Equipping church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
Equipping church leaders for intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
Getting older is an interesting process. Yet, few people think about their old age. This failure is surprising because we are likely to be old for a major portion of our lives. Aging is not a single event, but a journey that begins at birth, ends at death, and occurs at different rates and ways in individuals.
While many congregations are experiencing decreasing membership among young people, most congregations are blessed by older adults who are actively engaged in the life of their congregation and community. As the older adult population continues to grow, we will need an array of services. While many older adults will be healthy and active, some will be in poor health and need special services and intentional ministries that best serve their needs.
Congregational leaders working with older adults need training, resources, and support to be effective. Unfortunately, many leaders may find training cost prohibitive or class offerings non-existent.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, College of Nursing, with additional funding from the Tennessee Department of Health, have developed a bold new plan to help make a positive impact on congregations, older adults, and persons of all ages. The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate (AFCC) program is an opportunity for congregational leaders, often lay volunteers, to learn about starting, renewing, and strengthening intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. The AFCC program will be available via in-person training or online classes.
Good communication is an important part of the relationship process among the pastor, church staff, and congregation. However, having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.
Ageism is how we think (stereotypes), feel (prejudice) and act (discrimination) toward
people based on their age. It happens when we think and behave as if a person’s age
tells enough about them for us to make a judgement.
Ageism can affect all ages, for example, when we assume an older person can’t use
technology or a younger adult can. Another example is when we see older adults
portrayed as greedy and youngers as lazy. In reality, individuals are far more
complicated.
The program includes an Introductory Class, six core modules (completed in any order), and a Final Action Plan. Throughout the experience, participants will join with other congregational leaders to explore the foundations of an age-friendly congregation through short presentations, individual reflection, and group conversations.
The six core modules are:
The Final Action Plan is a practicum in which the participant describes how his or her congregation is, or is in the process of becoming, an age-friendly congregation.
Thanks to funding, there is no cost for program participants. Our intent is to help make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, churches, and communities.
Interested? Join the AFCC movement in 2026! Sign up on our interest form: https://bit.ly/UTCAFCC.