Is your Church faith in later life friendly?
Author: Alex Drew
Our population is ageing fast. That means more older people in our churches and communities – what a wonderful opportunity for the gospel, and to demonstrate God’s unfailing love! Helping people to have faith in later life is important and urgent, the Bible says that the harvest is plentiful. But if we’re to gather this harvest in before it’s too late, churches need to be intentional about their ministry among older people. Are you? Here are a few questions to help you and your team think this through, for the first time, or as part of a regular review.
1. Engagement and Involvement
How frequently does your church offer activities, programmes, or services specifically aimed at older people (e.g., Bible studies, social gatherings, seniors events, care home services)?
o Weekly
o Monthly
o Occasionally
o Never
2. Pastoral Care
Does your church proactively provide love and pastoral care tailored to the unique needs of older people in your community, including supporting people who are: bereaved, caring for others, living with dementia, staying home, in hospital, living in care homes, and approaching the end of life?
o Yes, regularly
o Yes, occasionally
o No, but we plan to
o No, we don’t
3. Helping Older People Find and Explore Faith
Does your church actively help older people in your community find and explore faith through evangelism, Alpha courses, or other introductory faith programmes?
o Yes, multiple programmes
o Yes, a few programmes
o No, but we plan to
o No, we don’t
4. Helping Older People Find you
How are you reaching older people in the community with your invitations to explore faith?
o Our website and social media posts include older people, so they know they are welcome
o We advertise our seniors programme in the local paper and on noticeboards
o We produce attractive, easy to read invitations for members to share with friends
o We partner with appropriate community groups eg telephone befriending services
o Other
5. Accessibility
Are church facilities and events easily accessible to older people, considering factors like mobility, hearing, vision, and those who are offline?
o Yes, fully accessible
o Partially accessible
o Not accessible but planning improvements
6. Inclusivity
Does your church actively and specifically consult older people in church vision and strategy?
o Yes, regularly
o Yes, occasionally
o No, but we plan to
o No, we don’t
7. Spiritual Growth and Support
Does your church offer resources and opportunities for spiritual growth specifically for older people, such as age-appropriate Bible study materials, prayer groups, or mentorship programmes?
o Yes, multiple options
o Yes, some options
o No, but we plan to
8. Community and Fellowship
How does your church foster a sense of community and belonging among older people?
o Intergenerational worship services and events
o Small groups or fellowship meetings for older people
o Outreach programmes addressing loneliness and isolation
o Opportunities for older people to serve and volunteer
o Other
o We currently do not have specific initiatives for older people
9. Calling
Does your church actively encourage and help all older people to use their spiritual gifts? Examples might include helping people to explore what their gifts are, how to adapt and use them in later life, and as circumstances change, and creating opportunities for unique types of service.
o Yes
o No, but we plan to
o No
10. Resourcing for Seniors Ministry
How well do you feel you and your church are resourced for strategic thinking and ministry around seniors work?
o Very well resourced
o Somewhat resourced, and making improvements
o Not resourced at all
Follow-Up Actions:
o Prayerfully identify areas where your church can improve or expand its ministry to help older people have faith in later life
o Consider setting specific goals and timelines to enhance your ministry in these areas
o For further guidance and resources, and to appoint a Faith in Later Life Church Champion visit Faith in Later Life
UK church leaders aiming to be more intentional about the gospel opportunities of later life are welcome to arrange a one-to-one conversation with our CEO, Alexandra Drew, to explore further.
Please contact her directly via [email protected]
Download the Questions for easy printing here: Is Your Church Faith in Later Life Friendly?