A few years ago I visited Elsa at her apartment in a local retirement center. Elsa had moved from out of state and knew not a soul in her new area. She moved to this unfamiliar locale because her niece wanted to have her close by. Elsa wasn't able to go to church so we agreed that I would visit her once each month for a brief time of devotion and fellowship.
After my first visit, Elsa asked if she could invite a friend from the retirement center to join us next time we got together. Of course, I agreed. After that visit, the two friends mentioned that they knew several people who had no opportunity to worship. Could they come too? Why, yes! Invite away! At the third visit we had half a dozen people crowded into a tiny senior apartment. After our worship time one of the newcomers piped up: "I know the activities coordinator. Why don't I arrange for us to use the chapel next time. We can even advertise the gathering at announcement time in the dining room." I told her to go for it.
A movement was afoot! We met in the chapel the next month with nearly 20 worshipers. After the worship service, two ladies volunteered to serve as a worship team--setting up everything needed for our time together. A man said that he would invite two people he knew who played the organ and violin. He was sure they would love to add music to our gathering. Four of the original core group strategized more invitations. Elsa told stories of people she knew who didn't know Christ. Wow! God was at work! We had a new church--a satellite church--a church plant--whatever it was--growing by the Spirit of God through His people.
During the Advent season you may find yourself in a few retirement centers and nursing homes. Christmas carolers will roam the hallways. But what about longer-term outreach into these places where so many are forgotten? How many of these dear people are receiving the soul-care they need?
Studies show that by the year 2030, 25-30% of the U.S. population will be 65 and over. By 2050, 40% of 65-year-olds are likely to reach the age of 90! Our nation is aging. The question is: who will be their church? Who will bring the news of Jesus to so many who never listened in our secular culture, but now need to hear of Him as they falter physically and see that death is near?
There is a hunger for real fellowship and genuine hope among older adults. If you're thinking of starting a church plant or a satellite but you don't know where to begin, perhaps you need to check out your local nursing homes and retirement facilities. It may not seem glamorous, but the harvest is plentiful. Just think, the building is available; activities directors are desperate for programming; gifted people are willing and able; the cost is low to non-existent; and loving hearts are ready to welcome you.
Why not lead the way? Why not deploy a team or two or three to start weekly gatherings?
Next week I'll continue by telling Hilda's story and how a Gen-X church revolutionized an over-80 crowd.
1 comment:
Mike - great example of how a mission can be started in a simple way to meet human need for Word and Sacrament ministry. I am flagging for my E-letter.
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