According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 40.3 million U.S. residents who were 65 years old and older in the 2010 Census and more than 54 million seniors in the United States as of July 1, 2019. Even though these numbers are slightly dated, the data still reveals that our population has a hefty percentage of seniors. Seniors are everywhere in America, and seniors are everywhere in the church! Most local churches are composed of many seniors, but other churches are completely comprised of seniors. Is there a place for the older generation in the Lord’s church? Can seniors still make an impact for the Lord? Absolutely! People who are advancing in years are not disposable or unimportant. Rather, they are greatly needed in the body of Christ, and they are in a great position to serve God in their golden years.
When we typically speak about the older generation in the church, we emphasize the Biblical call to care for those who are aged. While this is certainly a crucial need, did you know that the Scriptures also challenge seniors to serve the Lord in their old age? The psalmist said, “God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” (Psalm 71:17-18). A few psalms later, the Bible says, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon…they still bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:12, 14). Additionally the psalmist said, “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being” (Psalm 104:33) and ―I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being” (Psalm 146:2).
The Biblical challenge for seniors is clear! There is no retirement plan here for God’s aged saints; old age is a time to do what you can for the Lord until the very end! Your work may change as you get older, but it doesn’t cease when you reach age 65. Old people are not church members who have passed their prime, they are not nonproductive, and they are not a burden to the local church. No, senior saints are often still very energetic, wise, and reliable servants of God. Older people long to be wanted and they feel a deep need to be useful. The church honors these special members of the body of Christ by using them! Local churches would be wise to talk with their older adults, identify their special gifts, and utilize them in strategic ways to mentor and minister to others. An older church isn’t necessarily an inferior church, but the key is to cultivate a body of people bent on serving God in every season of life. The church needs you—even in old age! What can you do to serve God in your senior years?
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
