Designing an Older Adult Ministry

Rating:
Summary: Brief and Informative
Review: Designing and Older Adult Ministry is part of the United Methodist Church's effort to help congregations better serve older adults. While there are a fair number of Methodist-specific references (e.g. quotes from the Book of Discipline), as a non-Methodist, I still found this to be a valuable resource.

The book explores basic issues such as the needs of older adults and reasons ways congregations fail to understand and meet these needs. It also provides a sample process for developing an older adult ministry and examples of effective ministries. A useful list of resources and an extensive set of assessments and sample forms are also included.

While Gentzler does not explore subjects in great depth, the short, easy-to-read sections both enlighten and challenge. Portions of the book could be used as discussion pieces with groups of congregants or among a large staff.

Whether you are seeking to develop an older adult ministry in your congregation or to improve an existing ministry, you will certainly find something useful in Designing and Older Adult Ministry.