PROPOSAL
ST. BENEDICTS MISSION TO OLDER ADULTS
GROWTH THROUGH PROCLAMATION
September 2011
Executive Summary
We propose that the St. Benedict’s Bishop’s Committee institute evangelism or
proclamation efforts directed at older adults (age 55 and over)
Our own Bishop Rob O’Neill has emphasized the fundamental importance of evangelism
as “the most basic work of the Christian community,” being “every Christian’s
responsibility.” He observes, “no one discovers the good news ... without an invitation.”
The La Veta area, already a vacation community, has also become a retirement
community. The 2010 census tell us that half our year-round residents are 55 years of
age or older. Previous studies indicate that about 46% of those residents are unchurched.
Including seasonal residents, that means that about 550 people in the La Veta area are
both older adults and unchurched. They comprise a prime population for evangelism.
We are at a tipping point. While our overall population has decreased, the older
population has dramatically increased. Within the town of La Veta, there has been a
140% increase in the number of people aged 60-64; in the La Veta environs the number
of people older than 55 has increased by 75%. In addition, for the first time, the number
of seasonal housing units exceeds those occupied year-round.
We ask the Bishop’s Committee to take advantage of this new reality, as more fully
described in our proposal, by:
• Embracing evangelism among older adults as the key to future growth of our
congregation.
• Seeking assistance from the Diocese in that effort
• Insuring that the new vicar has a heart and capabilities for evangelism of older
adults
• Identifying new residents and personally inviting them to join.
• Encouraging our members to fully engage the community in which they should
become quiet evangelists
• Promoting the establishment of new small groups involving activities attractive to
older adults
• Providing training for our members in caring ministry.
GARY FLANDERS, DON LOWELL, STAN MANN, SANDY WHITE
PROPOSAL
ST. BENEDICTS MISSION TO OLDER ADULTS
GROWTH THROUGH PROCLAMATION
September 2011
We propose that the St. Benedict’s Bishop’s Committee institute evangelism or
proclamation efforts directed at older adults (age 55 and over).
Following his resurrection, Jesus met with the remaining disciples and told them
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all
nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach
them to observe all the commands I gave you.
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus did not limit the Great Commission to the young or middle aged and he certainly
did not exclude older adults.1 Indeed, older adults comprise the fastest growing age
group in our area and, to the extent that they are now unaffiliated with any church,
represent a fertile field for evangelism and growth of our congregation.
La Veta’s Older Adults
The number of Older Adults is growing, nationally and locally. Nationally, “the seniorcitizen
cohort is growing three times faster than the rest of the American population.”2
Even in the Town of La Veta, where total population has declined some 13.4% between
the last two censuses (2000 and 2010), the older adult population has increased by over
50%; the aged 60-64 population has increased by 140% and the median age has jumped
from 43 to 53 years old.3
St. Benedict draws, of course, from beyond La Veta’s municipal boundaries. In the last
two censuses, the town and its environs have been represented by the “La Veta CCD.”4
In that area, during 2000-2010, total population fell 3% but the number of older adults
1 James A. Davies, Does A Soul Have Wrinkles? Evangelism and Mature Adults, Alliance
Academic Review (2000), available online at: http://www.kneillfoster.com/aar/2000/AAR2000-3Soul.php
2 Charles Arn, The New World of Senior Adults, Enrichment Journal, a publication of The General
Assembly of the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri (2011) available online at
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200201/200201_012_new_world_sa.cfm .
3 U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 and 2010, Table DP-1, Profile of General Demographic
Characteristics, La Veta town, Colorado, available online at: http://factfinder2.census.gov .
4 The CCDs or Census County Divisions were established by the Census Bureau, the State, and
local governments, follows visible features such as watersheds and highways. The La Veta CCD roughly
consists of the Western portion of the Cucharas River basin, starting at Cuchara and La Veta passes and
ending roughly even with a point on Highway 160 about 7 miles East of La Veta. A map of the La Veta
CCD can be found at http://0-www2.census.gov.iiiserver.
ualr.edu/geo/maps/dc10map/GUBlock/st08_co/cousub/cs0805592204_la_veta/ where you should
select DC10BLK_CS0805592204_000.pdf.
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jumped by 75% and the median age increased from 44 to 55. There are well over 300
new senior adults in the area. 5
There are some 766 permanent residents in the La Veta CCD who are 55 years of age or
older. See the following chart:
Census Population Comparisons
La Veta CCD (Census County Division)
2000 2010 Change % Change
Total Population 1588 1543 -45 -2.8%
Median Age 44 55 11
55 and older 439 766 327 74.5%
Seasonal residents significantly increase the number of older adults in the La Veta CCD.
As we know from our anecdotal experience, seasonal residents dramatically increase the
local population during Summer and early Fall. Historically, our own church attendance
reflects that trend, increasing by about half, as shown in the following chart.6
StB Average Attendance
Beginning with 4/10/2005 services in own church
Year June-Oct
Remainder of
Year
Summer
Increase
2005 36.2 26.4 37%
2006 32.7 24.3 34%
2007 34.1 23.5 45%
2008 39.9 26.7 49%
2009 39.0 25.5 53%
2010 32.5 21.8 49%
Recent census returns demonstrate that the number of seasonal, non-rental housing units
(like summer cabins) now exceed the number of housing units occupied by year-round
residents:7
Census Housing Comparisons
La Veta CCD (Census County Division)
2000 2010 Change % Change
Total Housing Units 1573 1877 304 19.3%
Occupied 743 779 36
Seasonal 664 871 207 31.2%
5 U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 and 2010, Tables DP-1, Profile of General Demographic
Characteristics, La Veta CCD, Huerfano County, Colorado, available online at:
http://factfinder2.census.gov .
6 Data from St. Benedict Register of Church Services for the indicated years.
7 In addition to the previous Census references, this housing comparison chart is also based on U.S.
Census Bureau, Census 2000, Table QT-H1, General Housing Characteristics, 2000, La Veta CCD,
Huerfano County, Colorado.
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While the census does not tabulate seasonal residents, we are confident that they increase
our population by roughly 50%, bringing the total (year-round and seasonal) to
approximately 1000 or more older adults.
There are approximately 550 permanent and seasonal older adults who are unchurched.
According to the Glenmary Research Center, in 2000 roughly 54% of Huerfano County
residents were affiliated with a religious congregation.8 [Our personal experience leads
us to believe that percentage is over-optimistic for the Western end of the county where
Roman Catholics are not predominant.] Assuming that same percentage applies to
permanent resident older adults, some 46% or 350 permanent residents are not affiliated
with a congregation, i.e. are unchurched. The same percentage leads us to suggest that
there are approximately 200 unchurched seasonal residents. Together, permanent and
seasonal, there are at least 550 unchurched older adults in the La Veta area. They should
be the subject of a targeted outreach by St. Benedict. Membership growth should be an
incidental by-product of that evangelism.
The View of the Diocese
The Diocesan website leaves little doubt that evangelism or proclamation is the primary
purpose of Christian ministry:9
We are committed to living out the mission of the Church through the ministries of evangelism
(proclamation), Christian formation (discipleship), and service to all (servanthood). The
missionary work undertaken by the congregations of our diocese is both local and global in scope,
and we look to support all those who seek a deeper understanding and relationship with Jesus
Christ.
At the Diocesan Convention in 2005, Bishop Rob O’Neill emphasized the fundamental
importance of evangelism:10
The proclamation of the gospel is the fundamental activity, the most basic work, of the Christian
community. It is every Christian’s responsibility, a collective challenge. No one finds God alone.
No one discovers the good news of the kingdom of God and the new life of Jesus without an
invitation. Do you know that there is good news for a world that is desperately in need of a more
transcendent and life-giving vision of itself? Do you care enough about your faith to extend the
invitation?
The Diocese contains a panel of “Congregational Development Consultants,” convened
by Canon Lou Blanchard which is to “coach, facilitate and/or consult with clergy and/or
congregations desiring to enhance their growth, development, health and vitality in order
to engage more fully into the mission of the Body of Christ.” While the Diocese website
appears to ignore evangelism of older adults, these consultants may have experience or
expertise in this area. We encourage the Bishop’s Committee to draw on this expertise.
8 These results are summarized at: http://www.city-data.com/city/Huerfano-Valley-Colorado.html
In 2012, Glenmary anticipates updating its analysis to reflect the results of the 2010 census.
9 http://www.coloradodiocese.org/
10 http://www.coloradodiocese.org/01_whoweare/proclamation.html
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In the meantime, left to our own devices, please consider the following from our own
limited literature review.
The Theory of Ministry to Older Adults
Based on our research and personal experience, it appears that there are several key
points in developing a ministry to older adults:
Charles Arn’s article, The New World of Senior Adults, suggests that the “age wave” is
not an undifferentiated cohort but, instead, consists of very flexible groupings of “new
seniors” or “middle adults” (50-69) as well as “senior adults”” (70-79) and “Elderly
Adults” (84+). Treating all of them as a consistent lump is unwise. Instead a church
should recognize and serve their different characteristics as shown below:
NEW SENIORS’ (50-69)
CHARACTERISTICS
MIDDLE SENIORS’ (70-79)
CHARACTERISTICS
Have goals to accomplish Do not think of themselves as “seniors”
Feel 10-20 years younger Tend to keep small groups “as is”
Look forward to future Do not make a priority of outreach
Rather serve than be served Are at the their peak of influence and retain
considerable energy
Spend time with those of common
interests
They have or face an empty nest
Eat nutritionally and exercise regularly Are in or anticipate retirement
Enjoy going out Have more leisure time
Have supportive friendships Decline in physical ability
Sense of humor May have to deal with aging parents
View retirement as a time for work,
study, service and play
Women facing or dealing with widowhood
Specific Suggestions for St. Benedict’s Ministry to Older Adults
Initially we ask the Bishop’s Committee (1) to affirm St. Benedict’s emphasis on
evangelism to older adults and (2) to request support (advice and direction) for this effort
from the Diocese. One would think that the Diocese has resources available that we do
not, e.g. experience with evangelism in resort or vacation towns and retirement
communities. Nevertheless, the Diocese may have its hands full and we may need
temporarily to fend for ourselves.
James Davies in Does a Soul have Wrinkles?, suggests that “mature adult” groups grow
in several ways, including:
• Transfer – older adults move into the area and join. St. Benedict should devise
ways to identify new residents and personally invite them to join.
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• Conversion – the most important for creation of a contagious community.
Davies goes on to suggest that there are five principles for improving evangelism to older
adults:
1. “Promote intentional ‘consciousness raising’ among the church in general and
among leadership in particular.” In our case, one important aspect of that
leadership is the new full-time vicar. He or she should understand and internalize
that, if our church is to survive, the focus must be on older adults.
2. “Teach the ‘Receptivity’ of mature adults.” Most people are receptive to change
during times of stress; in the lives of those over 50, people are more likely to
become church members during times of transition, i.e. when moving to the La
Veta area. During those times, older adults come to Christ and join a church
based on personal relationships with others.
3. “Focus on the mature adults developmental needs.” Evangelism for older adults
should center on concerns such as achieving peace with the world, friends, family
and self as well as maintaining physical and psychological well-being.
4. “Glean from the mature adult as consumer-responder.” Older adults don’t like to
be thought of as “old” or anything smacking of it - in our culture the word is a
pejorative. In our programming, we would be wise to avoid any term that
emphasizes age.11 Mature adults are not so interested in things as they are
experiences. Evangelism should focus on things such as “the relationship with
Jesus Christ, the peace of God and the experience of His abiding presence.”
5. “Understand the mature adult as decision-maker.” While older adults as a group
are very heterogeneous (age, health, family and marital status, ethnicity,
geography, education and social class) they all tend to make decisions in ways
that should inform our evangelism efforts:
a. They rely on people they trust, meaning that evangelism is best carried
through existing networks of relationships and planned friendship building
events.
b. They resist the hard-sell but are receptive to gentle and repeated exposure
to the gospel message.
c. They postpone decisions until they clearly understand the benefits.
Ministries should “identify and communicate the attractive qualities of
faith and the Christian community. Equally important is giving the senior
time to think through the attractive advantages of the Christian faith.”
11 Other names for older adults include prime leaders, ripe, honored, grownup, mature, etc.
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d. They want an assurance of quality, meaning that whatever evangelism
tools are used (meetings, ministries, printed materials, etc.) should clearly
give the message that time spent will not be wasted.
e. The resist a dramatic change in lifestyle, except during transition events.
Ministries should use “elder-heroes” (from scripture, church history, local
community) as positive role models or gateways for lifestyle changes.
f. They are most responsive to personal invitation, meaning that impersonal
appeals will generate little return. Evangelism efforts that “build and
nurture relationships and provide pastoral care and personalized help,
either one-on-one or a small group-to-one, will be more effective.”
g. Their decisions are based on needs rather than wants. The church should
create ministry teams or other means to address needs of the older adult:
“adapting to change, continuing to grow, leaving a spiritual legacy, putting
one’s life into perspective and finding peace with oneself and God.”
The BC should encourage St. Benedict members to immerse themselves in the
community and to become quiet evangelists by:
• Attend appropriate community activities, e.g. Senior Lunch on Fridays.
• Participate in civic organizations, e.g. Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce.
• Invite friends to St. Benedict-affiliated small groups (e.g. Bible study and weekly
Episcopal Lunches) as well as to Sunday worship services.
The BC should take steps to
• Establish new small activity groups or age-appropriate events within the church,
e.g. bingo, bridge, camping, hiking, RVing, birding, Lathrop programs, shooting,
golf, geology, history, theater-going, hunting, fishing, book study, movie night,
poker for Jesus (low stakes with proceeds to the church), etc.
• Identify new residents and personally invite them to join.
• Encourage congregants to train as caring ministers, e.g. in Stephens Ministry.12
• Incorporate into the search for a new full-time vicar the need for him or her to
have a commitment to and be suited for leadership of an older adult ministry.
Respectfully submitted,
12 http://www.stephenministries.org/
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