Building Adult Ministries, Leadership for Adults Over 50

In 1900, 4 percent—or one out of every 25 Americans—were 65 or older. That amounted to three million in total number. One hundred years later, in 2000, 13 percent—or one out of every eight—were 65 or older. The total number was 37 million; more than the total population of Canada.

In 2040, there will be 20–25 percent, or one out of every five Americans, who will be 65 or older. That’s 80 million if you’re keeping score! This aging population continues to live longer and have opportunity for more productive living than was ever anticipated 100 years ago.

The Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) recently took a serious look at the graying of the church from their perch in God’s Kingdom. They discovered that 67 percent of PCUSA is over the age of 45; 57 percent is over 50; and 35 percent is over 65. (That last percentage figure represents one-third of the PCUSA community in case you glossed over it).

The median age of PCUSA is 54; the median age in America is 36. Unless you are part of a “Gen X or Y” worship community, your church is probably not that much different in its “aging” process than PCUSA. And while the church as a whole may be ahead of the median age in America, the nation is also creeping up the age ladder. If that isn’t enough to think about, here’s some more:

1. The numbers of Boomers, the decrease in birth rates, the increase in longevity all combine to bring about a new look on the horizon ahead.
2. One in five (age 75–84) will likely develop Alzheimer’s disease. After age 85, the risk increases to 49 percent.
3. Eighty percent of elder care is provided by family members. Only one in every twenty currently goes to a nursing home for permanent care.
4. Presently, those 65 and older have the highest divorce rate. They also have the highest rate of suicides, replacing teenagers in this tragic statistic.
5. In 2007, the majority of American women as a whole (51 percent) are living alone without a spouse. Many of these are middle-aged and older divorced or widowed.

So what are some of the implications for ministry in the church today?

The “sandwich generation,” with children still in high school and college and also aging parents, will be faced with challenges in caring for children, parents, and grandparents. That having been said, the church must evaluate just how well it’s doing at being “family” to so many with broken family systems.

If we only focus on evangelizing those at midlife and beyond, the result will be an irreversible numerical decline. Yet, if the church excludes serving America’s aging population to concentrate only on those who are younger, a grand treasure-trove of God-given wisdom and life experience will be lost to those who follow after.

A major shift is needed in the way we view aging (our own and that of those around us). There are, of course, certain “age specific” programs that should occur within the church as a whole. At the same time, we must find ways (and find them quickly) to experience intergenerational relationships and ministry the way in which a healthy nuclear family (child, parent, grandchild, grandparent) does.

We are all aging. I, for one, do not see that as bad news. But we cannot ignore the implications of this societal reality in organizing to serve the church as a whole. Developing healthy attitudes and new ways in which to positively cultivate this reality for Christ and for those he deeply loves is key to our success.

Seek out individuals who represent the primary age groups in your church and community and begin a dialogue. Endeavor to find new ways to connect with one another and to serve the body of Christ and the community as a whole.

You’ll be glad you did.