A New Image of Ministry to and through Older Adults

Still Chosen

Each of us has a viewpoint about growing old. We internalize over time a stream of stereotypic images about later life.

Wrong Signals

We’ve all received signals suggesting we’re past our prime, out of touch, ‘so yesterday,’ that even the most upbeat among us may become discouraged, ready to pack it in. Many of these are ‘baggage’ impressions, actually formed during our earlier years, based on our parents, grandparents, or ‘Uncle Joe’ who never was quite ‘all there.’

If the images of older people in our lives are negative or we’ve been made anxious by observing colleagues who’ve been ‘crowded out’ in their later years, is it small wonder that we might feel this way? Even though we put on a good front and perhaps say nothing to anyone but our spouse, it still hurts deeply to feel we have something to give, something valuable and important, but are no longer invited to give it.

I have clergy and business leader friends who, in confidence this past year, have expressed deep feelings of depression and loss at this season in their lives. When I tell them I’ve “been there, done that” and that the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train, hope rises, and a much needed bond is forged between us.

An empty well

When I resigned in my twenty-third year as senior pastor, I left exhausted on all levels. I had given my best to our church family, but I was done. The well was empty. At least that’s what I thought. Then I discovered God was not finished with me yet. We still had things to do together. He simply waited until I was able to go there.

If you’ve read this far, and you are a pastor or missionary, Christian business or professional leader, perhaps you resonate with this in your life. Or, as a church member, you are considering your own pastor’s well-being. Recognize the symptoms of burnout, but don’t give in to them.

God reminded Jeremiah, “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

[1]

The prophet had to revisit those words later in life, a reminder he was still a vital member of God’s team, even during his darkest, most difficult days. And so, too, with you. Wherever you are on your life journey, my friend, God is not finished with you yet either.

Who are you?

You are still chosen, still set apart, still appointed!

Your work may change. You may need to adjust your sights. But older, wise servant leaders like you are needed in the Body of Christ today, more than ever. You have an opportunity to strike a positive new image of aging in the Church. If you think being and working among men and women in life’s second half has reduced you to the second team, get over yourself.

You are on the best team of all.

You’ve been ‘appointed,’ (lit., given) by God to your family, your church, your city, your world. So check in with the Coach. Decide together what position he intends for you to play. Then give it all the heart and talent and skills and wisdom you have. Join the growing number of men and women who are changing the image of ministry to and through older adults.

You have been chosen to finish well!

 

 

 

[1] Jeremiah 1:5