The News
At Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale, Iowa, a 90-year-old grandmother sits at a glossy grand piano leading worship services. Every week at five minutes before nine, nurses arrange wheelchairs in the window-walled multipurpose room while she prepares to minister to fellow residents through music and worship.
Why It Matters
This story highlights untapped potential in senior ministry and demonstrates how worship can thrive in non-traditional settings. Many of your older members may move to assisted living facilities, but that doesn't mean their ministry calling ends. Additionally, retirement communities represent significant mission fields that often lack consistent spiritual care, creating partnership opportunities for your church.
The Takeaway
Consider how your church can support members who move to care facilities and explore partnerships with local retirement communities to provide regular worship services or pastoral visits.
Source: Christianity Today