Unified Vision, Differing Needs

Two weeks ago I started a series on why demographic data alone is not sufficient for churches to use for proclamation or evangelism strategies. I wrote about how our Case Study approach differs from what companies offering US Census data can provide.

In this post I want to write about the theology behind what Church Resources does and why you should care.  In addition to offering a unified vision for ministry to older adults, I hope to offer a reason why you and your congregation should give attention to the different needs and gifts that older adults present.

Humans have an equal distribution of original sin (Romans 3) which is what makes the gospel so universally relevant to all, both saved and non-saved alike. This is the main reason for the question, “How helpful is demographic data to congregations?” If the message is the same to both groups, how will knowing the gender, population change, density metrics, median income, etc. of your community help the proclamation of the gospel? If the remedy for sin and unbelief is to proclaim the perfect work of Christ, what else is needed but a clear voice and some ears to hear?

Poor or rich, single or married, apartment or home, rural or inner-city, all are in equal need of a clear gospel message. But young and old hear with different ears. Sure, the same words free from sin and death to both old and young, yet as we age and scripture has its way with us, we hear those words of grace with experiences of death and dying, and they are sweeter still. Age brings with it a breadth and depth of understanding that is often ignored.

The Scriptures often include both old and young in the task of the Gospel, even while making distinctions. Luke quotes Joel 2 in Acts when he writes “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Both young and old are directed to the task of proclaiming the gospel but have been distinguished in their tasks by their age. Psalm 71 also speaks to this, “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.”

Paul also deals with young and old in Timothy chapter five, “Do not rebuke an older man but exhort him as you would a father; treat younger men like brothers, older women like mothers, younger women like sisters, in all purity”. Scripture does not negate the distinction of old and young. The lines that mark old and young should be important to us because they are important in scripture. The prayer of the old sinner in Psalm 71 is that they would not die until they are able to proclaim the wonders of God to another generation.

At its core, Christianity is not concerned mostly about living, but with dying. We often forget that after a worship service, many pastors deliver the same words and sacrament to those who are dying, unable to attend: “Take and drink.” The word and sacraments are sustaining, real things, even to the end. Death and dying is the ultimate line of demarcation between the young and the old. Gospel words matter most to those who sit at the edge of heaven. The elderly who have allowed this fact to touch them hear those words “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” more deeply than I.

Have Your Elders Heard the Gospel?

The Senior Ministry Inventory is a unique research tool in that it provides data about people that can be used for and by the church for the purpose of the church. Although we include detailed demographic data for all our congregations, the congregation report is really about how the gospel message influences body and soul and how death to resurrection is understood through the work of the church.

Our Case Study survey has a different objective than merely identifying how to classify men and women into age, ethnic and income brackets. It asks that people indicate if the word they hear really lives! It focuses on assurance of salvation issues and relates them to the way life challenges our minds and bodies. Christ speaks to us about our minds and bodies when he says in Matthew 11, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

If it turns out that many in your flock do not hear the Gospel, or that it has not sunk into their understanding, no business model will help.  Demographic data will not be a launching pad for a shiny new program, but our Case Study approach could aid a serious effort to identify who needs pastoral care while there is still time to reach them.  Our data can help you identify who still needs to hear the living voice of the Gospel.

I have one more post in this series that will bring the practical and theological together and provide the way hundreds of congregations are now viewing ministry to older adults. Stay tuned.

Peace

Aaron

Does Census data help churches?

This is the first post in a series that deals with the differences between Demographic analysis and our Case Study approach for congregations. There are a many companies that offer demographic data products, (examples are here, and here) and are tailored to business use and market planning. They are worth it for your business, if you can afford them. A quick Google search will give you a number of free services that can offer you a look into your local data without to much trouble. If you want to download the data tables directly from the Census, those are also free. Others offer services that target your congregation. Percept, Inc.  is one of the larger companies that offer this service, check them out here.

What you will find when you look at all these services is that they are packaging US Census data into attractive reports. Most let you drill through the data making it easier to find specific information. All this data is based on the Census departments long form questionnaire, here is the sample. The long form is given out every ten years and has 53 questions that focus on your age, gender, ethnicity, income and living situation. From these 53 questions all the above solution providers will give you reports, and some will try to provide interpretation.

But how helpful is demographic data to churches?

Demographic analysis is interesting, very interesting. In our Congregation Report, we include a 16+ page demographic study (as an appendix to the 80 page main report) free of charge because it is so interesting. Although the data will tell you many things, it cannot replace an evangelism strategy, or the message that accompanies your congregations efforts. These resources promise so much, but in the end can’t deliver because the census does not ask questions that deal with real need.

Unlike your local Target or Costco, your congregation has a mission, not a mission statement. The universal mission for the church is to preach Christ to your block group, tract, city, county, state, country and world. We also know that with the universal mission comes a universal message, Christ Crucified. Freedom from sin, forgiveness, release, the happy exchange, the gospel is the one message that is for members and non-members alike. This one message works because it deals with every man, woman and child in the same way, through sin.

The condition of sin is the foundation for all our proclamation, education, evangelism, and world missions efforts. If a service does not directly speak to this condition with an answer that can provide a solution, then no Census data program or service will help.

If you want to read more about the Case Study nature of the Senior Ministry Inventory click here and here. You can see some sample questions here. As you read through this material, you should begin to see the major difference between straight demographic analysis and questions designed to help answer the major reason the church exists.

There are more reasons our research tool is superior for congregational use, but you will have to wait until next week for that update. Have a wonderful memorial day weekend.

Peace

Why Case Study Matters

I talk to pastors and church leaders everyday about the differences between Scientific Random Sample and Case Study data. The Senior Ministry Inventory is a Case Study research tool, so in talking about the benefits to this survey I naturally talk about Case Study and some of the problems with using Scientific Random Sample research.

The following two pie charts exemplify the ministry advantage of Case Study research. Each pie chart illustrates how a specific congregation responded to question #114 in the Senior Ministry Inventory which asks: “Which statement below best describes your understanding of eternal salvation?” These two congregations were of similar size; they had a similar number of older-adults complete the Inventory; they were geographically close; and they were both members of the same national denomination. Only case-study research will provide an accurate profile and description of congregational needs… and congregation profiles vary greatly.

Case Study Congregation #1

Case Study Congregation #2

Imagine preaching to each of these congregations. Only Case Study research can provide an objective assessment of needs and gifts at a particular place.

Implementing the Senior Ministry Inventory in your congregation

There is a simple two-step process for congregations to implement the Inventory.

1. First, make a decision.  Receive the approval of your Church Council or appropriate Board or Committee. If you want to make a presentation to a group in your Church, you can download materials from our website by clicking on the Resources tab at the top of the homepage.
2. Second, contact Church Resources.  Phone, e-mail, or use the website to indicate your desire to implement the Senior Ministry Inventory.

Our staff will help determine the quantity of Inventories you need, and confirm the 4-weeks you have selected for your implementation. You will receive your Inventories 2-weeks prior to your start date.
An Inventory Resource Packet will be sent to your congregation that details all necessary steps for a successful implementation. Publicity and educational materials are included.

We recommend that you invite 100% of all individuals in your congregation, who are 50 years-old or older, to take the Inventory.  Although individuals in their 50’s are not chronologically “old”, they are part of the generation that is becoming care-givers for aging parents and other family members.  The Senior Ministry Inventory is a great help to care-giving families as well as to seniors.

Implications of Mass Aging

What are some of the implications of mass-aging?

Yesterday we posted about the differences between mere-aging and mass-aging. Following are some statistics that illustrate the implications associated with mass-aging. Tomorrow we will post some biblical propositions regarding aging. Stay tuned.

• By 2015, of those over 65, the largest population segment in the U. S. will be single women 85 years old or older.  For the next 10-15 years the church must be prepared to provide an increased ministry to widows of the Builder Generation.
• By 2030 there will be more people over 65 than under 18 in the U. S.  The 20th century was a century of youth.  The 21st century will be a century of age.  Every national election between now and 2030 will be dominated by concerns of older-adults.  Every state, county, municipality and all major corporations are engaged in extensive studies regarding the implications of mass-aging.  The church at the national, regional judicatory and congregation level must do the same.
• By 2030, 35% of all those over 65 will actually be over 85.  However, for every 100 individuals 60-64 there will be 80 people in their 90’s.  And we know that many of them will be in our congregations.  This is mass-aging and the implications for Christian ministry are staggering.
• 15% of seniors today have kids that are seniors… the oldest-old are being cared for by the young-old.  The young-old are different from the new-old.  The new-old are the baby boomers.  The young-old are those in their 70’s who are taking care of those in their 80’s and 90’s.  These 70-year old care-givers need help themselves.  In facing the challenges of senior ministry, the church must specifically target the needs of care-givers.  Aging doesn’t only affect the individual, aging affects the individual and their family and friends who are care-givers.
• Today’s adults in their 40’s and 50’s represent the first generation that will likely spend more years taking care of their parents than taking care of their children.
• According to the U. S. Census, 1/3 of all baby boomers will reach age 65 with a total net worth under $ 1,000.  Mass-aging in the 21st century brings with it a financial wake-up call and the potential for mass poverty.

These projections have been gleaned from various sources:  The U. S. Department of Aging, U. S. Census Bureau, AARP, and numerous books and studies on aging.

Mass-Aging in the 21st Century

Aging concerns are not new. The Church has always served those who are aging. However, as we enter the 21st century the new ministry challenge is not mere-aging but mass-aging.

Gary Andrews, speaking at the 45th annual meeting in 2003 of the American Society of Aging (ASA) said,

The world population increases with a net addition of nearly one-million people age 60 or older every month. Additionally, two-thirds (2/3) of all people in human history who have ever reached age 65 or older, and three-fourths (3/4) of all people in human history who have ever reached age 75 or older – are living today.

That represents Mass-Aging! A challenge and opportunity that has never been faced before by any nation or church in any culture.

Reflecting on this century of mass-aging, the National Council on Aging reports that one-third (1/3) of Americans in their seventies consider themselves middle-aged, and nearly half (44%) of Americans age 65 and older, describe the present as the best years of their lives. How will the Church respond to the current challenge to engage in active ministry those who are in active retirement? The Senior Ministry Inventory helps your congregation focus on how to minister in a culture of mass-aging.

Good data and time

More time does not increase the quality of a decision, it usually decreases the quality of the decision and the momentum for which the decision is being made. More data does not bring with it more insight, unless you have the right data. The right data and the right amount of time provides the moment to make a good decision.

This runs counter to much of what passes for decision making in business practice. When the church business follows corporate decision making, it follows the same fate. For many, Monday’s mark the start of a day of meetings that ask the question, “how will we move forward?” Whatever the product or service they offer, “how will we market it better?” Around the country, this is mimicked at our church council, deacon or elder meetings. The subject may change, but the questions share similar structure. Evangelism, foreign missions, proclamation of the gospel, filling pew seats, boy scouts, AA the list goes on.

The discussion is changed when objective data is brought in to illumine, which then shows the opportunities (solution) and not just the problem. Objective data is everywhere, we base most of our decisions on real, non-changing facts. Whether they are large or small decisions, evidence is what we demand.

Our senior population is increasing daily, many of those reading this would say that is an understatement. You are right. In America another man or woman turns 60 every 10.9 seconds. Our churches are dealing with Mass Aging and a country that has few ideas that bring any eternal help. Real help can only come from knowing what the needs are, and an objective look at those needs is the logical way to move from problem to lasting solution.

The Senior Ministry Inventory gives individuals and congregations this objective picture that can provide the lasting help that is needed. It is the most comprehensive research tool for Older Adults in use today. If you congregation is asking the questions about what to do about Mass Aging, then our research tool is a great first step. The Senior Ministry Inventory provides the right data for quality, timely decisions.

Give us a call for more information, or drop us an email at info@elderministry.com

Peace

Why spend money on research in a downturn economy?

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.