In his book “Senior Adult Ministry in the 21st Century: Step-By-Step Strategies for Reaching People Over 50 (Group),” David P. Gallagher writes that seniors involved in missions projects “can plan on laughing and learning like never before.”
Missions projects will require “a great deal of work,” Gallagher writes, “but what satisfaction.”
Gallagher encourages senior adult leaders to consider the special talents, abilities, knowledge and experiences of their members when planning missions projects and to look for ways to utilize these abilities for the benefit of the congregation.
Gallagher suggests the following outreach projects, all of which can be done locally and are senior-adult friendly:
Visiting others. Taking time to visit homebound friends and those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities costs little but means a great deal to those who cannot get out. Expand on this ministry by taking tapes of Bible studies and worship services to share.
Substitute caregivers. Volunteers can offer a respite for caregivers a few hours each week, allowing them time to relax or run errands.
International students. Especially in college towns, there may be many students who are far away from home and who would welcome the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal and conversation with a new friend. Contact a local university’s director of international students for suggestions.
School helpers. Public and private schools and community tutoring programs welcome volunteer assistants for activities and special events. Alert local principals or teachers in your church of your interest.
Transportation. Offer to drive senior adults to church or other appointments.
Senior adult VBS. Whether hosted at your church or at a local retirement or nursing home, a VBS for seniors can offer opportunities to study the Bible, sing songs, play games and enjoy refreshments with others. In addition to the fun, a senior adult VBS can provide evangelism opportunities for an often-overlooked population.
Senior Helping Hands. Simple household tasks, like trimming hedges, painting, planting flowers or making repairs, aren’t always so simple for senior adults. Select a major project that can be completed in less than a week and enlist volunteers to help. Better yet, include older youth and young adults and make it an intergenerational project.
Prayer ministries. Every senior adult, regardless of physical ability, can participate in a prayer ministry. Get seniors involved by updating them weekly on church ministries and prayer requests.
Regardless of the project, senior adults should understand that their work is meaningful, both to those individuals who are helped and to the church as a whole. “Help seniors understand that their contributions count,” Gallagher writes. “Their special gifts are blessings from God that can make a difference.”
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