With the Can’t-Go senior
adult, patience must be exercised as the effort is made to engage the
individual in activities that will lead them to a vital relationship with Jesus
Christ. Real concern must be shown so that no one ends up believing they are
wanted only because they are another warm body. They must be shown they have a
serious contribution to make to the work of the Body of Christ.
The Can’t-Go individuals need
to see they still are valuable members of the Body of Christ. They may not be
able to do what they once did, but their current limitations are not a barrier
to meaningful ministry in serving others.
Those who want to do more and
are capable of doing more but only under more limited conditions also need to
be shown the variety of ways they can still contribute to the Church at work.
Assistance can and should be given to these Slow-Go individuals. The Body of
Christ will suffer great loss if these senior adults are denied a chance to
participate and add their unique gifts to the ministries of the local family of
faith.
A fourth category of older
adults is the Will-Go part of the family. The mental capacity is still sharp.
The physical ability can still deliver. The one area that is lacking is the
personal energy needed for initiative. The weariness often felt is more the
weight of years than actual physical limitations.
Think of some of the developments
in an older adult that will inhibit the natural initiative to be involved.
These may include periods of physical weakness related to diseases such as
arthritis and weakened lung capacity. These detriments to involvement may also
not be so much related to physical problems as to relational issues.
Difficulties among family members may not directly involve the senior adult,
but worry over these other family members can dampen the desire to take the
initiative to be involved in social activities.
These relational issues that
lessen a Will-Go’s desire to participate can also be focused on other members
of the church or organization. When relationships are under stress, excuses may
be made to avoid the possibility of being in the company of individuals who may
be seen as the source of the estrangement. Since relationships are the primary
product of the church, these fractures must be resolved if at all possible.
Show the Will-Go the
positive. Show how their involvement will be a significant contribution to the
activity and to the group as a whole. They must see the value in being a part
of the project, the program, or mission. They must realize the contribution
they are able to make even if they are not the one in charge.
Thus a wide diversity of
opportunities for service must be provided. In some cases the positions can
involve up front responsibilities. Because the Will-Go may not want to take the
initiative to get something started doesn’t mean they do not have the ability
to lead. If the servant role is still more comfortable, then it should be
clearly shown how success in the endeavor is dependent upon a team effort in
which one may be leading but progress can only occur as all pull together.
Inclusion is critical to keep
the Will-Go involved. Publicity is prominent. Purpose is clearly stated. The
how-to is shown to everyone. Make the members of this senior adult group
realize they are important, they have something to contribute, and progress
cannot be made without their involvement.
They can be the active
support staff. They can be the critical element in having sufficient labor to
fulfill a task. They can be the ones who set the example for the next
generation to show because the years mount up, it doesn’t mean the important
contributions have to stop. The Will-Go can definitely still go.
