Tag: volunteering

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

Volunteers holding donation boxes

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:

  1. Honestly answer a key question: Why are you recruiting? (See Ephesians 4:12 if needed.)
  2. Pinpoint the reasons people in your congregation might be motivated to serve. (Being “guilted” does not count!)
  3. Identify a “champion.” Look especially for an “influencer” who has an established network of people in your church and community.
  4. Capitalize on relationships. Personally asking individuals in a one-on-one conversation affirms their God-given strengths, abilities and gifts.
  5. Focus on the ministry, not your desperation. Volunteers who serve joyfully are motivated, not manipulated.
  6. 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.