Archive for the ‘A Word From Ward’ Category

A Word from Ward

 

Last Tuesday, I arrived at SeaTac for an early morning flight to Burbank to shoot some promotional video for the upcoming CASA Network 7 great days of Influencing the Generations conferences, scheduled this summer and fall across America. Once the work was done, I would take a flight home that evening.

My seat assignment was in the rear of the plane. Not my idea. Theirs. So I asked the agent if there might be a comparable seat further forward, perhaps row 11 or better? They put me in row 16A. Best they could do, he explained. Well, it is an improvement over row 26, I thought  to myself. But then it got even better. After everyone appeared to be onboard, seats 16 B and C remained vacant. I smiled. Is God good or what? Selfishly (and yes, happily) I prepared to spread out and get some work done.

That’s when I saw her coming down the aisle.

She was being literally carried, wheelchair and all, by two airline personnel. They stopped at my row. I watched as they lifted her out of the wheelchair and helped situate her in the aisle seat. She was older, perhaps in her late sixties, obviously severely crippled (I later found out, a cerebral palsy victim), and extremely frail. Her head was bent forward and it took some effort for her to look up, but she did to the attendants and smiled, saying, “Thank you. That was the best ride ever!”

airline seat
As we waited for the plane to push away from the terminal, I saw her working with the seatbelt, her fingers not quite doing what appeared to be needed. “May I help you?” I asked. “No thank you,” she answered. “I think I’ve got it now.” She turned her head slightly and looked up at me as best she could, smiling her appreciation.

“Are you vacationing?” I asked.

“No, I’m going home.”

“And where is home?”

“Bakersfield,” she replied, her eyes lighting up as the word rolled off her lips. “I’ve lived in Seattle with my son and four grandchildren for twelve years. I’ve really tried to make it work, and I will miss them, but I can’t take the overcast and the rain anymore. So I’m going home to Bakersfield and the sunshine, to live with my twin sister.”

We exchanged more pleasantries and she told me her name: Sally.

Our conversation continued. Sally shared that both she and her sister’s husbands had died some years ago. Her sister’s only child, a daughter, had been killed at age 18 in a car crash, devastating her son since they had grown up together, like sister and brother. And Sally had endured cerebral palsy all her life. “People often ask me if I miss walking,” she said. “I tell them, no. I’ve never walked in my life. Ever. Not one step. So how can I miss something I’ve never done?”

I mentioned my impression that she appeared be a Christian. She smiled again and said, “Oh, yes. I love the Lord with all my heart. He has given me so much joy. I have had such a wonderful life. I’ve been so blessed!”

I asked what things she enjoyed doing. “Reading, crossword puzzles and meditating on life,” she replied without hesitation.

“And now you’re going home,” I said.

“Yes,” she smiled, her countenance shining once again. “I’m going home and I’m so excited!”

 

Our plane eventually landed. People crowded into the aisle, impatient to debark. A rather well fed couple in 17D and E, impatient looks on their faces, yanked carry-on bags from the overhead storage just above Sally’s head. The woman glanced down at her wordlessly. Then the two grimly pushed forward, not waiting for seat sections to clear in front of them, intent on whatever was next. As I prepared to leave, Sally apologized for it being inconvenient to get by her. “I’ll be the last one off,” she said, still smiling. “They’ll wait for everyone else, then come get me.”

The Lord knew I needed to be surprised. A move from 26A to 16A.  A predestined seat mate. Someone too quick to pity, too easy to ignore. “Enjoy your new life, Sally,” I said as I moved carefully past her into the aisle. “I will,” she replied. And I was caught up in the flow toward the exit door.

 

I may never see Sally again this side of heaven. But heaven was very close last Tuesday in row 16 on an early morning flight to Burbank. My normal routine when assigned seating that far back is to ask if anything comparable has opened up further forward. This time my routine turned out to be better than comparable. It was a magnificent privilege to be moved up from row 26 to row 16. To share seats that I had coveted for my own selfish self with a truly beautiful woman named Sally, trapped for a lifetime in a twisted body that had never served her well. Ever.

And I was reminded something I often say (and believe on most days). When routines become magnificent, the daily routine becomes a holy adventure!

It happened for me last Tuesday. A holy adventure. It really was “the best ride ever!”

 

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So, did my value just go up or down?

Someone’s first response to that question might be to shake his or her head and say, “Can’t tell. Haven’t checked the stock market.” Or someone more cynical, “If it’s anything past 65, then forget about the market. There’s no question. Your value just went down!”

In today’s society, one’s sense of value is often tied to personal wealth, or the lack thereof. For others it’s the physical aspect of aging that is the marker. No longer being able to look like or do what we did when we were younger, it is easy to feel devalued, pushed aside. Even something as innocuous as operating a DVD player or a computer can be intimidating.

One thing is for certain. Modern culture places a high value on youth and technology. Instinctively as we age, we push back. Are you 50? Happy birthday. You don’t look a day over 49! You’re chagrined when you look in the mirror, though. No matter the effort and money spent on looking 30 or 40-something, the truth is you don’t. Looking as good as we can at whatever age we may be is not a sin. But obsessing over the aging process can be. And being devalued in my mind or by others simply because I am older, definitely is.

So what can be done about raising my value, my healthy sense of self-worth as a Christ follower in today’s church and society? Let’s take a look.

 

If, while at your birthday party an alert, intuitive 25-year-old finds herself in a room filled with ‘old people,’ it may not be their knowledge, experience, or judgment that will be her lasting takeaway. It will be that these people are in a very real sense that 25-year-old at a later point in life. Hanging out with older folk can be valuable, if for no other reason, simply because it gives a look into the future as to what one’s own experience will some day be. In an extraordinary way, we are to that young woman a room filled with stories, a library of lives, waiting to be opened and read.

Some of my friends in their later years are resistant to change, refusing to adapt to the world that is changing around us all. They say “enough already,” stop learning and turn a deaf ear (sometimes literally) to anything new. They become roadblocks instead of avenues. But here is the reality. When we resist adapting, put and end to learning new things, it is difficult for others to believe that we may have any worthwhile wisdom to impart. So, rightfully, they move on to people in their 60s, 70s and older who have continued growing and remain engaged.

These are the elders who enjoy life, are a pleasure to be around, and display a beauty and dignity that ensures they will never stop being valued by people of any age. To maintain our relevance, we must distinguish between fantasy and reality, recognize what makes us different, unique, and then focus on that, leaving the rest for someone else.

Like or not, we are deeply embedded in the information age. It has overtaken us like a tsunami from which there is no escape. But, amazingly, here is where my value rises. I can’t compete with Google or Wikipedia when it comes to recounting the details of JFK’s assassination. But I am good at first-hand stories. I lived it. I know where I was when I heard he’d been shot, what it felt like in the succeeding days as I led my young family and our first congregation through a national trauma. Other generations can read the details in history books. But Google or Wikipedia cannot explain it first hand. ‘Those who were not there’ need these first hand stories from those who have gone before, to act as pillars in their own lives when facing cataclysmic events.

 

Much of life remains the same for every generation. Only the faces, the names, the places change. This, too, is where an older Christian with deep faith, life experience and gathered wisdom becomes a gift. When facing his or her own difficulties, broken relationships, disappointment and failure, a young person may be willing to talk to their peers, but the gift most often of greatest value will be found somewhere in the 60+ crowd.

So back to the question: did my value just go up or down? Well, surprise. I checked the stock market and it looks like a good day. I had opportunity to spend an hour with a young man devoted to reaching youth and young families for Christ. Chalk that up as time well spent. And my six-month-old great grandson fell asleep this afternoon with his head nestled on my chest. When our daughter (his grandmother) looked in, she smiled, then walked back to the kitchen where I heard her tell her mother with a chuckle, “They’re bonding.”

 

All in all, I think my value went up today. Happy birthday! How about you?

 

 

 

 

 

Ward

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What part of Being Church are we Missing?

In an article entitled, “How Pastors Planned to Improve Their Churches,” David Kinnaman of the Barna Group reported on the responses of 614 senior pastors of churches throughout the United States concerning questions having to do with revamping and retooling the organization, funding and staffing, church size and leadership.

In reading this report, I was left with two impressions: 1) significant differences appear in the “above average interest” categories within the age ranges of today’s pastors and, 2) pastors are finding it difficult to answer the “foundational questions of mission and vision” of the church.

 

First impression. Kinnaman notes that survey differences were observed by the age of the pastor. For example, in improving their churches, pastors under age 45 had an above average interest in technology and digital media, those between 45 and 63 in fundraising help, while pastors 64 and older were higher than their peers when it came to measuring spiritual transformation.

Is it possible that technology has become such a part of “assembling church,” and funding, staffing and organizing so much a part of “doing church” that we can all too easily lose sight of being church? Church as performance? Church as business? Or church as spiritual transformation? Can we have it all or must we choose?

When it comes to techy stuff, I am a true believer. My iPhone, iPad, and Mac desktop are in daily use. Digital photography, websites, electronic media, all of that. I get it. It is important. And I know about the business of church. As both senior pastor and executive pastor, I spent much of my life with ever growing staffs and budgets. I get that, too. Like many of us, I have dabbled in, lived through and at times been guilty of losing focus in the midst of myriad leader demands.

But Kinnaman’s comment that “pastors 64 and older were higher than their peers when it came to measuring spiritual transformation” caught my attention. There is a quality about aging that brings one back to the center. Paul speaks of building on the foundation with “wood, hay and stubble” as opposed to “gold, silver and precious stones.” I’ve strewn a fair amount of the former alongside my own leadership pathway. I pray enough of the latter qualifies as eternal in Kingdom value.

 

Second impression. Kinnaman observes: “Like other organizational leaders, pastors are trying to right-size their efforts to the new economic, technological and social realities. Most pastors are open to changing their ministries, yet many of them are struggling with the foundational questions of mission and vision. In other words, they want a clear direction to pursue, not necessarily just more ministry resources, like facilities, equipment, technology or ministry tools.” This impression seems to clearly link to my first.

Some years ago, while preparing to speak at a national senior’s conference in Pennsylvania, I was grappling with an unresponsive computer/PowerPoint/projector combination that would not cooperate, no matter how hard I tried. As the start time drew near, I was desperate for a solution. All the while, an elderly gentleman had been watching and finally, to make conversation, I said to him, “I remember when we used to spend this time before preaching in prayer. Now it seems we spend the time dealing with technology problems.” He smiled, nodded and continued watching. As he turned to go to his seat, he finally spoke up. “If you want my advice,” he said, “I think you’d better go back to praying!”

The profound is often found in the most simple. I had the equipment, the technology and the ministry tools. What I needed was an old man in my life. I took the gentleman’s advice. I prayed. “Vision” cleared. “Mission” accomplished. The people experienced a moment of spiritual transformation.

And so did I.

As essential as technology may seem, as vital as the business of church may appear, we cannot forget that many past the age of 64 in the church may know little or nothing about either of these. But if they know about being church, they know when spiritual transformation takes place. They live for such moments. They know the difference between ‘assembling’ church, ‘doing’ church, and being church. I need these people in my life. So do you. They’ve been there. They remember. They keep us focused.

Walking on water is pretty amazing.

Administering the feeding of 5000 is incredibly exhilarating.

But for spiritual transformation, there is nothing like an empty tomb!

 

 

 

Ward

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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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