Sharing the Gospel with Older People

It is generally accepted that in bringing the Gospel to unbelievers we adapt our presentation to the culture of those we are addressing. So we present Christ using different language and pictures when speaking to children from when we are speaking to University students. Although the actual message is the same. So we must speak to older people in terms they can relate to and understand. Their own life experiences and the impact of ageing give valuable material that we can use to share the Gospel with them. In doing this we use the Bible to provide answers to the issues arising from their lives and losses.

In one-on-one contacts and when speaking to a group there are aspects of people’s lives that can be utilised to bring the Gospel (the message of Jesus, God’s appointed Saviour) home to them.

Barriers in their thinking that hinder them from understanding the gospel

Older People will often have serious misconceptions about Jesus and the way of salvation (“I’ve got my faith”, “I always try to be kind”, “I do my best”). These, and similar, responses give real opportunity to explain the truth respectfully and gently. Some will have past experiences which prejudice them against the Gospel message. It may be bad experiences of people or presentations of the Gospel that they didn’t like. These need careful handling but in themselves can give good opportunities to talk about Jesus.

The advantage of someone’s personal history may well be memories of Sunday School as children, or contact with faithful Christians who have impressed them. So alongside any poor experiences will be positive contacts that can be drawn on. One thing is fairly certain they will know some hymns and songs from their past. So respectfully and graciously, we draw on these memories to present Christ.

Some of the losses and difficulties of growing older furnish openings that allow us to speak of Christ

The changes that come with ageing are many and varied. We must avoid over-generalising, because each person is an individual and their experiences differ, but these different responses and experiences do provide material that can be used to explain the message. For instance many older people face anxieties, uncertainties, and fears. The New Testament has quite a lot to say about these things (e.g. Matthew 5:25-33) and they can be used to introduce the Gospel.

Similarly some feel a sense of lost role and identity, or feelings of uselessness, or life being empty and without meaning. In different ways the Bible pictures all these feelings and reactions, and so we can talk sympathetically about them and show how the Gospel speaks about becoming new creatures and having new values and purpose.

Explaining the Gospel clearly and simply in a way that interests the hearers

The third thing we should address is making our presentations interesting and clear. That is where, in talks, the use of Bible passages is so effective. I once took a series of talks on the parables Jesus told. By using present day situations that parallel the Bible accounts you can tell a story that is both fascinating and challenging. It had an impact on the group I was talking to. Wise illustrations are vital in a talk.

Speaking in a one-to-one situation is different, but you can still explain the Gospel using stories, especially accounts of people’s similar situations or individuals in the Gospels. Never suggest your illustration is exactly the same as their issue, but present it as a parallel. Personal stories are particularly effective. But with your stories and personal accounts make sure you present what the Bible says. Other religions use all these approaches; our distinction is that we bring the message from God found in the Bible.

We will be looking at these things and answering questions on May 14th . For more information and to book visit the event page.