By Debbie Campbell
The Alabama Baptist
In most congregations, there are those whose many years of faithful service have enabled our churches to reach out and minister in our communities. This year, May 4 is the day designated by the Southern Baptist Convention to celebrate and recognize the contributions of older adults in our congregations.
A Scripture verse that highlights the value and wisdom of older people is Job 12:12, which asks, “Is not wisdom found among the aged: Does not long life bring understanding?” This verse emphasizes the respect and value we should place on senior adults in our churches because of their years of faithful service.
Expressing gratitude
How can we honor and express our gratitude to the senior adults in our churches for all they do in providing leadership, wisdom and consistent support to the Lord’s work in our churches?
Several ministers shared ways to recognize and honor our senior saints. Here are some ideas you may want to implement for a Senior Adult Day emphasis in your church.
Joe Wingard, music and worship pastor and senior adults of Piedmont First Baptist Church, said that for the past several years, the church has selected and recognized a senior adult of the year. The honoree’s photo is displayed in a church hallway for that year.
Ken Patterson, minister of music of First Baptist Church Guntersville, suggested showing a short video featuring seniors expressing the importance of their faith or sharing their involvement in ministry and missions.
Additional ideas he shared:
- Recognize senior adults in worship and express appreciation for their service.
- Have a special prayer for them in their continued ministries.
- Plan a special worship service and let them suggest the songs.
- Host a luncheon following the service to honor senior adults with younger members of the church preparing and serving the food.
Don Campbell, minister of worship of The Baptist Church at McAdory in McCalla, suggests planning a worship service with testimonies, Scripture and prayer led by senior adults.
Barry Daniel, minister of senior adults at Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, spoke of putting together packets with senior adults in mind that include prayer cards, a book on praying for your family, devotional booklets, candy, a pen and other gifts. Youth and children could be stationed with the bags at a table or an entrance and give them out as senior adults arrive that morning.
Providence Baptist Church in Opelika hosted a senior adult celebration sponsored by Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association, featuring the Providence Golden Notes senior adult choir with a guest speaker, followed by lunch.
Honoring this special group in your congregation will encourage senior adults to continue to be a vital part of the church’s life and ministry.
EDITOR’S NOTE — A great gift idea for the senior adults of your church is a one-year gift subscription to The Alabama Baptist newspaper, which costs just $16.25 (26 issues) per home. Call TAB customer service, 800-803-5201, or go to thealabamabaptist.org/special-rate to subscribe.
Share with others: