Reaping the Tree-Ripened Fruit
Titus 2:2-3
Current State of Ministry to Seniors
- Development of organizations to communicate the gospel to specific groups
- Neglect of senior ministry in churches
Perception of Aging
- Societal fear and misconceptions about old age
- Classification of elderly people into movers, shakers, and quakers
- Importance of distinctive ministry for seniors
Potential of the Elderly
- Wisdom and productivity hidden in the elderly
- Challenges and rewards of ministry to older adults
Effective Senior Ministry Strategies
- Ministry to Seniors
- Understanding the history and experiences of older individuals
- Importance of transitions and personal growth
- Three Key Requirements for Senior Ministry
- Someone to love
- Something to do
- Something to look forward to
- Programming for Seniors
- Importance of placing senior events on the church calendar
- Public acknowledgment and celebration of older adults' contributions
- Educational focus on prayer and Bible study tailored for seniors
- Caring for Seniors
- Meeting seniors' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
- Providing transportation, large print Bibles, and other aids
- Encouraging senior involvement in church services and activities
Examples and Scriptural References
- Biblical examples: Daniel's prayers, Moses and the Amalekites
- Encouragement from Joel and Caleb in the Bible
- Importance of spiritual health and preparation for heaven
Ministry by Seniors
1. Sense of Purpose and Meaning
- Involvement in evangelism and outreach
- Rising number of older adults coming to Christ
2. Focus on Mission
- Engaging older adults in pastoral counseling and mentoring
- Examples of seniors actively ministering in their communities
3. Confidence Based on Respect
- Affirmation and respect from the church community
- Opportunities for seniors to teach and support younger generations
4. Champion Finish in the Race of Life
- Involvement in new church plants and ministries
- Seniors' contributions to the growth and stability of church communities
Conclusion
- Reflection on the importance of senior ministry
- Encouragement to prepare for the growing senior population
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
