Jim Farrelly

Older adult ministry assists congregations in their task of encouraging and nurturing older adults to fully develop and utilize their Christian faith, talents and spiritual gifts in ministry.

The South Wisconsin District older adult ministry committee encourages congregations and provides resources, models and direction to:

• Develop excitement for and understanding of how to utilize the spiritual gifts, skills, time and talents of older adults as resources within the church among pastors and congregational leaders.
• Help congregations plan, implement, sustain, and build older adult ministry program(s) around the functions of the congregation: worship, nurture, witness, stewardship, service, fellowship and health.
• Help congregations identify the physical, emotional, mental, social, developmental, and spiritual needs of older adults in their congregations and address these needs through ministry activities by the congregation.
• Help God's people recognize that the development of one's Christian faith is a lifelong commitment that requires continual nurturing and to inspire lifelong learning and abundant living.
• Promote a healthy understanding of the aging process as a blessing and gift from God our Creator by sensitizing people of all ages to the value of intergenerational activity and helping them work at developing relationships and partnerships across generations.