Give Senior Citizens a Chance to Work in the Church

I attend church where many members of the congregation are Senior Citizens. 

For some reason, they seem to think that once they get to a certain age, they are no longer useful in the work of the church and are content to sit back and let younger people carry the load. Too often, those in charge of the workings of the church tend to agree with them and no longer ask for their help in any of the activities of the church, thinking they are too old, that they don't fit the more modern goals of the church, or that they are too senile to be of much use any more.

What a mistake, and what a waste of the talent and wisdom accumulated over the years by these people. True, some of them are unable to serve in any capacity at all and we need to reach out to them with whatever help we can provide, but what about those who still CAN serve. We owe it to them to help them find a place of service, and let them know that God isn't finished with them, yet.

Just a few examples:

My brother-in-law was a quadriplegic due to an accident in the woods and, for almost 40 years, prayed for the people of his church, called people on the phone to encourage them, and led many people to the Lord from the hospital bed he occupied in his home for all those years.

A lady I know crocheted decorative pot holders and asked members of the Sunday School class she taught to hang them on their kitchen walls. Each time they looked at the pot holder, they were to remember that she was praying for them daily, and would like them to pray for her in return. She was over 80 at the time.

I have found that just walking our dog in the park opens opportunities for discussion. Yesterday, a lady about my age was also walking her dog and we stopped to talk for a few minutes. Brief contacts like this over the years have led to future meetings, and, on a few occasions, a chance to talk about spiritual beliefs.

Our church has a barrel in the hallway where you can drop canned food, clothing, toiletries, etc. that will be taken to our local homeless mission. Two elderly gentlemen are in charge of this project, and enjoy the fact that they are still useful in the church.

There are dozens of other tasks such as teaching classes, tutoring kids who are having trouble in school, sending cards, phone ministries, working in the church library, etc. where Senior Citizens can do a wonderful job in the church. If your church is overlooking chances for its seniors to serve, why not take another look and put them back to work. Otherwise the church is depriving itself of a valuable asset.