In print, television, radio and the web we are constantly reminded that the American economic machine is slowing down. Some call it broken while others are more optimistic, all agree there is something wrong. Last week I read two articles citing that the economy is affecting our churches. I can’t imagine that the loss of jobs or instability of the market wouldn’t be reflected at the offering plate. The church is about the business of forgiving sins and providing hope to a world that is bent on reporting hopelessness. Our hope is in Christ, and right now our prayer is for healing for those who are in need. Financial healing? Yes, in fact we are not Gnostic in separating our physical needs from our faith needs. If Christ exchanges himself with us, that resulting healing applies to all areas in our lives, including financial. Our prayer is for the financial healing of His people too.

So why are we writing this to you? We want to be a help to congregations in this economic troubled time. Church Resources has had the pleasure of serving congregations sine 1997 and by God’s grace we will continue for many years to come. For those who do not know us or about what we do, let me share a brief history with you.

Church Resources serves the church by helping congregations and individuals understand the implications for Mass Aging. For almost ten years we have offered a research tool called the Senior Ministry Inventory that helps a congregation understand the needs and gifts of people over the age of 50. The survey is a Case Study of each congregation that participates, which means that the data provided gives an accurate picture of that particular congregation. The data of one congregation is not mixed or grouped with another, thus it gives an accurate picture of the needs and gifts in a particular place. It is designed to be given to all adults age 50+ in a congregation and three reports come from the collected data.

First, ever individual receives a fully Confidential Report highlighting those needs that should be attended to as they grow older. Legal, medical, faith, educational, health, living situations are all covered in the survey, and recommendations are given for each of these areas for individuals to prepare as they grow older. Second, congregations receive a Congregation Summary Report of all the needs and gifts contained within those participating in the inventory. And Third, the sponsoring Judicatory (Synod or District) also receive a Judicatory Report of all participating congregations and the unique needs that are shared among those congregations. The data that comes from the survey is used by individuals, congregations and judicatories to understand how the church can understand and influence Mass Aging in America.

So why is a research tool like the Senior Ministry Inventory a good idea in a downturn economy? First, because our research tool is Case Study and not Scientific Random Sample in makeup, it has immediate and direct application to the needs of particular people in a particular place. This means that a congregation can go directly from the data, to implementing ideas that can help people where they actually need help. This objective look at your particular congregation will allow you to know exactly where to place your efforts, whether in social service programs or attending to the varied faith situations that we find ourselves dealing with day to day.

If you would like to know more about the Senior Minsitry Inventory and how it can help your congregation understand the varied needs of those older adults in your congregation please start by contacting us. We are here to help you through the easy process of this case study for your particular situation. Join the many hundreds of congregations that have taken action in arena of older adult ministry.