Congregations – Adult Lutherans Organized for Action

1, 2, 3….Surprise!

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors Emeritus

Did I catch your attention?

That’s terrific, because you might see 10,000 ads today in addition to countless other messages. To protect us from overload, our brains screen out most pieces of communication.

So how can older adult ministry communications capture the attention of potential participants?

Adding an element of surprise invites us to notice one message among the many which clamor for attention. Surprise drives delight. Just think of asking a grandchild, “Are you ticklish?” He starts laughing before you touch his belly. Even the anticipation delights him!

Older adults like nice surprises, too. Adapt these tips so that an element of surprise connects to your ministry:

Build the buzz. Two-thirds of consumers want to connect on social media, so maximize your computer network. Include in your next email a link to brief, fun (or funny?) video clips from TikTok. Send a joke that ties into the upcoming program or theme. Don’t be a pest, but on a regular basis, let older adults in your congregation know they exist by encouraging a smile!
Incorporate mystery. A secret is free, easy and triggers curiosity. Gradually release details about an upcoming event but keep some elements a secret. You might greet attendees with a hot spiced cider or offer an unexpected drawing for gift cards to a local restaurant. People will be eager to see what you’ve been hiding!
Use music. Partner with your church pianist or organist to offer a “sing-a-long” segment of favorite Christmas carols. Or, use seasonal hymns and carols to tell the story of the First Christmas through a musical Christmas card.
Grow senior chefs. Teach how to prepare an individual serving of a simple, healthy recipe that attendees will enjoy later during the meeting or event.
Adapt the concept of a “painting party.” Upon arrival ask each attendee to add a line, symbol or mark to a vase that can then be offered as the premium “Older adult ministry vase” at an upcoming church bazaar.
Set up a photo booth with props that match your event or meeting theme. Include a permission form; then include selected images in upcoming publicity.

A surprising attention to detail, a surprising moment of connection or a surprising experience can all be sources of delight for older adults. Let surprise power up attendance at your next gathering!

Check out this video to get more ideas on how to increase participation in your ministry events.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Communicate Creatively

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors

The landscape has shifted.

The post-pandemic older adult prioritizes value. That’s not only true when grocery shopping, but also in choosing how we spend God’s gift of time.

Adopt creative communication in older adult ministry to reflect this recent mindscape shift. Although some of the following ideas might appear counterintuitive at first glance, give them a try!

Target your market. Who are you serving? The 55+ population? Retirees of various ages? Those 65 and older? Avoid advertising to the world. Instead, focus communication on the defined demographic, your world of older adults.
Create a pathway. Why should an older adult invest their limited time in your event? Answer this question by highlighting the value of what you offer. If your activity aligns with the needs of your target market, you automatically create a path to older adult ministry.
Incorporate stories. Stories shift the conversation from “me and you” to “we.” As older adults, we have many interesting stories to tell. Use the stories (but edit for length and details!)
Images communicate. We are a visually-driven society. Choose crisp photos. Crop smart. People don’t need to see ant-sized people; they only need to see one or two faces of potential friends.
White space can be a plus. Blank space makes your content stand out. Be strategic with content. Sometimes the more you include, the more likely a person will find one detail that eliminates their participation! Less detail can compel people to participate and find out more about older adult ministry options.

Check out this video to find additional suggestions on how to increase participation in your older adult ministry events.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Trending Beneath the Tsunami

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors

You and I are perched on the front edge of the “silver tsunami.” As the ground swells beneath us, we can take steps to re-define aging.

Shifting older adult ministry to be “on trend” is a great way to maximize the potential of our age wave, change the traditional image of older adults in the church and revitalize an older adult ministry.

In what ways can you integrate these three trends rumbling beneath the surface?

Education
Older adult learning is surging. The pandemic propelled educators at all levels to customize lessons, offer unconventional ways to learn and expanded digital communication. How can you maximize both digital and in-person learning opportunities that have “spilled over” into our demographic?

Mental health support
Previous generations “coped” with growing older. Many of our peers have decided not to merely survive the aging process. They are committed to confront issues so they can thrive during these years. What resources will help older adults cope with the loneliness, anxiety and lost sense of purpose that have historically plagued older adulthood?

Thought leadership
Older adult ministry needs grassroots activism, but also courageous leaders to spark dialog. We can draw from decades of wisdom to face the challenges crippling local congregations, our national church bodies and the nation. How does your ministry structure promote creative thinking, encourage innovation and implement change?

Check out this video to consider a special contribution we as older adults can make.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Future Proof Your Event

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors

Demand for in-person events has skyrocketed. With pandemic anxiety fading, people across the generations eagerly anticipate in-person gatherings.

Although planning teams prepare for smooth events, no one can control all the variables. This is the reason contingency planning is plugged into every event. “Typical” challenges include travel disruptions, viral outbreaks in the area and supply chain issues.

However, when the majority of event team positions are filled by older adults, unpredictable elements loom especially large. We have medical appointments. Some of us no longer drive to night meetings or drive at all. Others have caregiving duties that might change unexpectedly. These and other factors make risk management essential when older adults serve in leadership or on event teams.

Use these suggestions to incorporate contingency planning into your event structure:

Immediately clarify decision-making hierarchy. Who fills in for an absent leader? Is the absent leader consulted before major decisions are made? How do responsibilities shift when various positions are suddenly empty? Give all participants a written copy of the policies you will follow.
Identify preferred communication channels. Early in the planning process, provide each team member with a master list of participants alongside complete contact information.
Consult the “ecosystem.” The church property manager, event vendors, district/synod leaders from the regional office or others often have valuable information or time-saving tips. Specific questions will generate practical suggestions.
Review potential problem points. “Technical difficulties” top the list for many church-based events. Does a knowledgeable, on-site technician have an equally knowledgeable back-up who will be “on call” if not “on site” for the event? Check rules for kitchen use, food service and other site procedures. Follow standard procedures to reserve event space as soon as the date is determined.
Practice! A complete “run of event exercise” might not be necessary, but at least do an on-site walk through. Identify elements that might be unpredictable. Talk through potential scenarios, including both problems and solutions.

And have a terrific event

Check out this video for ideas on how to find new programming ideas for your older adult ministry.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Are the Walls Too High?

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors

“The walls are too high to climb. I went a couple times, but couldn’t break in.”

The gray-haired woman was talking about the older adult group at her church. The daughter of a former esteemed pastor of the congregation, her disappointment was obvious. Upon retirement, she had hoped to become active in the older adult group. Months passed; she finally gave up.

Yet I wasn’t surprised. In our personal desire for connections, we might forget that others have a similar need. Sociologists have a fancier explanation, but the bottom line is the same: a group can spiral downward into a private club. Networks can become so deeply entrenched, not everyone feels welcome. As seen in the real-life example above, this can happen even at a church. In middle school, we labeled it a ‘clique.’ As older adults, we might simply say, “the walls are too high to climb.”

With today’s epidemic of loneliness, connecting older adults with their peers becomes an urgent social need. In what ways does your older adult ministry welcome newcomers? Before fall activities get underway, consider integrating some of these strategies:

Reduce “first time” jitters. As a teacher, I suggested that parents have their preschooler walk into school with a friend. Adapt that idea by having personable older adults waiting at the entry to pair off with each new person who walks in the door. The physical presence of a “welcome buddy” boosts social confidence for a new attendee.
Offer a conversation starter. Include a “Let’s talk” topic in publicity for each event and on signage at the entry. This common “beginning point” not only triggers mental activity (valuable for older adults) but “evens out the playing field” for everyone. For example: our ‘Let’s talk’ topic for August is, “What I like(d) about my all-time favorite church.”
Utilize media. Video tape people by using a Smartphone as they tell, “why I attend older adult activities.” Post the message on your church website. The brief, honest clips become unpaid endorsements, highlighting what attendees value in your ministry. Invite online visitors to look for the conversation starters before each scheduled event. This serves as a nonverbal welcome mat.
Bring out the food. Update traditional church hospitality with charcuterie boards. At any age, eating is a social event. Feature various food groups throughout the year. Publicize charcuterie themes in advance; trendy food can be a big attraction. Older adults smile when offered healthy options.

At the end of your calendar year, assess the results. How many new older adults did you welcome?

Image by WOKANDAPIX

Check out this video hear more ideas on how to increase participation in older adult ministry activities in your church.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Wake Up, Church!

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

I’m 75. How did I get this old?

Although I’m obviously on the gray turnpike, most days I don’t feel like an old soul.

Composite photo of faces of older adults

As we age, researchers say we’re likely to feel younger than our years. Some attribute that to age denial. Others credit medical advances which have made us the healthiest generation of older adults in history. If we think that age is somewhat subjective, believing “you’re only as old as you feel” can influence choices made during the third chapter of life.

In the past couple years, ALOA has been very intentional about changing the perception of older adult ministry. Historically, there’s been a hazy fondness for congregations that serve older adults. However, many of those congregations have experienced shrinkage; some have closed. That’s not surprising; a nostalgic lens neglects to recognize the tremendous gifts, talents and abilities of people with decades of valuable experience.

Older adults have expertise that covers broad fields. Their willingness to “pitch in as able” can power numerous ministry areas. Years of serving on various church committees, leading initiatives, and working behind the scenes has created a deep reservoir of committed Christians who have spent lifetimes carrying out the Great Commission. And through the years, they, too have been blessed, for they experienced that “givers receive.”

ALOA believes older adults can serve effectively by, with and for others. An inclusive view of ministry is critically needed today. This outlook is necessary not merely for congregations to survive, but for ministry to thrive.

Nostalgia promises the social connections and emotional safety of simpler times. That’s an appealing promise during these years of continued uncertainty.

But have you noticed? The world is accelerating at supersonic speed. The church-at-large is being left behind.

ALOA recognizes that older adults don’t have all the answers. Actually, we embrace the fact that learning is a lifelong process. However, we challenge you and your congregation to maximize ministry: embrace the best of the past while layering in the strengths of older adults.

Through the words of the psalmist, God promises to bless those who “are planted in the house of the Lord.” For “they shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:14, NKJV)

Check out this video to the older adult demographic present in our congregations.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

The Sound of Silence

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

We rarely hear a baby cry in church.

The silence is deafening. But perhaps I’m missing the message.

Listen. Can you, too, hear the clarion call?

The shofar isn’t blowing at the base of Mount Sinai. The trumpet isn’t blasting outside the walls of Jericho, but the message of the psalmist comes across the centuries:

O my people, listen to my instructions.
   Open your ears to what I am saying,
   for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
   stories we have heard and known,
   stories our ancestors handed down to us.
We will not hide these truths from our children;
   we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:1-4, NLT)

As older adults, we must listen. We must “open our ears,” for we have been called to “tell the next generation…about the Lord.”

You and I are nearing the end of our earthy journey with Jesus. Before the Lord’s amazing work in our lives gets muddled by the fog of time, we have been called “to tell the next generation.”

For years, we have journeyed with Jesus. Our witness has authenticity. Our words ooze realness. Those countless conversations with God have validity and legitimacy for the generations that follow. Mission fields are open, as conveniently located as the back yard and the apartment next door.

Scripture implies that mature believers like those of us who have experienced God’s greatness, will impact spiritual growth that leads to maturity for those who come after us. Faith formation occurs naturally in an inclusive community that engages people of all ages, like a family or neighborhood.

Today will soon be tomorrow. The children’s books in the box at my feet are ready to be shared. I need to email encouragement to our 16-year-old grandson. I want to reach out to the mom who emailed earlier today. I long for the Holy Spirit to come through what I do and say today, because I feel the urgency.

Can you sense the immediacy of the moment?

Check out this video for more encouragement to share your faith story with the next generations.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Looking Back Gives us the Courage to Look Forward

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

That was the theme of the devotion at the meeting of the ALOA Board on Friday, November 4. That same theme emerged throughout the 30th Anniversary event the following night.

At the gala, a roving reporter passed the microphone to the “giants” in the history of our organization. What a wonderful opportunity to thank God for their contributions:

Collage of leaders in ALOA at 30th Anniversary event

Bob Zimmer, on whose compassionate and competent shoulders our organization was founded
Doris Hanson, whose fiery leadership at the age of 94 propels the “Village Movement” in Florida
John Frerking, who recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of his seminary graduation but whose ministry zeal more closely resembles a new graduate
former ALOA Board chair Shirley Carpenter who still serves as ALOA’s energetic cheerleader in the New Jersey District
Dick Hafer, whose successful years of leading Seniorfests led to founding ALOA’s Florida Region

Giants one and all, past and present.

Hearing from these gifted individuals was inspiring. The Old Testament prophet Job was correct when he wrote, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ (Job 32:7, NIV) Each leader contributed to ALOA in the past and models ministry today. Each one embodies the truth that looking back gives us the courage to look ahead. These are confident leaders with gray (or no) hair!

ALOA continues to value that exemplary level of leadership, as highlighted by speaker Dr. Tom Cedel during his event presentation. Personally, we will need courageous wisdom as we each continue on this path of aging. As an organization, there are also challenges ahead for ALOA, as we strive to increase the church’s attention toward those in the second half of life.

Merely being an older adult gives us a terrific advantage: we have seen how God has provided. We know He keeps His promises. All those years of experiencing God empower us to face the future. Both personally and through ALOA, looking back gives us the courage to look ahead.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

6 Steps to Locate Volunteers

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Although older adults contribute significantly to the financial health of Lutheran congregations, few church budgets allocate enough funding to support ministries by/with/for this core demographic.

Create a healthy volunteer culture for your older adult ministry with these six steps adapted from new Lifeway Research:

Honestly answer a key question: Why are you recruiting? (See Ephesians 4:12 if needed.)
Pinpoint the reasons people in your congregation might be motivated to serve. (Being “guilted” does not count!)
Identify a “champion.” Look especially for an “influencer” who has an established network of people in your church and community.
Capitalize on relationships. Personally asking individuals in a one-on-one conversation affirms their God-given strengths, abilities and gifts.
Focus on the ministry, not your desperation. Volunteers who serve joyfully are motivated, not manipulated.
Continue the connection. Don’t abandon the volunteer who says, “Yes.” Offer opportunities to learn, grow and be re-energized alongside others.

Be encouraged.

Ten thousand people turn 65 every single day, so the potential of involving older adults in peer ministry is growing exponentially. Tap into this expanding pool and watch your older adult ministry blossom.

Check out this video to see how serving changes as we age.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Collective Effervescence

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Do you sing in the choir? Participate in a chair exercise class? Attend local theater performances with neighbors?

Each of those socially-based activities – and many more! – offer a bonus benefit called “collective effervescence.”

When joy spreads from person to person, we refuel through the emotions of others. Often, we aren’t aware that of that transmission of feelings

Connecting with others becomes increasingly important as we age. Our social circle shrinks. Many older adults find making new friends becomes more difficult.

Try these 3 suggestions to make individual connections that can blossom into a larger social circle:

Pay attention to others. Although I grew up on the streets of Chicago which had plenty of people, it took years to break the urban habit of walking with my head down. Valuing time alone or wearing ear buds is fine, but try smiling when you see a face.
Be willing to open up. We’ve had years of experience making polite conversation. But go deeper. Don’t only talk about what you are doing; share how you are feeling. As we age, it’s easy to feel we’re the only one who deals with the fear of losing independence. Sharing struggles reminds us we don’t face the issues alone.
Make time for others. We are acutely aware that each day is a gift from God. Simply scheduling medical appointments can take hours! Prioritize people. Set time on the calendar to phone a friend. Save the Date and plan to attend ALOA’s 30th Anniversary celebration in Tampa on Saturday, November 5 to experience “collective effervescence!”

Check out this video for a faith-filled perspective on contentment for older adults.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

More Than Memories

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Has that box of old photos been calling you?

You know the one. It’s the heavy bin, nearly overflowing with photos, Kodak slides (remember those?) and random bits from the past.

As the pandemic drags on, finding ways to feel productive has been increasingly difficult for older adults. Socializing safely is nearly impossible as outdoor temperatures drop. Volunteering is still limited. Gray winter days mirror our mood. Perhaps this is the day to drag out that bin. After all, looking back can give us the courage to look ahead.

As we get older, our life stories take on a rosy glow. Researchers tell us there is a positivity bias in aging. This new “strategic memory” leads us to focus on what matters. Quite simply, we can become more aware of God’s footprints.

Life doesn’t fall into neat little categories, so our Christian beliefs and behaviors are woven throughout the years. Reviewing the past through a lens of faith causes us to recall what God has been doing over time. When we look for God’s footprints, we see how busy He has been.

Sorting through the mementos, we might identify a situation in which God steered us through a crisis. Dusting off the photos, we might see how God blessed an important relationship. And through the process, we become more aware of His continuing presence.

Today, let’s step back and notice God, again! For when the Holy Spirit guides our thoughts we won’t merely say, “Thanks, God, for the memories.” We will say with new conviction, “Thank you, God, for your faithfulness.”

Check out this video that considers the surprising level of contentment we generally experience as we get older.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Be a Bethlehem Shepherd!

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

“I miss talking about my faith.”

The 87-year-old who sat across from me usually led devotions for a women’s Bible study at our church. However, pandemic protocols completely disrupted her normal routine. Fortunately, I had good news for my friend.

COVID-19 might limit holiday gatherings, but we can still share the Christmas message. Whether you are 65 or 95, use this 3-step plan to become a modern Bethlehem shepherd:

Pray boldly. Add an intentional, specific request to daily petitions. Ask God for situations and opportunities to witness. Then thank Him, in advance, for the wisdom to approach others with a caring heart.
Pray big. Do 12 people live on your cul-de-sac? Attach a verse from Luke 2 to the Christmas cookies you leave at front doors. Pray that God would expand your vision among non-churched relatives, casual acquaintances, and those with whom you correspond at the holidays.
Pray for courage. It’s tempting to run from opportunities. After all, Lutherans aren’t noted for talking about faith. However, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity.” (1 Timothy 1:7) Trust Him to walk alongside.

At the First Christmas, the shepherds didn’t dash to the nearest synagogue to spread the news that Jesus was born. They told an innkeeper down the street and a traveler coming to town for the census. Generations later, will you connect with similar people in these final days before Christmas?

Will you be a “Bethlehem shepherd” this year? Will you share the Good News that “Jesus is born”?

Check out this video to find out more about the unique perspective we have as older adults.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

The Friendship Bench

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Our church bell choir needed more space, so two pews were moved out of the worship space to the narthex. Those rarely used front pews have seen new life as friendship benches.

Seeing older adults naturally gravitate toward those cushy places before and after worship reminds me of a senior ministry in Zimbabwe about which I’d read.

Three hundred elderly women have been trained to serve as lay health workers in The Friendship Project. These “community grandmothers” sit outside clinics where they listen, talk people through their problems and encourage solutions. Even before the pandemic, research showed that social support methods of care can be effective for helping people deal with mental health issues. These trained women, who have available time and years of life experience, can make a difference.

This idea made me wonder if one of the pews in our narthex could be designated as a prayer pew. A member of the prayer team, composed almost entirely of older adults, could sit on the pew each weekend to pray with others.

Of course, congregations that intentionally skew their image, budget and programming to attract young families might feel “planting” a senior in such a visible position could lead visitors to think “this is a church for the elderly.” However, having older adults welcome guests and appear in communication pieces doesn’t imply a congregation is only for the elderly. We need the young, but can’t forget the old.

Does your congregation present a cross-generational public face? Are initiatives for older adults fully funded? Does programming for older adults match the senior population in your church and community?

Installing a Friendship Bench or asking older adults to staff a prayer pew might trigger other initiatives to expand older adult ministry.

Check out this video to find out more how older adults have a unique advantage in listening to and helping others.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Seize the Moment

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Can you feel it? The pace is picking up!

Upward view of two elder couples smiling

Now that we are emerging from the COVID crisis, psychologists say that our brains are wired to adopt new habits. Blending what’s both fresh and familiar will lead toward a healthy balance in the “next normal.” That is true both of us individually and for congregational ministries.

This summer, church teams across the country are seizing this unique “moment in time” to strategize for the future. Ask these questions to create a vibrant older adult ministry for fall, 2021 and beyond:

Is our current smorgasbord of older adult events, services and programs still relevant in the post-pandemic world?
For example, issues related to mental health (stress reduction, depression, loneliness, etc.) and self-care measures became more visible in the past year. Should these and similar topics, which previously were off-limits, be included in regular programming? What will compel an older adult to be engaged?
Do formats match our target audience?
The pandemic triggered an acceleration of digital adoption across demographics. Virtual conferencing and online events became common. Social commentators acknowledge that expectations have grown. Post-pandemic, multiple formats are now the norm.
For example, although my husband’s Bible class has returned to meeting in person, the online version will continue. This decision has been welcomed by participants with mobility issues or transportation problems.
Are current leaders prepared for action and healthy dialogue?
Age, illness and life situations force us to reassess and set new boundaries. During the lengthy social isolation of the past year, some leaders might have lost the energy or motivation to steer a ministry re-launch. However, an entire new crop of front-liners might be ready to shepherd the flock.

After all, 10,000 people turned 65 every single day in the past 18 months. Some of these “new elders” attend your church. Who is prepared to step up in your congregation?

Check out this video to hear more ideas for congregation to consider when making plans for older adult ministry.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.