Jr. Richard H. Gentzler

An Age of Opportunity Jr. Richard H. Gentzler

A companion to the author's earlier book Designing an Older AdultMinistry (Discipleship Resources, 1999), this book will provide newinformation and outline ways to develop and strengthen ministries by,with, and for older adults that can, and will, enhance the spiritualgrowth and well-being of people of all ages.

The church isbeginning to recognize that there are vast numbers of older people inits membership. It is becoming aware of its indebtedness to them for theleadership, support, service, and faith that has made the church oftoday possible. The church is uniquely positioned to help older adultsrespond to the challenges of aging; to see the tremendous potentialitiesin the lives of older adult for making the church and community better;and to assist older people as they experience new meaning and purposein their later lives.

Chapters include "Why Older-AdultMinistries?"; "Understanding the Aging Process"; "Aging and theSpiritual Journey"; "The New Seniors: Boomers?"; "Intentional Ministryby, with, and for Older Adults"; "Organizing for Intentional Ministry inthe Local Church"; "Organizing for Intentional Ministry in theConference"; "Congregational Care Ministry"; "Additional Ideas forIntentional Ministry"; and "Trends in Aging." Appendixes include a"Facts about Aging" quiz, information on creating and using older adultsurveys, and suggested resources for further reading and study.
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