The senior adult members of a church are often among the most missions-minded of all, getting involved in hands-on ministry in their congregation and community.
In Calhoun Baptist Association, "our senior adult volunteers are the driving force behind the collecting, stocking and manning of our two service centers where we minister to people in need by providing food and clothing," Director of Missions (DOM) Sid Nichols said. "They operate with the philosophy of ‘giving a hand up, instead of a handout’ and are a big part of our team."
Nichols said older members in general are committed to serving and giving, both in practical ways and through their prayers and financial support.
"They are more committed to missions and Southern Baptist causes than are the younger generation," he said, noting they think all year about what they are going to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions.
Senior adults at Redland Baptist Church, Wetumpka, in Elmore Baptist Association focus on the home front by visiting three nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the Wetumpka area each week.
They put together an arts-and-crafts activity and provide a worship service four Sundays a month to the two assisted-living facilities.
"We hope this year to increase the Sunday services to every Sunday at both locations," said Ed Tilley, senior ministries director.
Such ministry is illustrative of the type of work his older members are eager and excited to do, Tilley said.
But the senior adults at Redland Baptist aren’t the only ones active in missions in Elmore Association.
DOM Jim Jackson said they are involved in ministries such as collecting books for the Book-Link program and working on missions projects sponsored by church and associational Woman’s Missionary Union.
"Our seniors have also been involved in missions projects in Guatemala as part of our association partnerships," he said.
Senior adults ministering in the Mobile area also have an international outlook, teaching English as a Second Language.
They also volunteer with Mobile Baptist Association, answering the phone, working on newsletters and bringing snacks to or driving vans to pick up seafarers.
In fact, Executive Director of Missions Thomas Wright noted two members of the association’s staff, the evangelistic ministries coordinator and the port chaplain for the International Ministries Center, are senior adults.
"We are blessed to have retirees serving in these positions," he said. "Both men are making an eternal difference every day."
But Wright wants even more seniors involved.
"We are looking to expand our senior adult evangelistic ministries," he said.
Along with offering more opportunities for senior adults, Nichols said others should find times to learn from this age group.
"They care for, pray for, mentor and love one another because they truly understand Whose they are," he said. "They are a special people, and when this generation is gone, the church is truly going to miss them."
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