Since the federal government first pronounced the designation in 1963, May — recognized as Older Americans Month — has been a special time set aside to recognize contributions made by older citizens. Many Baptist leaders have taken a cue from this observance, lauding the strong foundation and wisdom that a church’s older members provide.
Among congregations, this group often possesses a love of service unmatched by any other demographic. Their years of experience in their faith walk, a strong commitment and work ethic as well as the ability to devote time make older members an asset to their churches.
According to Jim Jackson, director of missions for Elmore Baptist Association, senior members of a congregation are especially valuable as models of faith.
"They can serve as models in their Bible study and prayer life," he said. "Their insight and wisdom can be timeless and applied to present and future challenges and opportunities."
Thomas Wright, executive director of missions for Mobile Baptist Association, agreed, saying that a church should recognize the example set by its older members. Quoting Psalm 145:4, Wright noted this Scripture as a command to honor and respect the work of elders in the church.
"Congregations need to honor this sacrifice of the older members," he said. "They truly laid the foundation for evangelistic ministry to the needs of this very different, contemporary generation."
Older members should also be credited, he said, for the mature example and instruction they can provide through their wisdom. "Biblically sound senior adults have the opportunity to provide a tremendous influence in the worldview of the contemporary culture," Wright said.
In addition to their spiritual wisdom, older adults also provide very practical helps to a congregation. Retired individuals often have more time to volunteer than younger members who are busy with family and careers.
"Their faithfulness in attendance, giving and involvement serves as a consistent base for the congregation in a time when it is often difficult to lead younger, busy folks to commitment to the mission of a church," Jackson said.
Ed Tilley, senior ministries director for Redland Baptist Church, Wetumpka, in Elmore Association, said his older members are extremely supportive and willing to do work for the church. "They are at most services, activities and functions, even when it is for another group such as youth," he said. "They oftentimes are the main supporters financially as well."
In many churches, older members — even while struggling with health issues or limited physical ability — are some of the strongest supporters. Physical limitations do not keep them from serving as prayer warriors.
Tilley said he has found over time that senior members "are willing to share whatever abilities they have if they are only asked."
While older members are such valued components of a congregation, church leaders said they are often unrecognized for their hard work. Not all churches have the resources to fund senior adult ministers, and some are still working to organize senior adult programs and ministries. It is vitally important, though, for churches and their younger members to recognize the contributions of their older members.
Whether in observation of Older Americans Month or during any other month of the year, it is always a good time, Wright noted, to recognize the truth found in Proverbs 16:31: "gray hair is a crown of splendor."
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