When it comes to starting a senior ministry from the ground up, all it takes is one person and a lot of prayers. The Lord will honor that commitment and cause that seed to flourish if that one individual is truly concerned about the old and infirm, and if he or she is prepared to spend time to the outreach, promote it, give entertaining programs, and be flexible. If this is something that you are interested in doing, we encourage you to contact the church and see if there is any interest. If at all possible, put together a strategy and get down with the employees to discuss what a program like this may accomplish.

Spiritual and practical ministry to the elderly can be provided by the church, and it can take place both in the church and in the homes and dwellings of the older folks you are attempting to reach.

Assistance from a spiritual standpoint

Ministry to those who are confined to their homes. It is possible for the church to perform a key function in the care of those who are "shut-in" and unable to attend services on their own. Pastors are welcome to make regular visits. Teams of volunteers can deliver birthday cards to elders in their homes and schedule visits to visit and converse with them.

Counseling. Christian counselors are available on the premises of certain major churches. These professionals can assist senior family members and carers in coping with interpersonal issues, stress, unresolved guilt, or anger, among other things.

Telecommunications assurance networks Recruit a small group of dependable church members to take turns contacting the elderly once a day to say hello, inquire about health concerns and prayer requests, and simply chat for a few minutes.

Support groups for caregivers. Forge a support group for caregivers and families of elderly loved ones inside your congregation. If finding a time for your organization to meet is a challenge, you could turn it into a Sunday school session instead. Make a list of caregivers' phone numbers or email addresses so that you may all communicate with one another.

The Ministry of Stephen. The St. Louis-based organization has thousands of congregations representing ninety faiths enrolled with it.

It is part of the Stephen's Ministry program, which educates and prepares laypersons to provide one-on-one support to people who are experiencing emotional, physical, or spiritual difficulties.

Help in the Real World

Care for those in need of a break. Assemble a group of volunteers who would be willing to provide two-hour shifts in their homes, three times a week, to relieve full-time caretakers at their homes.

Adult daycare is available. Some Christian churches are beginning to provide daytime care and activities for senior citizens in their congregations. Seniors who are lonely, in need, physically incapacitated, or mentally disabled would be able to spend the day in a center at the church, where they could participate in memory-stimulating games and activities, armchair exercises, crafts, flower arranging, Bible study, occasional parties, and field trips, and eat a homemade lunch prepared by church volunteers, among other activities. Donations cover the costs of running the organization.

Transportation. Many elderly people rely on public transit or other services to transport them to and from the grocery store, doctor's appointments, hospitals, religious services, and other destinations. It is possible to meet a significant need in their lives by establishing a church bus ministry or compiling an extensive roster of volunteer bus drivers.

Cleaning and repair services are available. Many older people do not have the financial resources to hire expert home repair services for all of their needs. Simple repair jobs can usually be completed by a church member who is skilled with a variety of tools. For larger projects, the church could take up a collection once a month to provide charitable assistance to its members who are in need of assistance.

Parish nurses are women who work in the parish. Parish nurses are registered nurses who educate and counsel members of a church congregation on healthcare issues, as well as serve as referral agents for those members who require healthcare services. More information can be found on the website.

An equipment-loan scheme is available. Some church members may have canes, wheelchairs, commodes, or other home-care equipment that they no longer require and would be willing to gift or loan to others if they so choose. Request that the church posts a list of available equipment, along with the names and phone numbers of the people who can be reached for each piece of equipment.

Events that are both social and educational. Encourage your church to host lunch outings, day tours, or ministry-related programs for its senior members. aging members

Housing. Some churches provide assistance with senior housing requirements by purchasing existing homes and converting them into shared-housing apartments for the elderly and disabled. Residents can pay a nominal monthly fee, with funds raised through church fund-raisers helping to defray the costs of running the facility.