May be Detrimental to Third Age Ministry

by Robert Chism

The objective of this article is to create receptivity for appropriate Church change regarding the social disconnect produced by age bias and greater longevity.

The term “third age” was introduced by William A. Sadler in his book, The Third Age (2000). The term refers to a 30 year period, not previously possible in the life experience. It is based upon the increase in life expectancy between 1900 and 2000.

New-old, encore generation, midlife & beyond, second half, 50+, older adults, third agers, senior, mature, frail, and elderly are all terms used to describe a similar population segment with varying degrees of political acceptance.

The Faith Development in Adult Life Cycle (FD/ALC) study from 1981-1987 included, among others, the following Church practices:

• Primarily a Youth Focus
• An Institutional Pastoral Model
• We’ve Never Done it That Way

Let’s examine in greater detail how these standards may cloud, or even hinder, the Great Commission and Commandment as well as a commitment to Third Age ministry.

1. Primarily a Youth Focus 

Retirement, midlife, and youth are primary faith development stages.

Charles Arn’s book, White Unto Harvest (2003), confirmed that there exist heightened degrees of emotional and spiritual receptivity during life changes. Heartbeat! (2011), identifies an effective ministry model that looks for the side doors, personal sweet spots or passions to engage with third agers.

Under the category “one size fits all,” many think third agers can be ministered to through other ministries. This may be true to some extent, but we must still recognize the unique issues that affect people in this life stage, which are all big issues (mentoring, parental care, grandparenting, grief share, addictive behavior, military family support, wellness, finances, generosity, estate planning, and finishing well, to name a few). According to Amy Hanson’s book, Boomers and Beyond (2010), it is good to gather people of all ages together. However, there are times and places for ministering to people one-on-one exactly where they are.

Age 65+ is the fastest growing population segment for the next 30 years. They have abundant discretionary time which includes a 30 year longevity bonus for pursuing their passions. On average, third agers contribute 80% of the local church budget and own 65% of the nation’s wealth! According to the Great Commission, everyone includes the old and the rich.

Based upon the size, affluence, life stage, and uniqueness of this population segment, my interpretation is that both a focus on third agers and youth is more appropriate.

2. An Institutional Pastoral Model 

The institutional pastoral model had negative historical experiences reported.

Ward Tanneberg, President & Executive Director of CASA (Christian Association Serving Adults) Network recommends greater investment in training for adult ministry pastors and lay leaders with little or no special training that are responsible for the midlife and beyond segment.

A short list of available helpful educational resources includes:

• the CASA Network Annual Leadership Conference,
• Building Adult Ministries Resource Center,
• CASA Network Alliance organizations,
• I’M IN & CASA Academy;
• Center for Christian Leadership, Anderson University School of Theology
• Charles Arn
• Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries
• YES! (Young Enough to Serve)
• and Amy Hanson.

My interpretation is that an individual lay model by, among and to third agers is more appropriate for this segment.

The books of Michael Kinsman, Encore (2007); Charles T. Knippel, How to Minister Among Older Adults (2005); David Gallagher, Senior Adults Ministry in the 21^st Century (2002), Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church (1995) are all useful references for effective local Church ministry.

3. We’ve Never Done it That Way

It is desirable to celebrate, sponsor, and encourage a spiritual quest. This means doing more in terms of people’s needs, problems, and life changes both positive & negative with a sense of vibrancy, intensity, and care—more than church-as-usual.

Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Church (1995), also identified spiritual receptivity (knowing who you can best reach) as key to evangelism. My interpretation is that an intentional second half recruitment, development, and placement flexibility provides the best engagement process for third agers.

Take away points from this article include the following changes:

• A dual focus on third agers and youth
• Individual lay evangelism by, among, & to third agers
• Intentional third ager recruitment, development, and placement flexibility

What’s next?

For over 28 years CASA Network along with other Christian organizations have been teaching appropriate changes that address social disconnect caused by ageism and a 30 year longevity bonus. With their momentum, it is now time to commit to find a way to engage with third agers.

Robert W. Chism is the founder of Finishing Well, a personal website dedicated to coaching third age adult faith development. He attends Village Church of Gurnee, and is a member of the CASA Network, YES! and Christ Together. Certificate programs he participates in include, the Center for Christian Leadership, Anderson University School of Theology; “Aging Ministries,” and “Navigating Ministry in Times of Generational Changes.” Bob has four decades of experience in finance & strategic planning, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a graduate of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace, as well as Bowling Green and Northwestern Universities. Married 48 years, he has three adult children and seven grandkids.

Contact Information: Robert Chism, 1513 Eagle Ridge Drive, Antioch, IL 60002 | ph. 847- 395-1626. Send an email to: chism.w.robert@comcast.net.