wfn.org | Adult ministry leaders broaden generational understanding

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

March 2, 2004 News media contact: Linda Green 7 (615)742-5470 7 Nashville,
Tenn. 7 E-mail: newsdesk@umcom.org 7 ALL{085}

NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.

By United Methodist News Service

Retiring baby boomers do not consider themselves over the hill, and they have
redefined the word "young," according to an author on aging trends.

 "Young" is no longer defined by a specific age, but by a life of energy and
vitality, according to Maddy Dychtwald, author and entrepreneur of Age Wave
Inc. of San Francisco. "The new definition of retirement is to engage, to
reinvent and to seek freedom."

Dychtwald, was one of several speakers providing leadership to a February
conference of nearly 250 United Methodist laity and clergy involved in adult
ministries.

In her keynote address, Dychtwald talked about longer life expectancy and
shared how adults are mixing education, work and leisure throughout their
lives. 

"It is no longer a linear life movement from birth, to education, to marriage
or work, to retiring, and finally death, but a full 'cyclic' life progression
of 'ageless aging,'" she said.	

Participants at "Bridging FaithWalks in Adult Ministries," a three-day
institute in San Francisco, focused on building bridges of understanding
across generations. The Adult Ministries Institute 2004 is the second
national adult ministries' training event sponsored by the United Methodist
Board of Discipleship.

Ministry leaders at the gathering learned how to advance disciple-making
efforts with adults in all age groups and contexts, said Soozung Sa, event
manager and director of ministries with single adults and families at the
Board of Discipleship. The theme was inspired by Psalm 148:12-13, which calls
on women and men of all ages to praise the name of the Lord, she said.

The institute, held every four years, is designed to equip and inspire
pastors, leaders and teachers of adult ministry through learning sessions,
discovery of resources, connections with other leaders and faith-forming
worship experiences.	

"Effective ministry with children and youth in congregations and annual
(regional) conferences has come through intentional, focused knowledge and
understanding of these audiences," said the Rev. Bill Crenshaw, director of
the young adult ministries at the board. 

"Like wise, leaders are challenged to broaden assumptions with the spectrum
of adults in the 21st century and adapt ministry approaches to intersect
these rapidly changing lives," he said. "The Adult Ministries Institute
provides an arena for leaders to share on relevant issues and explore
ministry possibilities."

Workshops and plenaries focused on brain fitness, leadership development,
prayer, teaching small groups, connecting ministry to adult life stages,
designing single adult and young adult local church ministries, sexuality,
marriage enrichment, communications and money management

The institute was kicked off by the Rev. Douglas Fitch, pastor of Glide
Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco, and youth from the
Falehufanga Tongan Youth Singing Mission Outreach. Fitch challenged the
participants to find "new values for a new age" and to open the doors of the
United Methodist Church in ways that change the world. 

"Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct," he said. As an
example, he cited Glide Memorial, which conducts vital ministry through
feeding the hungry every day. 

In another presentation, Dan Church, top executive of the churchwide General
Council on Ministries, reflected on the importance of empowering older adults
to be active in sharing their faith with younger generations. He encouraged
churches to explore offering multi-generational Sunday school classes, Bible
studies and mentoring groups. Church specifically challenged participants "to
invite older adults back into influential relationship roles - to get down on
the floor and play, teach and share."

During the closing communion service, Bishop Leontine Kelly challenged
leaders to "abandon fear and move with courage" toward their respective calls
to ministry. 

More information about adult, family and single adult ministries may be
obtained by calling Sa toll-free at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 7169, at the Board
of Discipleship.      

# # #

*This story was adapted from a release written by Kimberly Pace, chief
communications officer at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in
Nashville, Tenn.

 
 

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United Methodist News Service
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