Available: Men and Women 50+

By Dan Scherling

As a pastor or church leader, you have the greatest untapped resource in adults age 50 and older.

Many people think of older adults as retirees. Yet, millions of Americans aged 55+ work full- or part-time jobs every day. While the reasons they work are varied, for many, it’s a matter of necessity to remain financially secure and independent. More importantly, 70 percent of Boomers and seniors feel they have a responsibility to make the world a better place.

 In her book, Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults Over 50, Amy Hanson writes, “Nearly every godly character in scripture was actively working for God. The apostle John was in his nineties when he wrote the book of Revelation. Moses was 80 years old when he led the Israelites from Egypt across the desert and to the edge of the Promised Land.”

Men and women age 50+, the new generation of older adults, represent a huge network of kingdom laborers sitting in your church every week. Boomers and Builders have discretionary time, wisdom, and experience too valuable to be ignored.

As you lead and encourage others, ask yourself and them,

What are some opportunities to advance God’s kingdom at this point in our lives and ministry?

 How can we finish strong and finish well as the apostle Paul challenged us to do?

 How can we effectively lead others to follow their desire to serve?

 Many adults in this demographic have worked all of their lives and are now able to enjoy several weeks of vacation each year. Consider challenging these individuals to use their abundance of free time to serve others in the community, the church, and the body of Christ around the world. Their notable commitment still gives them the bulk of the year to visit grandchildren, enjoy recreation, and travel!

Let’s encourage men and women 50+ to combine their skills and their passions for ministry! A retired truck driver now works at a local truck stop, conducting worship services and sharing the gospel in the café. Many drivers have come to Christ, while others have been encouraged and grounded in their faith.

One southern California 50+ group takes 100 men and women twice each year to Gleanings for the Hungry mission trips in central California. They package dried fruit and vegetables to ship in drum containers, feeding millions of people overseas. These Boomers serve and worship together while forging meaningful relationships and catching a vision for global outreach and missions.

Another church leader writes, “We are being increasingly intentional in doing more intergenerational ministry. We currently have 20 of our Boomers and Builders

[matched with] high school students to pray weekly for one another. We are looking forward to planning a meal that will allow these two generations to share their life experiences.”

Adults 50 and older make up 45% of the population—America’s largest demographic—and will remain so for the next 50 years. They’ve acquired valuable life experience, leadership skills, and wisdom. Their commitment to Christ has stood the test of time.

Millions of Boomers and Builders are looking for ways to make a significant impact during the second half of their lives. As their pastor or church leader, you can help these men and women make a huge difference in their world!

Dan is media strategies coordinator for CASA50+ Network and lives in Colorado Springs, CO. He studied mass communication at Evangel University in Springfield, MO, and recently completed an MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary. He has worked extensively in the nonprofit sector, and is currently part-time data administrator and music associate at Broadmoor Community Church in Colorado Springs.