Change is in the air.
As older adults, we know the word “change” can reflect many aspects of life. This is also applicable for organizations. Post-pandemic, the change cycle has accelerated, reshaped, and impacted the faith-based, nonprofit, and older adults’ programs in unexpected ways. Perhaps you’ve seen these shifts reflected in the older adult ministry of your congregation.
On January 21, 2025, the ALOA Board took action that contributes to these broader changes. Members of the Executive Board voted to proceed toward dissolving Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA). Executive Director Joe Young and Board President Carolyn Ross continue to disperse assets and bring current initiatives to completion.
Such decisive action was preceded by prayerful consultation with previous ALOA leaders. With 10,000 adults in the US turning 65 today, tomorrow and each day for the foreseeable future, the need for resources, advocacy and services in the older adult sector has never been greater. However, the growing number of older adults has been accompanied by a parallel growth in visibility, support, services and systems. Multiple online resources are readily available. Various agencies, groups and organizations actively engage older adults. And perhaps most exciting, older adult ministries are “alive and well” among Lutherans across the country.
A new generation of leaders is emerging “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Connecting through digital technology, modifying services to match emerging needs and exploring such forward-thinking options as AI are happening right now. ALOA efforts on the national level are being transformed because of what is happening on the local level.
Perhaps you and other older adult ministry leaders are building communities in new and innovative ways. Your congregation may be adopting progressive methods that provides more socially oriented options during aging, e.g. prioritizing safety, revitalizing formats that extend beyond church walls, and promoting cross-generational services among folks 60–90 years of age!
For more than thirty years, ALOA has advocated for older adults across the Lutheran spectrum and beyond. Through “Senior Fests,” sponsored travel, monthly emails and more, we marched ahead. However, just as we pass individual Faith Stories on to the next generation in families, ALOA leadership now forwards older adult ministry to you at the congregational level.
We are grateful for your support over the years. We salute the past and anticipate the future. We look forward to seeing how God empowers you and your congregation to serve older adults. We praise God for His promise of a bright future with Him.
Carolyn Ross, ALOA President
Dr. Lydia Manning, Secretary
Josselyn Bennett, Treasurer
Dr. Roland Martinson, ALOA Board
Sue Huttig, ALOA Board
Dr. Richard Bimler, ALOA Board Emeritus
Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board, Emerita
For questions, contact Joe Young, Executive Director at joe@aloaserves.org