Our Disciples National Benevolent Association (NBA) awarded a 2019 grant to the three-year-old Older Adult Ministries program in our Region. The proposal was sponsored by the Lake Ozark Christian Church. The grant allows us to expand the program to reach many more congregations. Congregations are invited to participate. The cost to the host church is just $150 total, and participants attend free.

The Older Adult Ministries program has already worked with over 20 congregations in our Region, to raise awareness about aging, address biblical perspectives and explore new ministry models for the elderly. The project offers a three-phase process of exploring older adults’ physical and spiritual needs and wishes; and assessing the congregations’ priorities in developing new ministry programs for older adults.

Several churches are working on their participation plans. Three event dates have already been confirmed for this spring:

Saturday, April 6 at Maryville CC - Growing Older: Living Longer, Healthier Lives
Saturday, April 27 at Nixa CC - Aging: New Realities and Growing Our Faith
Saturday, May 4 at Florissant Valley CC - Aging: Growing in Faith and Wisdom

To register, contact the church or click here.

Congregations who participate will receive the newly published resource, “Age-Friendly Congregations” co-authored by Jan Aerie. This resource is free, thanks to the NBA grant. Jan Aerie, family counselor and gerontologist, is coordinating the ministry grant. She has written and led numerous workshops and programs for faith groups and secular service organizations in many states.

Churches who wish to participate as a host church are being invited to apply by contacting Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Paul Koch at 636-221-7065 or paul.ccma@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks to Jan Aerie for this story.