Church leaders have been valiantly spinning plates while something significant has changed around them. The 'young old' generation has arrived – retired and active and nothing like their parents. Peter Meadows issues a wakeup call for churches to face the fresh challenges and great opportunities this has brought.
This is not a knock at church leaders. They are flat out doing all they can in challenging and demanding circumstances.
Rather, it's a wakeup call. Because something significant has changed in society, and there's a whole section of our congregations that could be missed.
While they've been flat out meeting the needs of children, youth, families, singles and golden oldies, a new social segment has emerged. It's those now sometimes called the 'young old' – they're no longer working full time but definitely still up for living life to the full.
This has huge implications for churches and their leaders. In particular there's a need to take account of these five vital truths.
1. Those retiring today are not like their parents
In the past, retirement meant looking to take life easy, with little thought of fresh experiences and opportunities. However, those now coming to retirement, or already there:
Do not see themselves as 'old' or want to be treated as such.
Are still 'young' in mind, body and body.
May want to make the most of the knowledge, skills and experience they gathered during their working years.
2. Those retiring today are not 'seniors'
If a church has a ministry to seniors – those unlikely to have ever worn denim – this will not cut it for those in the early years of retirement. They may be willing to serve in that setting – but it's not 'them'.
Indeed, most of today's retirees would rather be anywhere other than counted among a group now designated as 'old – whose memories are of Doris Day rather than Elvis or The Beatles.
3. Those retiring today are not 'traditional' worshipers
In terms of their worship experience and aspirations, they're not 'traditional'. Rather, they have grown older during the years of church renewal – and Spring Harvest worship and its kind. Indeed, they have been the ones who've encouraged it rather than resisted.
As a result they may not have much taste for tradition and reflection, and have outgrown all-age-worship's action songs. So they may struggle to find a church experience that works for them and to which they could invite their peers.
4. Those retiring today are a great resource for your church
When a church leader hears of someone no longer working the word 'rota' may come quickly to mind. Or they rejoice that there's perhaps another pair of hands to do some practical work. Yet something much more is now on offer.
This generation of retirees is computer literate, internet savvy and has been immersed in the best workplace practice. That's why websites are now offering them ways to put their past experience to use in the voluntary sector.
So why shouldn't their church tap into their skills inmanagement, IT, finance, communications, mentoring, customer service, fundraising, accountancy, marketing, HR and more? Here's a resource for churches, women and men waiting to be engaged with. A grouping non-existent in the days when the end of paid work meant just putting your feet up.
5. Those retiring today need help to adjust and flourish
The journey to and through retirement will be unique for each church member. But almost all would benefit from the pastoral support, wisdom and help of their church leaders. Above all they need to be developed rather than 'used'. This can involve:
Identifying and helping those heading for their P45 to think and pray through what's ahead
Treating them as a defined segment of church life alongside children, youth, seniors, etc
Creating activities, projects and opportunities that relate to their needs and abilities
For a raft of practical suggestions on what a church can do for its retired and active members see our website under What a Church Leader can do.
Some of it is very simple. Some is very profound. And all is worth doing.
Peter Meadows is programme director for AfterWorkNet.
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