. It is not a promotional ploy. Many of us will do it. The question for Christ followers is, are we/they ready to become the ‘new elders’ of Christendom? And then, of course, there are the GenXers. Don’t forget them. Leading edge GenXers just turned 46 this year. And those grandkids of yours? Well, take a look.

Source: The Learning Café and American Demographics enterprisingmuseum 2003.

Admittedly, younger 50-Plusers sometimes view 70-Plusers with mixed feelings and even a bit of avoidance; after all, we/they are the ‘parents.’ We/they signal both burden and blessing to boomers who find themselves sandwiched between aging parents and children in college or ‘home again,’ trying to get a foothold on their dream job in a tough economy. Together with their pastors and second-half ministry leaders, they find themselves grappling with both the joys and the responsibilities this season in life brings. When it comes to the Church, these new elders range from the devoted to the impatient to the resigned and everywhere in between. They represent a key to ministry success in the body of Christ, but like the key to the front door, are sometimes hard to keep track of and frequently turn up missing. Some are ‘soccer moms and dads,’ weary from years of trying to keep it all together. For some it translates into ‘church fatigue.’ Whether Xer, boomer or builder, they’ve experienced much of what the world is like out there. They have much to give to those following after them. They want to teach and to be taught. Many desire to be Jesus’ hands and feet in today’s world. Maybe not the same way their parents have done, but every bit as impactful. Are we ready to help guide and encourage them along this part of life’s journey? And like veterans come home from battle, some of these ‘new elders’ are in need of thoughtful and loving attention, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Candidly, I’m not sure that the Church really gets the huge significance in all this. I am certain of one thing, though. If ministry to and through 50+ age adults is pushed to one side or overlooked by the Church’s leaders, it will have long-term catastrophic implications. That’s why successfully engaging all the generations in a purposeful and meaningful part of the ministry program and outreach of your church is important. My good Canadian friend Timothy Starr, a respected sage in older adult ministry, reminds us that, “Older people are ready to embrace a life of faith if they can see the reality of Jesus Christ in the lives of those around them.” So who are the ‘new elders’ in your church? They are us! Are you planning for and executing effective ministry to and through this major segment of your faith community? How do you intend to reach this part of your community and your world for Christ? We have to begin somewhere. Let me suggest three first steps that are sure to deepen and broaden your vision.

• If you are not as yet a ministry partner in the CASA Network family of leaders – pastors, educators, volunteers, and experts in the field of effective 50+ Ministry, join today.
• Next, plan to participate in the International CASA 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference 2011, November 9-11 (registration discounts for CASA Network ministry partners).
• Let The CASA Network and CASA volunteers from around the nation, become part of your exciting 50+ Ministry in the months and years ahead.

As someone once said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

Ward

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?

2011

Jan 12 – ALOA Board of Directors – Simi Valley CA;  Jan 13 – SoCal CASA Luncheon – Fullerton CA;  Jan 31-Feb 1 – Assist International Board of Directors – Ripon CA;  Feb 10 – Barnabas Breakfast – Costa Mesa CA;  Mar 05 – Warm Beach Men’s Advance Conference – Stanwood WA; Apr 27 – Northwest Assemblies of God District Conference – Yakima WA;  May 23-June 03 – Israel/Jordan; Aug 10-11 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Tauranga, New Zealand;  Aug 18 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Caloundra QLD, Australia;  Aug 19-21 Senior’s Retreat – Caloundra QLD, Australia;  Sept 01 –  “The CASA Network & 50+ Ministries” – a NorCal CASA morning hosted at Peninsula Covenant Church, Redwood City CA;  Sept 24 – The Intergenerational Challenge – Denver CO;  Oct 18-20 Mount Hermon Fall Adult Conference – Mount Hermon CA;  Nov 08 – CASA Network Board of Directors – Anaheim CA Nov 09-11 – ILC-Anaheim – The CASA Network International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Anaheim CA.