Archive for the ‘A Word From Ward’ Category

What’s Your Total Memory Span?

 

In the book, The Fourth Turning, an insightful generational study by William Strauss and Neil Howe, the authors suggest that we each communicate through our lives across a vast reach of time.

So, I followed their suggestion to recall the oldest person who had influenced my life. It was my grandfather, Willis Jolly, born in Missouri in 1887; the year Chief Joseph surrendered to General Howard, thus ending the Nez Perce War with his famous line, “I will fight no more forever.” (My wife’s grandfather was born in 1885). ‘Grandpa’ Jolly came to Washington State in 1900, a young lad growing up during the industrial revolution. A hardscrabble wheat farmer, he saw the invention of the light bulb, the airplane and the Model T Ford, remembered the sinking of the Titanic and Lindbergh’s flight to Europe, lived through the Wall Street Crash and two world wars. He experienced the death of his wife when the youngest of his seven children was just a baby (he never remarried), and helped start the small village church in which he worshipped God faithfully the rest of his life. The distance between this influential person’s birth year and the present is my memory span back in time.

Next, I went in the opposite direction, the probable life span of the youngest person whose life Dixie and I will influence. At present, this would be our 5-month old great grandson. I am reminded that he could easily be part of today’s fastest growing age segment. I may be holding in my arms a centenarian who could live over a hundred years. Adding these two periods together, my total memory span linking the lives of those who influenced me with the lives of those who are being influenced by me, extends from 1877 to 2111 – 234 years (236 for Dixie)!

 

You try it. I pray God will give you fresh eyes to see the power you have to influence the generations. Our children and theirs are bombarded daily by influencers whose values are not those of Jesus. The temptation is to say there is nothing we can do to counteract all that has been satanically crafted to lead astray those whom Jesus loves. But that’s just not true! Paul and Silas could have said that. They could have quit in Thessalonica after being attacked by haters of the gospel. Instead they went to Berea and beyond, searched out others who received their message with enthusiasm, met with them daily to examine the Scriptures, and “many prominent in the community believed, women and men of influence” (Acts 17:10-12 Italics mine). We can do this!

Paul understood the power of influence. In his own life, he drew from the eldest and most influential of his rabbinical teachers. He searched the timeless Torah (“Teaching” – Five Books of Moses), the Nevi’im (“Prophets”) and Ketuvim (“Writings”) that collectively made up the Hebrew Tanakh. He absorbed the post-resurrection accounts of his peers and extended his influence to future generations in Silas and Mark and Timothy, and a host of other Christ followers. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance he put it all together and his words and writings remain transformational down to the present day.

 

Don’t underestimate the spiritual leverage you possess, the inspiration your life can be to others, farmer or fisherman, carpenter or coach, pastor or politician. “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately” (2 Tim. 2:15).

I’M IN! Are you? Let’s be influencers together of the generations around us. Plan to join in one of The CASA Network regional events for 2012. Contact us for more information. You have been called by God to be one of his chosen gray champions! 

 

 

Ward

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For Three Days It Felt Like John 17:21

..that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Jn 17:21

 

There is a man who profoundly affected the way I look at the church. I never met him. I heard him speak in person only once. But as a young preacher trying to build a congregation of disparate Christ followers, I found his ideas to be controversial, avant-garde and ahead of the times. Maybe that’s what attracted me.

Born in Baltimore in 1884, E. Stanley Jones became a noted Methodist missionary-statesman to India, a confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the WWII years, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and saw his work become interdenominational and worldwide in scope. He died in India in 1973 at the age of 89, remaining engaged in the work of Jesus until his journey’s end.

I thought of him again in the weeks since our CASA Network International Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. I think Dr. Jones would have enjoyed being there. He would have applauded each presenter, hailing from a broad spectrum of the church, the Churches of Christ, Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free, United Methodist, Nazarene, Independent, Evangelical Lutheran, Baptist, Covenant and Christian churches. Conferees were even more diverse. And for three days we were “one together,” united in the midst of our diversity, focused on the vital task of developing ministry to and from Christ followers who are in life’s second half. It felt like John 17:21.

Dr. Jones would have liked being there to witness a principle that he taught me many years ago, even though we never formally met. It was a ground rule that held my work together as a young pastor and remains in my heart today, namely that true Christians will hold together among men and women who differ on various issues. In those days as a senior pastor, when I was asked, “What do you believe about thus and thus,” it was always easy find ways to remain apart. But when asked, “Whom do you trust?” we always found ways to come together around one name and one loyalty—in Jesus Christ. When those moments came to me as an under-shepherd of the flock, I knew I was living John 17:21!

 

David Noreen, from Westminster CO’s Covenant Village of Colorado, following ILC—Anaheim, wrote to say, “Thanks for helping ‘open the door’ to those who for many represent the ‘other side,’ i.e., Rick Gentzler…I always wondered why evangelicals couldn’t see the values from ‘the other side of the street’. In my work, I was both appreciative, but also challenged by such associations…in doing curriculum, planning conferences for church educators, etc. There seems to be a kind of blindness and suspicion by both crowds, conservatives and liberals. Our folk (should) determine to be bridge builders.”

While teaching a class recently, Peggy Fulghum, Boomer Builder Ministry Director at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta GA, and a CASA Network board member, was asked this question: “What about persons who belong to a church that approaches, for example, baptism differently than ours?” Peggy’s response was, “Jesus is my Lord and my Savior who bought my salvation. That puts me on a highway to heaven. Another denomination may also believe as I believe, but teach infant baptism whereas I believe in immersion. That believer is on the same highway but simply in another lane. I am not going to run him off the road. I am thrilled he or she is going to the same place I am!”

 

Dr. Richard Gentzler, Jr., Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, during ILC—Anaheim, said to me privately, “I didn’t know what to expect when I first arrived, or how I would be received, but this has been a wonderful experience.” He subsequently wrote,

I felt a close affinity with you and really enjoyed our time together at the CASA Network Conference. I believe it would be in the best interest of our aging/graying society and our various congregations if we would be in a mutual collaboration of sharing and support. Aging and spiritual wellbeing transcend liberal verses conservative theologies. People age, experience transitions and milestones, and struggle to find meaning and purpose. If given a chance, they could make a tremendous difference in the lives and faith of future generations. But, they need to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to be the “wise ones” and the Christian sages for our world today.
 
Unfortunately, growing older in the Western Culture does not always avail itself to the positive aspects of aging. And, churches, heavily influenced by our culture, rarely help.  Churches, caught up in a “youth-only” mindset, fail to recognize the wealth of wisdom and faith that often abound in older adults. Churches want their money, but not their wisdom. Churches want their bodies to help fill their pews, but not their faith struggles. Churches want their service, but not their needs. Most congregations would not promote racism or sexism; yet, ageist attitudes exist in congregations. And, as Christians, we should all be ashamed. Scripture is clear about the benefits and respect due to our aging ones but our present day thinking and actions are anything but biblical.
 
I am grateful for congregations that seek to help people of all ages grow in Christian faith. And, I am grateful for CASA Network which brings churches and leaders together for the purpose of being intentional in encouraging and supporting one another in this vital ministry. Yes. Let’s continue to join together in friendship both personally and professionally. I would very much like that opportunity.

 

These reflections are more reasons why The CASA Network is so important to the body of Christ. Ministry in local churches as well as national endeavors in many denominations have been replacing ministry to and from older adults entering the second half of life along with those well into the final turning. It is critical to the wellbeing of each local church and the Kingdom of Christ on earth as a whole to “encourage, equip and empower aging Christ followers to become spiritual sages for the church and our world today.” It is never easy, but things of lasting value seldom are.

 

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

 

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Forging Ahead

Beginning in 2012, The CASA Network is making an historic move: transitioning from its long held member-support approach to funding its outreach, to one that is “faith-based,” supported by individuals, churches and parachurch groups that possess a vision and passion for older adult and intergenerational ministries. The board reached a decision for this major shift unanimously on December 2, in the belief that this is the best way to increase our effectiveness and for The CASA Network to thrive.

Since its inception, CASA has served hundreds of churches and thousands of ministry leaders, but has continued to struggle financially. This prompted a merger some years ago with Chicago-based Total Living International. Subsequent experience proved that CASA could best serve the broader spectrum of the body of Christ by regaining its independent status. In the summer of 2009, with blessings from all parties involved, CASA separated from TLI and relocated to modest rental facilities in Bellevue, Washington (near Seattle). This is where a small but talented and committed professional staff, together with scores of generous and gifted volunteer professionals and alliance groups, provide invaluable training and resources for 50+ and intergenerational ministry among families, churches and cities throughout the USA and Canada. In the transition, CASA became The CASA (Christian Association Serving Adult Ministries) Network, “network” being added to acknowledge hoped for relationships with other ministry groups, churches, denominations and educational institutions in the belief that we are “better together” for preparing the church and followers of Jesus for the age wave phenomena sweeping across our land.

 

Is it possible that the significant and growing increase in North America’s aging population is more than the result of advances in modern medicine? Could this be first and foremost a part of God’s eternal plan? Is there a fortuitous Kingdom paradigm shift in the making, pushing its way to the surface by the aging of America and by the worst recession since WW2? And could it be that we are distancing ourselves from God’s providential plan for the church with the significant changes in ministry emphasis occurring as local churches and denominational entities increasingly distance themselves from serving their aging adult constituency?

A 2011 Pew research survey in the USA reported that 45% of adult members in the average evangelical church and 51% in mainline churches are 50+ in age. Yet in their new book, A Vision for the Aging Church, James M. Houston and Michael Parker state, “our research confirms that ‘senior ministry’ when present at all, is almost universally considered to be a ministry to rather than from elders.”

Society’s ‘age wave’ component is more often than not viewed by the church as a burden it must serve, rather than a resource for serving. When combined with the economic downturn, the result has been the closure of denominational departments of older adult ministry and staff pastors let go or reassigned. Of those reassigned, many may not be trained in or passionate about ministry among the 50+ ages in their churches and communities, especially since seminaries and Christian universities offer few educational classes in this field of service. Within many pastoral staffs, being assigned to ministry to older adults is silently (sometimes not so silently) viewed as a “step down,” and a drain on resources needed in “more important areas.”

 

The 50+ ministry leadership conferences, seminars and workshops, the online Center for Building Adult Ministries (BAM), the Leaders Library, and ready access to many of North America’s top experts in the fields of older adult and intergenerational ministry make The CASA Network more important than ever. This is our passion: to effectively serve all generations within churches, families and denominational groups.

 

What’s on the docket for 2012:

  • One and two day Influence the Generations for Christ Conferences and Start the Conversation events.
    • Interested? Invitations to host are already coming in. If you would like to know more about a 50+ Ministry Leadership Mini-Conference in your area, let us know. Email info@gocasa.org, or call 888-200-8552 for information.
  • Joining our current gocasa website in 2012 will be: www.stagecoach.org. Informative. Inspirational. And very intergenerational!

Beginning in January, all content on gocasa.org will be open! No more searching for lost passwords. No more annual membership dues. In their place, entirely open websites and three tastefully conducted support drives during the year, and I want to begin by thanking each of you who have been a vital part of The CASA Network. Thanks for what you mean to 50+ Ministry. I’m asking you to please continue at least the equivalent of your present level of support and more, if you can. Our goal for 2012 is $100,000 for operations and the development of conferences, training and educational programs, as well as other resources targeting older adult and intergenerational ministry.

 

In the face of a diminished 50+ Ministry target in today’s church, The CASA Network is increasing efforts to fill the gap with quality training and resources for professionals and volunteers.

With your support and God’s blessing, we can do this thing. We are The CASA Network. And we are all in this together!

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

 

Visit our Stakeholder page for information about giving.

 

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 The Best Vines

The ‘new elders’ arrived when much of your church was looking the other way. Together with their older ‘builder’ parents, boomers usually represent at least 25% of urban and suburban centers in Canada and America, 45% of the average evangelical congregation and 51% of mainline congregations. These ‘new elders’ of Christendom are the first generation intent on living another 30 or 40 years after reaching age 50, and have to grapple with the excitement and responsibility such a reality brings.

Inside your church, they range from impatient to resigned and everywhere in between. They represent a key to your church’s ministry success, having experienced much of what the world is like out there. They have much to give to the other generations. They want to teach and be taught and long to be Jesus’ hands and feet in today’s world. Maybe not the same way their parents did, but every bit as impactful.

There are boomer grandmothers flying airplanes and grandfathers launching new enterprises while others return to the classroom or travel the world over. They listen for spiritual truth from mystics and gurus while their greatest need is to know the gospel. With all this comes openness to peers who sensitively and authentically live and share the love and life of Jesus Christ.

Some of our elders, like veterans home from battle, are in need of thoughtful and loving attention, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet some of our greatest saints are not always certain the church understands and values them. We can be sure of one thing, though. If ministry to and through adults in life’s second half is pushed to one side or inadequately addressed, it will have catastrophic implications on the lasting influence your church has with all generations.

Think with me. Alongside reaching and teaching young adults, the youth and children of the church family entrusted to you, have you planned for effective ministry to and through boomers and builders as well? Who are the ‘new elders’ in your church? What are their names? Do you know their passions and concerns, their hopes and dreams? What kinds of ministry to and through adults in life’s second half will you inspire as you seek to reach your world for Christ?

We can help you find at least some of the answers you need.

Is your church or organization an active CASA Network ministry partner? If not, visit the ministry partner page right now and join. We will be your researchers and trainers, your inspirational resource and a reminder that, like fine wines, the salt and pepper dust of age you see on Sundays often conceals the best the vineyard has to offer (John 15). Check it out!

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

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conversation

As a pastor, I know that many Christ followers experience more guilt than success when it comes to fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19. Especially the part about, “Go and make disciples.” It was not a request, not an optional volunteer opportunity to somehow work into our busyness. It was a command. Something Jesus seemed to think was part of our spiritual DNA. So why do so many of us feel so guilty about something so important as this?

In his book Mentor Like Jesus, Regi Campbell states, “Life doesn’t happen in church. Church can prepare us for life…but life happens at home, at work, on vacation, in our neighborhoods. If we’re going to share a ‘piece of our map’ with the next generation, for their benefit, then we must be out on the road with them, doing life together. The lessons get taught in the context of everyday life, in everyday situations, through the wisdom of God planted and nurtured in the life of one of his more mature kids.”

When it comes to “making disciples,” the reality is, Jesus didn’t say, “tell” them. He said, “make” them. He was in essence saying, “Start the conversation. Build a relationship. Invest more time with fewer people.”  He didn’t leave us a success formula or an impossible task. Nothing is worse than to be handed a job you aren’t suited for, one in which you are bound to fail. Jesus would never do that. Yet he gives a command with the expectation that “making disciples” would be our normal lifestyle ingredient.

So the question is, how have we been tricked into believing that making disciples is too hard, too presumptuous, someone else’s responsibility? Like Moses, we have said, “O my Lord, I am not…eloquent…I am slow of speech and slow of tongue…please send anyone else whom you wish to send!” (Ex 4:10,13). (It was following this rather pathetic plea that the Lord became angry with Moses. Just saying.)

The truth is, “making disciples,” whether it’s with our children, parents, grandchildren, neighbors, co-workers, students on campus, business clients, or just about anybody, is often more about “listening” than “telling.” More about knowing how to ask good questions than having all the answers. It’s about stirring the glowing embers of faith and value in our peers and leaving a light of hope on for the next generation.

 

Influencing the Generations.

With this in mind, the CASA Network introduces an exciting new Coach/Mentoring workshop, Start the Conversation – ‘Leaving a Spiritual Legacy,’ in which key coach/mentoring skills are married with the desire we all have to share life with those that Jesus wants to love through us. Workshop participants learn key coach/mentor skills, including how to listen effectively, how to ask powerful questions, the COACH Model™, how to maximize the potential in others, and how to create more meaningful and supportive conversations as leaders, family members, co-workers and friends.

Start the Conversation will not make you a professional coach or mentor. It is a uniquely designed, intergenerational workshop for seniors in high school to seniors in life (ages 18-88), providing key coach/mentor skills that you and those you serve as pastor, teacher, husband, wife, parent, student or friend will use every day to build up, strengthen, encourage and share life together. In this fun and highly interactive workshop the mystery of “making disciples” is stripped away as fulfilling Christ’s command becomes an everyday life experience. Each STC participant receives a workshop manual.

Start the Conversation will be introduced at the ILC—Anaheim Leadership Conference, November 9-11. For an STC brochure and information about hosting this workshop in your church, denominational group or parachurch organization, contact info@gocasa.org or call 888.200.8552.

That’s right. It’s time to stir the glowing embers in your peers and leave a light on for the next generation. Let’s Start the Conversation and Influence the Generations!

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

 

 

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?

2011

Sept 24 – The Intergenerational Challenge – Denver, CO

Oct 18-20 Mount Hermon Fall Adult Conference – Mount Hermon, CA

Nov 08 – CASA Network Board of Directors – Anaheim, CA

> Nov 09-11 - ILC-Anaheim – The CASA Network International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference

 

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Footprints in the Mud

grandfather grandson

I grew up as a young lad on a farm in eastern Washington State—high desert for those of you who have never visited this northwest region of America. We were “dry land farmers,” more than a few of whom possessed sturdy Danish heritage. Grain crops varied in bushels per acre depending on a rainfall averaging 7-15 inches annually. It goes without saying, when the rains came, it was gratefully received.

And for me the rain was first and foremost an excuse to play. To carve out mighty rivers from ruts in the dirt road in front of our home. To turn small puddles into great lakes, and blocks of wood into battleships and aircraft carriers fighting wars in which the good guys always won. To dream, to imagine, and to play as raindrops fell during springtime squalls was a grand occupation for a boy who lived in the country.

A time to leave footprints in the mud.

Eventually, however, the rains ceased. The sun came out. And all too quickly, things changed. The road steamed and baked in the heat of the day. Mighty rivers and great lakes that had been scenes of great battles quickly disappeared. Cars and trucks, tractors and animals ran over them. Imagining was over. Reality set in, and life went on.

The footprints were gone.

A few weeks ago we took our 10-year-old grandson, Jesse, who was visiting from Savannah, Georgia, to the farm where his grandpa grew up, and where his own father had spent two summers working. I wanted him to experience …what? A childhood memory? How it was when I was 10? We stood on the roadway and looked around. Everything was the same. And everything was different, too. The dirt road was still there, but it too had changed somehow. Or was it I who had changed? Was this a mere youthful regression or would it arrange itself meaningfully in the memories of our grandson?

Memory is a beautiful gift, reminding us of where we’ve been, what we’ve done, how we’ve lived our lives. We can share it (and we should) with our children and theirs. But we can’t expect it to be for them what it was for us. Times have changed. These are the days of Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3; cell phones and movies on demand. We can’t possibly connect with the generations that follow us. Or can we?

I watched the evening turn into night as we sat ‘round an outdoor fire, cooked burgers and chili and roasted marshmallows, while Jesse and his cousin’s dog wore each other down chasing a ball. And later, working at a table, I watched him form up the “Seven Wonders of the World” with wood blocks of varied shapes. Impressive to say the least. Why hadn’t I thought of doing that? Then he took pictures of it with his Nintendo DSi. Okay, there are some things I could never have thought about. One thing for sure though, new/old toys do mingle. So do new/old ideas and experiences. And new/old generations.

After almost two weeks together, we sat with Jesse in the airport, waiting for his call to board the plane and begin the journey home (one more thing I never dreamed of doing when I was 10). Just before it was time to go, he looked up at us and said quietly, “I’m sure going to miss you!” My words exactly.

 

What are the takeaways for each of us? Here are three:

  1. We can and should share our past with those who follow us; we just can’t live there.
  2. It is a new day, but dogs and balls and burgers and chili, roasted marshmallows and wooden blocks still work their magic with any generation. Linking the changeless with that which is ever changing is a good thing for any generation.
  3. When connecting across the ages, with 50s or 30somethings or teens or even 10 year-olds, often all it really takes is enough time invested in listening, reflecting, laughing and sharing.

…And making footprints in the mud.

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

 

 

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INVEST IN YOUR 50+ MINISTRY LEADERS!

Here’s an encouragement to Senior Pastors everywhere. Invest in your 40/50 ministry pastors and lay leaders! Often overlooked and under appreciated, they set the bar for the 40 percent (or more) of your congregation who are 50+ in age. You’ve given them the task of motivating, encouraging, teaching and caring for the older adults in your church family. They may also be a key to success in the intergenerational emphasis you want for your congregation. But to do this they need your support.

The truth is that most who accept this assignment have received little or no special training for the task. The rest of your team is likely better prepared than those charged with older adult ministry. Even if they have years of pastoral experience, even if they were fortunate enough to receive higher educational training in a Christian university or seminary there is a good chance they’ve received little or no preparation for what you’ve assigned them to do. And if you are still unsure about investing in these leaders, think church budget. Remember, you’ve given away the responsibility of working with a demographic that controls 65 percent of the nation’s wealth!

It’s Why more and more churches across the USA and Canada are becoming ministry partners in the CASA Network. It is How senior pastors have been empowering those who lead older adult ministry in their churches: they expose their team to some of North America’s leading pastors, educators and 50+ ministry leaders at the CASA Network’s International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conferences–like the one set to happen on November 9-11 in Anaheim CA. Don’t you think you should, too?

Think Dr. Richard Gentzler, National Director of the Center on Aging and Older-Adult Ministry for the United Methodist Church, sharing the “why” and “how” on starting intentional older adult ministries. Think Dr. Laura Carstensen, Founding Director of the Stanford Institute on Longevity, and her fresh views on “a long bright future” for the longest living generations. Think David Fraze, Student Ministries Director at the Hills Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, TX, as he “revisits our definition of family.”

Think Pastor Rod Toews of the Peninsula Covenant Church, Redwood City, CA, who personally visited 44 churches in the USA to study their older adult ministries. Think author-to-older-adults Missy Buchanan, a recent guest on ABC’s Good Morning America as she talks about faith and aging. Think Chip Arn, one of America’s leading researcher/teachers in church growth and 50+ age ministry. Think Robin Carey, M.S., and discover the power of spiritual coach/mentoring with CASA’s new project, Start the Conversation! Then remind yourself that these are only part of what will be happening during ILC—Anaheim. There is much more!

Invest! Become a CASA Network ministry partner. You are already reading this on the gocasa website. The rest is easy. Do whatever it takes to get your people to ILC-Anaheim on November 9-11. Better still: bring them with you! Show that you understand how important their part of Kingdom ministry is to your church. For those who are intentional about being (or becoming) an intergenerational church, bring your youth pastor, too. His understanding of older adult ministry is another key to your success.

The CASA Network ILC is not showy, just solid. It is built on the premise that nearly 40% of America and Canada is 50+ in age and getting older. With lifetimes of experience and skills, knowledge and wisdom, the Christ followers in this age group can be your greatest ally for Kingdom ministry.

 

 

 

 

Ward

 

Where in the World is Ward?

2011

Aug 10-11 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference - Tauranga, New Zealand

Aug 18 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Caloundra QLD, Australia

Aug 19-21 Regional Senior’s Retreat – Caloundra QLD, Australia

Sept 24 – The Intergenerational Challenge – Denver CO

Oct 18-20 Mount Hermon Fall Adult Conference – Mount Hermon CA

Nov 08 – CASA Network Board of Directors – Anaheim CA

> Nov 09-11 - ILC-Anaheim – The CASA Network International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference

 

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Peter Laslett, 20th century English historian (1915-2001), was an early proponent in British and American society of what I believe must happen in 21st century church culture. In his book, A Fresh Map of Life, published in 1991, he points to the need for a new outlook and a new language with which to view life in today’s world. Nothing could be truer for churches today than the need for a new outlook, a new language and above all, the need for leaders to take a new and serious look at the world through the 40/50 Window.

Nearly 40% of society is 50+ in age. In a few short years it will be 45%. It’s happening in the USA, in Britain and Europe, in Canada and Australia. Today it is estimated there are more than 70,000 Centenarians in the USA alone. Japan is in second place with nearly 45,000. But the headline story is not about our growing 100-year-old population. The big story is the fact that society as a whole is aging, that we are living longer and growing older than at any other time in history, and that this very fact offers the greatest potential for the Church in mankind’s history. It is also about churches not absorbing this big story while growing sluggish with inadequate staff or finances to sustain them in our faltering economy. A new paradigm for doing business is imperative. The world at large recognizes this as our new reality. But the Church has been slow to get on board.

This amazing percentage of 50+ adults will continue to increase. Some see it as an unforgiveable burden on society. Others, like myself, see it as an undeniable opportunity, however poorly we Christ followers may be approaching this reality at the moment. Pastors and other leaders must come to grips with longevity issues, a reality that many are only glancing at or turning away from all together. Here’s a thought, not totally intended to be humorous, but, if the new wave of today’s mono-generational churches survive another two or three decades, they could wind up looking, acting and feeling like ecclesial ‘Sun Cities!’

Much of our thinking regarding aging in the Church is framed in a perspective belonging to the past. Even in ‘2nd half’ terminology, to which I myself often refer, there is a confusion that attempts to join the age of fulfillment with the age of decline. For example, when we in the CASA Network approach the ages chronologically, we identify three broad categories, namely 1) the Legacy generations – birth to approximately age 44; 2) the Bridge generations – 45 to around 69; and the Sage generations – 70+ (the three circles in our logo). Yet the longer I work in this age-wave environment and the more I see where researchers, academics and other thoughtful leaders are headed with their assessments, the more I am persuaded that we may have marked off Bridge generations too early at 70. I think we should be giving them another 10!

While dependence and decrepitude may define the oldest old, the weak and the infirmed, it in no way defines the vast majority of modern boomers and trailing edge builders in the Church or society. And therein lies the beginning of our misperception. It used to be that human life potential was wasted by people dying before their ‘three score and ten’ was up. Today, we who abhor teaching anything other than an authentic, up-to-date, rightly divided Word of Truth still find it easy to buy into century old passé myths of aging without a second thought.

Look at it another way. View the Body of Christ as you would a one-dollar bill. Hold it in your hand. It represents the entire worth of the Church. We decide to invest 55 cents of that dollar in children, youth and young adults. The remaining 45 cents we hold onto for a while. We don’t invest. We make no effort even to connect it to our earlier investment. We don’t understand its power. After all, what can you do with 45 cents? So it lies there in our hand. Losing interest. Getting in the way. Eventually it goes on a shelf or in a drawer. Out of sight.

Forty-five percent of the Christ followers in most of America’s evangelical and mainline churches are 50+ in age. Losing a high percentage of valuable influencers when we need them most doesn’t make any sense at all. Letting them slip through our fingers through inattention, under-serving or by not understanding their true value to the whole Church is even worse.

Maybe this is why a dollar isn’t what it used to be!

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

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Today’s so-called ‘Second-Half’ Christian arrived when much of the Church was looking the other way. And guess what. The GenXers are next.

Boomers alone represent as much as 25% of urban and suburban centers in Canada and America, and between 25–40% of many congregations. The first of the leading edge (“never trust anybody over 30″) boomers turned 65 this year. Together with their parents, they are the first generation intent on living another 30 or 40 years after reaching age 50. It is not a promotional ploy. Many of us will do it. The question for Christ followers is, are we/they ready to become the ‘new elders’ of Christendom? And then, of course, there are the GenXers. Don’t forget them. Leading edge GenXers just turned 46 this year. And those grandkids of yours? Well, take a look.

Generation X
Millennials
Born 1965-1976 51 million
Born 1977 – 1998 75 million
Accept diversity Pragmatic/practical Self-reliant/individualistic Reject rules Killer life Mistrust institutions PC Use technology Multitask Latch-key kids Friend-not family
Celebrate diversity Optimistic/realistic Self-inventive/individualistic Rewrite the rules Killer lifestyle Irrelevance of institutions Internet Assume technology Multitask fast Nurtured Friends = family
Mentoring Do’s · Casual, friendly work environment · Involvement · Flexibility and freedom · A place to learn
Mentoring Do’s · Structured, supportive work environment · Personalized work · Interactive relationship · Be prepared for demands, high expectations
Source: The Learning Café and American Demographics enterprisingmuseum 2003.

Admittedly, younger 50-Plusers sometimes view 70-Plusers with mixed feelings and even a bit of avoidance; after all, we/they are the ‘parents.’ We/they signal both burden and blessing to boomers who find themselves sandwiched between aging parents and children in college or ‘home again,’ trying to get a foothold on their dream job in a tough economy. Together with their pastors and second-half ministry leaders, they find themselves grappling with both the joys and the responsibilities this season in life brings. When it comes to the Church, these new elders range from the devoted to the impatient to the resigned and everywhere in between. They represent a key to ministry success in the body of Christ, but like the key to the front door, are sometimes hard to keep track of and frequently turn up missing. Some are ‘soccer moms and dads,’ weary from years of trying to keep it all together. For some it translates into ‘church fatigue.’ Whether Xer, boomer or builder, they’ve experienced much of what the world is like out there. They have much to give to those following after them. They want to teach and to be taught. Many desire to be Jesus’ hands and feet in today’s world. Maybe not the same way their parents have done, but every bit as impactful. Are we ready to help guide and encourage them along this part of life’s journey? And like veterans come home from battle, some of these ‘new elders’ are in need of thoughtful and loving attention, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Candidly, I’m not sure that the Church really gets the huge significance in all this. I am certain of one thing, though. If ministry to and through 50+ age adults is pushed to one side or overlooked by the Church’s leaders, it will have long-term catastrophic implications. That’s why successfully engaging all the generations in a purposeful and meaningful part of the ministry program and outreach of your church is important. My good Canadian friend Timothy Starr, a respected sage in older adult ministry, reminds us that, “Older people are ready to embrace a life of faith if they can see the reality of Jesus Christ in the lives of those around them.” So who are the ‘new elders’ in your church? They are us! Are you planning for and executing effective ministry to and through this major segment of your faith community? How do you intend to reach this part of your community and your world for Christ? We have to begin somewhere. Let me suggest three first steps that are sure to deepen and broaden your vision.

  • If you are not as yet a ministry partner in the CASA Network family of leaders – pastors, educators, volunteers, and experts in the field of effective 50+ Ministry, join today.
  • Next, plan to participate in the International CASA 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference 2011, November 9-11 (registration discounts for CASA Network ministry partners).
  • Let The CASA Network and CASA volunteers from around the nation, become part of your exciting 50+ Ministry in the months and years ahead.

As someone once said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

Ward

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?

2011

Jan 12 - ALOA Board of Directors – Simi Valley CA;  Jan 13 – SoCal CASA Luncheon – Fullerton CA;  Jan 31-Feb 1 - Assist International Board of Directors – Ripon CA;  Feb 10 - Barnabas Breakfast – Costa Mesa CA;  Mar 05 – Warm Beach Men’s Advance Conference – Stanwood WA; Apr 27 – Northwest Assemblies of God District Conference – Yakima WA;  May 23-June 03 - Israel/Jordan; Aug 10-11 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference - Tauranga, New Zealand;  Aug 18 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Caloundra QLD, Australia;  Aug 19-21 Senior’s Retreat – Caloundra QLD, Australia;  Sept 01 –  ”The CASA Network & 50+ Ministries” – a NorCal CASA morning hosted at Peninsula Covenant Church, Redwood City CA;  Sept 24 – The Intergenerational Challenge – Denver CO;  Oct 18-20 Mount Hermon Fall Adult Conference – Mount Hermon CA;  Nov 08 – CASA Network Board of Directors – Anaheim CA Nov 09-11 - ILC-Anaheim – The CASA Network International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference - Anaheim CA.

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I was thinking about The Mystery of Easter

and about what to do when we don’t see what we expected.

(Luke 24:1-8, 13-35; John 20:1-18).

It was early, a little after six on Sunday when the three women arrived in the garden. The sun was rising. They were sure the entrance would be covered. But they didn’t see what they expected. The stone had been rolled away. They went inside, thinking they would find his body. Again, they didn’t see what they expected. Two men stood before them. “He is not here,” they said. “He is risen!” Now they knew.

They hurried back to tell the others. No one believed them, but Peter and John ran to the tomb anyway and went inside. They didn’t see what they expected. They saw burial cloths and the face cloth rolled up by itself.

When they had gone, Mary remained outside the entrance, weeping. At last she bent down to look in. She didn’t see what she expected. Two angels in white were sitting where Jesus had been lying. And when she turned and spoke to a gardener nearby, asking him for Jesus’ body, the ‘gardener’ called her name. “Mary.” This was not what she expected either. But now she knew.

Late that afternoon, two men were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. A man joined them on the way. He heard them talking of the things that had been told them that day. “What things?” the man asked. They tried to explain.

It was evening. They invited him to stay with them, to share in their perplexity. At the table he took the bread, broke it and gave it to them. They didn’t see what they expected. Instead their eyes were opened. They recognized him. “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?” Now they knew.

In his book, What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell recounts a story of the first Gulf war in which two squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were sent to destroy Scud missiles that Iraq was firing at Israel. They had the latest navigational and targeting device onboard, capable of taking high-resolution infrared photographs from four miles up. How hard could it be to pick out a huge tractor-trailer missile launcher in the middle of the desert? Officials recorded about 100 hits. After the war, the Air Force dispatched a team to determine the effectiveness of the campaign. They didn’t see what they expected. The actual number of definite Scud kills was zero.

The pilots had been operating at night. Depth perception was impaired. Cameras worked only if pointed at the right spot. The right spot was not always obvious. Major General Mike DeCuir, who had flown many of those missions said, “It was like driving down an interstate looking through a soda straw.” They had missed their targets. Now they knew.

There are days like this in everyone’s life. Exciting days. Opportunities abound. Love is in the air. Then, suddenly, change happens. The unexpected takes over. We’re handed a cross instead of a crown. A stone shuts away our best hopes. Weeds of discouragement cover our path. Life is cruel. What-might-have-beens cast unforgiving shadows on our dreams. It really is like driving down an interstate while looking through a soda straw. When you started out, you expected one thing but along the way something else happened.

On a day such as this, go walk a while with a friend. Experience the feeling that you are truly known by someone. Confess your hurts, your misgivings, your disappointments. You’ve come so far. But you didn’t see what you were expecting. So talk about what others say they have seen that you are missing. What’s the point in that, you ask? Confessing faith fatigue without caving in to it. Holding on until you see who is ready to encourage you and help you recover what is missing. That’s the point. And when your eyes are opened, be thrilled! It will not be what you expected. It will be so much better. You will discover that it’s not just your best friend who is with you. It is your Best Friend!

The sun is rising.

The Son is risen.

Now you know.


WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WARD?

2011

Jan 12 – ALOA Board of Directors – Simi Valley CA

Jan 13 – SoCal CASA Luncheon – Fullerton CA

Jan 31-Feb 1 – Assist International Board of Directors – Ripon CA

Feb 10 – Barnabas Breakfast – Costa Mesa CA

Mar 05 – Warm Beach Men’s Advance Conference – Stanwood WA

Apr 27 – Northwest Assemblies of God District Conference – Yakima WA

May 23-June 03 – Israel/Jordan

Aug 10-11 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference - Tauranga, New Zealand

Aug 18 – Fresh Horizons 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference – Caloundra QLD, Australia

Aug 19-21 Regional Senior’s Retreat – Caloundra QLD, Australia

Sept 24 – The Intergenerational Challenge – Denver CO

Oct 18-20 Mount Hermon Fall Adult Conference – Mount Hermon CA

Nov 08 – CASA Network Board of Directors – Anaheim CA

Nov 09-11 - ILC-Anaheim – The CASA Network International 50+ Ministry Leadership Conference

 

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