congregational events – 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.

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.