As the saying goes, "An elderly person in the family is like a treasure." A long-lived and respected elder is often seen as a blessing. They not only serve as the backbone of the entire family but also of the extended clan, playing a key role in guiding the family’s development. Such individuals deserve kindness and respect from their family members. In our Christian faith, respecting and caring for the elderly is also a commandment from God to His people.
Today, as China experiences a growing aging population, the number of elderly believers in both urban and rural churches is also increasing. Elderly pastoral care has become an unavoidable and pressing issue for the church. In this body of Christ, how can we view elderly brothers and sisters as "treasures" within the church family? And how can we shepherd and guide them to live out the precious life of Christ?
Last week, in celebration of the annual Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival), the Gospel Times editorial team gathered to reflect on their experiences visiting churches across various regions in recent years. They discussed effective practices that churches have implemented to care for and lead their elderly believers, helping them bear fruit even in old age and “stay fresh and green.”
Below is a summary of the roundtable discussion.
Elderly Believers in the Church
In Fujian, a well-developed coastal region, the generally higher levels of education and broader worldview among the population have influenced the church. Many elderly volunteers and believers in the coastal cities of Fujian, though not core church leaders, have developed a deep understanding of faith and church management, often comparable to that of pastors. These elderly believers share a common trait: a fervent desire for spiritual growth, coupled with high standards for the quality of their spiritual lives.
In northeastern China, elderly believers are especially enthusiastic about attending church gatherings. Regardless of the size of the gathering, they eagerly participate. There are many touching testimonies, such as elderly believers in their 90s or even over 100 still attending services regularly. They are extremely dedicated to serving the church, whether it be in prayer watch or Martha’s Ministry (or cooking ministry), always willing to contribute. However, a common challenge they face is a shallow understanding of biblical truths, likely due to age or educational background. It is not uncommon for some to struggle with staying awake during sermons.
Many elderly believers remain steadfast in their faith and exhibit genuine passion in their spiritual lives. For example, they are often the backbone of continuous prayer activities, particularly during early morning prayer times when younger members find it difficult to keep up. Despite this, some of their faith practices may reflect elements of local customs or folk beliefs.
One notable strength of elderly believers is their strong sense of responsibility and active commitment to evangelism. When pastors speak about them, they often highlight their dedication to the mission of spreading the gospel. Many of these elderly believers view evangelism as their God-given mission and life purpose, tirelessly sharing the gospel with family, neighbors, and their communities.
Furthermore, elderly Christians are particularly sensitive to relationships, valuing connections with both their peers and the younger generation. Their love and care are evident in daily interactions, often displaying a warmth that younger believers may not naturally express. For example, a reporter once met an elderly woman at church and shared some life challenges with her. A year later, when they met again, the elderly woman remembered and inquired about whether those challenges had been resolved.
Exploring the Practices of Elderly Ministry in Churches Across Various Regions
In recent years, churches in various regions have developed notable practices in elderly pastoral care.
In Fujian, a church in a regional city keeps track of the birthdays of every registered elderly believer in the fellowship. The first Sunday afternoon of the last month of each quarter is set aside for a collective birthday celebration. Church pastoral staff and fellowship leaders attend, offering birthday blessings and words of encouragement. The elderly are joyous because they are remembered by the church family. This tradition, which has continued for over ten years, allows every elderly member the opportunity to celebrate their birthday within the church. These celebrations typically have at least 200 participants.
Furthermore, this elderly fellowship organizes a Golden Autumn wedding anniversary celebration every five years for those who have reached significant marriage milestones, such as golden, emerald, or diamond anniversaries. This is an opportunity for the elderly to share their testimonies and leave with commemorative photos. This initiative has been well received among the elderly, deepening their connection and commitment to the church. A county church in Jiangsu has implemented a similar ministry, celebrating milestone birthdays for its elderly members.
In a suburban church in Shanxi, most of the elderly believers have migrated from rural areas, and the relationships among the congregation are close-knit. Many attend daily morning services together. The church's worship services carry a strong sense of connection to everyday life. After regular worship, time is set aside for testimony sharing, where people openly share family needs or difficulties, and the church prays collectively. This practice has effectively helped elderly believers experience and express God’s love in their lives.
Unlike the focus in Fujian and Shanxi, a church in one of Jiangxi’s regional cities emphasizes visitation ministry as the key element of elderly pastoral care.
They dedicate a great deal of effort to this ministry, setting aside every Tuesday afternoon specifically for visiting elderly believers. These visits provide not only prayer and companionship but also share recent church updates with elderly members whose mobility is limited, asking them to pray for the church. Through this, elderly members feel cared for and tangibly involved in the church’s mission.
Grassroots churches in Liaoning and Heilongjiang focus on helping elderly believers find self-worth and accomplishment in their lives through ministry. A church in Heilongjiang encourages every believer, including the elderly, to serve. The church helps them find roles in ministries—those with limited physical ability participate in prayer watches, while those with more strength serve in the kitchen or help heat the furnace. Previously, many elderly believers stayed at home for extended periods with little to do, leading to overwhelming feelings of emptiness and a sense of worthlessness in their old age. After the church encouraged all members to work and serve, the vitality of elderly believers has greatly improved. Local pastors report that many elderly believers have gained a deeper understanding of biblical teachings through service. They take their assigned roles seriously, finding self-worth and living hopeful lives.
A church in a coastal city in Fujian has adopted an approach in which every elderly believer serves as both a recipient and a participant in the visitation ministry. A pastor mentioned that on visitation days, members eagerly sign up in the group chat to participate. Those who sign up late must wait for the next round of visitations.
To enhance the elderly's understanding of Scripture, literacy class ministries in grassroots churches serve as practical initiatives. In some grassroots churches in Jiangsu, literacy classes for seniors are very active. Copying Bible verses has also been effective in improving literacy skills. Over the years, many elderly believers have significantly deepened their understanding of the Bible, and the church’s spiritual atmosphere has gradually been refreshed.
Additionally, audio players have played a significant role in the pastoral care of grassroots churches, especially in rural and remote areas. More than a decade ago, a pastor from a rural church personally funded the production of audio players as gifts for elderly believers. These devices have been a great help to elderly believers who can only operate simple electronic devices. Some elderly believers in remote areas still rely on these players to receive the Word to this day.
Where is the Way Forward in Elderly Pastoral Care?
A potential breakthrough in elderly pastoral care lies in addressing their needs for care and a sense of self-worth. The elderly, on the one hand, highly value a sense of belonging and love, and on the other, they greatly desire a sense of accomplishment. The church must invest in building relationships and help them find their purpose in life through mission and vision. Achieving this requires more than simple instruction; it calls for a life-oriented expression of faith, allowing the elderly to truly experience the power of God’s Word. This way, they can gain the courage and trust needed to follow the Word and be transformed by it.
A systematic and consistent approach to Scripture teaching is particularly beneficial for grassroots churches. Explaining the redemption and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a narrative, relatable, and focused way could be an effective strategy. In short, preaching should be more down-to-earth, delivered in ways that elderly believers can easily grasp, and continually reinforced. For instance, some elderly fellowships use large-print Scripture cards to explain the Bible. While each teaching may cover only a small amount of content, these cards center on the message of Jesus Christ’s salvation on the cross. When the elderly see these cards, they are reminded of biblical teachings, which have proven effective. In recent years, many churches have also made efforts to enhance sermon comprehension for seniors by increasing font sizes on slides and highlighting key points.
Another important aspect is the need for churches to update and shift their approach to elderly pastoral care, breaking away from "inertial thinking" and "stereotypes." Drawing on the book Pastoral Ministry With Older Christians by Dr. Zonggao Li of Singapore Trinity Theological College, and observations from visits to churches in Fujian, a reporter noted: "Although elderly believers still make up a significant portion of the church community, many grassroots churches tend to overlook their spiritual growth and equipping. They are often viewed as part of the 'core base,' with the assumption that it is good enough to meet their basic spiritual needs. However, churches need to realize that in this fast-paced era, elderly believers—already naturally 'slower'—often feel overwhelmed, lost, anxious, and even fearful as everything around them changes. This can result in many spiritual challenges."
Churches could adjust their pastoral approach to balance the "fast" and the "slow." On one hand, they need to swiftly train the next generation of leaders. On the other hand, they should take the time to address the emptiness, confusion, and struggles of elderly believers, helping them first learn to face the world with the truth of God’s word. From there, the elderly can be empowered to journey alongside the church as part of a "silver-haired army.”
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by June Chen
常言道“家有一老，如有一宝。”一位德高望重的长寿长者往往被视为是一个家庭的祝福，其不仅是维系起整个家庭乃至家族的主心骨，也能对家庭的发展起到良好的引导作用，理当得到家人的善待与敬重。在我们的信仰中，尊敬关爱老人更是上帝给祂子民的诫命。
现如今，随着中国社会步入老龄化的趋势愈发加深，城乡教会中的年长信徒群体与日俱增，对于老年群体的牧养关怀也日益成为教会无法回避的现实话题。那么，在教会这以基督为首的大家庭之中，应当如何将老年弟兄姊妹视为我们的“珍宝”？又如何去牧养引导他们，助其在真道中活出基督宝贵的生命？
上周刚庆祝了一年一度的重阳佳节，福音时报同工结合各自近年来各地走访的见闻与思考，聊一聊老龄化时代的当下，各地教会在带领关怀老年信徒方面有哪些切实有效的做法经验，以助力老年信徒们结出硕果，活出“满了汁浆而常发青”的生命。
以下为此次圆桌谈的整理。
#教会里的老年信徒
福建作为沿海发达地区，整体民众的普遍受教育水平与眼界相对高一些，而这个在教会里的影响也很明显。一些福建沿海地市的老年义工以及平信徒虽然在教会不是核心骨干同工，但是他们中一些人的信仰领受层次和对教会管理架构体制的认识并不亚于传道人。老年信徒们都有一个共同点，那就是在信仰上都有着热切的渴慕，对于信仰生活的质量是有着一定标准的追求的。
东北地区的老年信徒最大的特点就是对于聚会特别热心，只要是有聚会不管规模大小能去的他们都愿意去。还听说过不少感人的见证呢，就比如有些九十多岁甚至一百岁出头的老信徒依旧坚持实地聚会这样的。而且他们在参与侍奉上也是非常忠心，教会的守望祷告或者是马大服侍，只要能参加的他们都愿意参加。另外一点，教会的信徒对于真理认识普遍都不是太深，这个应该是基于他们的年龄或是文化水平等原因吧，听道时普遍也会有很多犯困打瞌睡的情况。
与此同时，不少老年信徒内心对于信仰是非常坚定的，所以生命里也有着真正的热情，比如像有些教会常年坚持的不间断祷告活动，很多年轻人都难以坚持的凌晨时间点，大多都是靠着老年信徒撑起来的，但他们的信仰中确实也有民间习俗与民间信仰的影子。还有一点是，老年信徒在传福音的负担和行动力上是挺给力的，很多教会一提起老年的弟兄姐妹，牧者对他们最大的印象就是对传福音使命的承接和领受。他们会很实际的认为传福音就是主给他们的一种使命担当，是自己生命的价值所在，也愿意为了这个使命持续努力，比如在亲戚邻里当中不停传福音。
同时，老年基督徒对于爱的关系是很敏感的，非常看重人与人之间的连接感，不管是对同辈人还是对年轻人，他们日常交通中流露出的爱心关怀与亲近感是其他年龄段的信徒很少具备的。一位记者曾经在教会遇到一个老奶奶，闲聊了一下我当时生活遇到的问题，结果过了一年之后再见面，她还会关心对方有没有度过难关。
#各地教会老年牧养的实践探索
近年来，各地教会在面向老年群体的针对性牧养方面还是有不少亮点。
福建一地市教会的老年团契把团契里每一位登记在册的老年信徒生日都进行了记录，然后把每季度末月的第一周主日下午定为老年成员的集体生日会。团契的负责同工和教会负责牧者都会出席，在为老人们送上生日祝福的同时，还给他们送上话语勉励。老人们都特别开心，因为觉得教会始终没有忘记他们。十多年坚持下来，基本上教会里每位老人都在教会里过过生日，每季度的生日会最少都有小两百人参加呢！不止这样，这个老年团契还每隔5年会给达成金婚、翡翠婚、钻石婚的老年信徒夫妻举办金秋婚姻纪念庆典，给他们在教会作见证的机会，还会给他们留下纪念照片，这个在老年弟兄姊妹里反响也特别好，跟教会的连接和委身也更加亲密了。江苏的一个县级教会也是做了类似的事工，给当年整数年龄的老信徒们一起过生日。
在山西一家城乡结合地区的教会，绝大多数都是一起从农村搬迁过来的老年信徒，大家本身关系就很亲近，每天早上也会一起到教会参加早礼拜，所以教会的礼拜也有着很浓的生活化气息，礼拜常规流程结束后会特别流出分享见证的环节，大家会把各自家庭的实际需要或难处分享出来，大家也会共同帮忙代祷。这对于帮助老年信徒感知话语里的爱，并活出爱还是很有效果的。
跟福建和山西的侧重可能有点区别，江西一个地市教会是把探访事工看成是老年牧养关注的重点，所以倾注了很大精力，教会特别把每周二下午划定成了专门的老年信徒探访时间，而且这些探访不单单只是去祷告和看望，也会把教会近况动态给那些不太方便出门的老年肢体分享，请他们为了教会代祷，这样实际上也是让老年弟兄姐妹在感受到教会实际关怀的同时，还能够获得不少对于教会的实际参与感，自然也就不会觉得自己被教会遗忘了。
辽宁和黑龙江有些基层教会也看重让老年人在牧养中找到自己生命的价值感和获得感。黑龙江的一个地市教会的核心牧养理念就是想办法让全教会所有信徒都能参与到教会的侍奉当中来，老年信徒也是一样。所以他们教会这些年一直在努力为每一位老年信徒提供参与侍奉的岗位。比方说老年人在体力精力方面跟不上，就鼓励他们去参与教会的跟班轮班守望或是定时祷告，身体稍好一点的，就鼓励他们参与教会厨房的马大服侍，参与烧火或者做饭。之前很多老年信徒呆在家里时间比较长、事情少，所以空虚感对他们而言是很大的争战，也让他们总是产生自己年老没有价值感的想法。但是在教会尝试鼓励全员做工服侍之后，老年信徒的活力有了很大提升。当地牧者反映，很多老当地的老年信徒在服侍中更加设身处地地理解了圣经的教导，也找到了自己的价值，总是把各自在教会负责的服侍挂在心上，过得老有盼头了。
福建有一个沿海地市的教会把教会里每一位老年信徒作为探访的受益者和参与者。一位牧师说，每到探访日，大家还需要在群里抢着报名参与探望侍奉，迟了就只能等下一轮的探访了。
为提升老年人对于话语的理解领受，基层教会的识字班事工算得上是实际的实践。江苏一些基层教会的老年识字班还是做得很活跃的，还有些教会借助抄圣经提升大家的识字水平，几年下来，很多老人对圣经的认识也有了很大的进步，教会的属灵氛围也慢慢开始更新了。
播放器在基层教会，尤其是很多农村偏远地区教会的牧养中也是有很大作用。一个农村教会的牧者在十几年前，自费给农村的老年信徒们制作了播放器作为礼物，这对很多只会使用简单的电子设备操作的老年信徒是很大的帮助，直到现在还有一些偏远地区的老信徒都还在依靠播放器得着话语供应。
#老年牧养，路在何方？
老年牧养的一个破题点也许是在关怀和价值感上。老年群体一方面非常看重爱的归属，另一方面也特别看重自我价值的成就，所以教会有必要在关系建造上下工夫，也需要在使命异象上帮助他们找到真正的人生价值。而这两者都肯定不是靠着简单的话语灌输就能做到的，而是需要一种更加生活化的信仰表达，让老年人真正切实的感受到上帝话语的力量，从而得着跟随话语改变的勇气与信心。
一个系统且稳定的话语栽培体系对于基层教会是很有帮助的，或许用一种故事性、亲近性、强调性的方式把耶稣基督的救赎与复活讲清楚是有效的出路。说白了就是讲道要更接地气，用老人容易领受的方式去进行话语的宣讲，而且要不断的讲，强调地讲。有些地方的老年团契用大字号经文卡片来给老年信徒们做圣经讲解，虽然每次讲道的内容不多，但这些经文卡片都是围绕耶稣基督的十架救恩，老人们一看卡片就能想起来圣经的内容，这个效果也挺不错的。还有不少教会这几年为了方便老年信徒更好地理解讲道内容，在讲道PPT上也做了比如加大字号、标注提纲重点等努力。
另一个破题的切口是当代教会对于老年牧养的理念应当来到更新和改变，需要破除一些“惯性思维”和“刻板印象”，结合新加坡三一神学院的李宗高博士在他的著作《老年牧养学》以及福建教会的走访，一位记者提出，“对于依旧在教会中占据主流群体的老年信徒，不少基层教会却在栽培和装备上有些轻忽，往往把他们看作是教会的‘基本盘’，认为只要提供好基本的灵粮供应就足够了。但是教会需要看到，在这个飞速变化的快时代下，本身就有些‘慢’的老年信徒们有着无所适从的迷茫，一切都让他们感到陌生、焦虑甚至惧怕，所以也会衍生出很多属灵问题。”
教会可以从牧养理念出发，在“快”与“慢”中掌握一个平衡，一方面快马加鞭装备栽培下一代的接班人，另一方面也适当地“慢下来”，走近老年信徒的空虚、迷茫与纠结，让他们先学会用真理话语去面对这个世代，进而再成为与教会一同奔跑的银发精兵。
重阳节圆桌谈：老龄化时代下的老年牧养，教会可以怎么做？
As the saying goes, "An elderly person in the family is like a treasure." A long-lived and respected elder is often seen as a blessing. They not only serve as the backbone of the entire family but also of the extended clan, playing a key role in guiding the family’s development. Such individuals deserve kindness and respect from their family members. In our Christian faith, respecting and caring for the elderly is also a commandment from God to His people.
Today, as China experiences a growing aging population, the number of elderly believers in both urban and rural churches is also increasing. Elderly pastoral care has become an unavoidable and pressing issue for the church. In this body of Christ, how can we view elderly brothers and sisters as "treasures" within the church family? And how can we shepherd and guide them to live out the precious life of Christ?
Last week, in celebration of the annual Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival), the Gospel Times editorial team gathered to reflect on their experiences visiting churches across various regions in recent years. They discussed effective practices that churches have implemented to care for and lead their elderly believers, helping them bear fruit even in old age and “stay fresh and green.”
Below is a summary of the roundtable discussion.
Elderly Believers in the Church
In Fujian, a well-developed coastal region, the generally higher levels of education and broader worldview among the population have influenced the church. Many elderly volunteers and believers in the coastal cities of Fujian, though not core church leaders, have developed a deep understanding of faith and church management, often comparable to that of pastors. These elderly believers share a common trait: a fervent desire for spiritual growth, coupled with high standards for the quality of their spiritual lives.
In northeastern China, elderly believers are especially enthusiastic about attending church gatherings. Regardless of the size of the gathering, they eagerly participate. There are many touching testimonies, such as elderly believers in their 90s or even over 100 still attending services regularly. They are extremely dedicated to serving the church, whether it be in prayer watch or Martha’s Ministry (or cooking ministry), always willing to contribute. However, a common challenge they face is a shallow understanding of biblical truths, likely due to age or educational background. It is not uncommon for some to struggle with staying awake during sermons.
Many elderly believers remain steadfast in their faith and exhibit genuine passion in their spiritual lives. For example, they are often the backbone of continuous prayer activities, particularly during early morning prayer times when younger members find it difficult to keep up. Despite this, some of their faith practices may reflect elements of local customs or folk beliefs.
One notable strength of elderly believers is their strong sense of responsibility and active commitment to evangelism. When pastors speak about them, they often highlight their dedication to the mission of spreading the gospel. Many of these elderly believers view evangelism as their God-given mission and life purpose, tirelessly sharing the gospel with family, neighbors, and their communities.
Furthermore, elderly Christians are particularly sensitive to relationships, valuing connections with both their peers and the younger generation. Their love and care are evident in daily interactions, often displaying a warmth that younger believers may not naturally express. For example, a reporter once met an elderly woman at church and shared some life challenges with her. A year later, when they met again, the elderly woman remembered and inquired about whether those challenges had been resolved.
Exploring the Practices of Elderly Ministry in Churches Across Various Regions
In recent years, churches in various regions have developed notable practices in elderly pastoral care.
In Fujian, a church in a regional city keeps track of the birthdays of every registered elderly believer in the fellowship. The first Sunday afternoon of the last month of each quarter is set aside for a collective birthday celebration. Church pastoral staff and fellowship leaders attend, offering birthday blessings and words of encouragement. The elderly are joyous because they are remembered by the church family. This tradition, which has continued for over ten years, allows every elderly member the opportunity to celebrate their birthday within the church. These celebrations typically have at least 200 participants.
Furthermore, this elderly fellowship organizes a Golden Autumn wedding anniversary celebration every five years for those who have reached significant marriage milestones, such as golden, emerald, or diamond anniversaries. This is an opportunity for the elderly to share their testimonies and leave with commemorative photos. This initiative has been well received among the elderly, deepening their connection and commitment to the church. A county church in Jiangsu has implemented a similar ministry, celebrating milestone birthdays for its elderly members.
In a suburban church in Shanxi, most of the elderly believers have migrated from rural areas, and the relationships among the congregation are close-knit. Many attend daily morning services together. The church's worship services carry a strong sense of connection to everyday life. After regular worship, time is set aside for testimony sharing, where people openly share family needs or difficulties, and the church prays collectively. This practice has effectively helped elderly believers experience and express God’s love in their lives.
Unlike the focus in Fujian and Shanxi, a church in one of Jiangxi’s regional cities emphasizes visitation ministry as the key element of elderly pastoral care.
They dedicate a great deal of effort to this ministry, setting aside every Tuesday afternoon specifically for visiting elderly believers. These visits provide not only prayer and companionship but also share recent church updates with elderly members whose mobility is limited, asking them to pray for the church. Through this, elderly members feel cared for and tangibly involved in the church’s mission.
Grassroots churches in Liaoning and Heilongjiang focus on helping elderly believers find self-worth and accomplishment in their lives through ministry. A church in Heilongjiang encourages every believer, including the elderly, to serve. The church helps them find roles in ministries—those with limited physical ability participate in prayer watches, while those with more strength serve in the kitchen or help heat the furnace. Previously, many elderly believers stayed at home for extended periods with little to do, leading to overwhelming feelings of emptiness and a sense of worthlessness in their old age. After the church encouraged all members to work and serve, the vitality of elderly believers has greatly improved. Local pastors report that many elderly believers have gained a deeper understanding of biblical teachings through service. They take their assigned roles seriously, finding self-worth and living hopeful lives.
A church in a coastal city in Fujian has adopted an approach in which every elderly believer serves as both a recipient and a participant in the visitation ministry. A pastor mentioned that on visitation days, members eagerly sign up in the group chat to participate. Those who sign up late must wait for the next round of visitations.
To enhance the elderly's understanding of Scripture, literacy class ministries in grassroots churches serve as practical initiatives. In some grassroots churches in Jiangsu, literacy classes for seniors are very active. Copying Bible verses has also been effective in improving literacy skills. Over the years, many elderly believers have significantly deepened their understanding of the Bible, and the church’s spiritual atmosphere has gradually been refreshed.
Additionally, audio players have played a significant role in the pastoral care of grassroots churches, especially in rural and remote areas. More than a decade ago, a pastor from a rural church personally funded the production of audio players as gifts for elderly believers. These devices have been a great help to elderly believers who can only operate simple electronic devices. Some elderly believers in remote areas still rely on these players to receive the Word to this day.
Where is the Way Forward in Elderly Pastoral Care?
A potential breakthrough in elderly pastoral care lies in addressing their needs for care and a sense of self-worth. The elderly, on the one hand, highly value a sense of belonging and love, and on the other, they greatly desire a sense of accomplishment. The church must invest in building relationships and help them find their purpose in life through mission and vision. Achieving this requires more than simple instruction; it calls for a life-oriented expression of faith, allowing the elderly to truly experience the power of God’s Word. This way, they can gain the courage and trust needed to follow the Word and be transformed by it.
A systematic and consistent approach to Scripture teaching is particularly beneficial for grassroots churches. Explaining the redemption and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a narrative, relatable, and focused way could be an effective strategy. In short, preaching should be more down-to-earth, delivered in ways that elderly believers can easily grasp, and continually reinforced. For instance, some elderly fellowships use large-print Scripture cards to explain the Bible. While each teaching may cover only a small amount of content, these cards center on the message of Jesus Christ’s salvation on the cross. When the elderly see these cards, they are reminded of biblical teachings, which have proven effective. In recent years, many churches have also made efforts to enhance sermon comprehension for seniors by increasing font sizes on slides and highlighting key points.
Another important aspect is the need for churches to update and shift their approach to elderly pastoral care, breaking away from "inertial thinking" and "stereotypes." Drawing on the book Pastoral Ministry With Older Christians by Dr. Zonggao Li of Singapore Trinity Theological College, and observations from visits to churches in Fujian, a reporter noted: "Although elderly believers still make up a significant portion of the church community, many grassroots churches tend to overlook their spiritual growth and equipping. They are often viewed as part of the 'core base,' with the assumption that it is good enough to meet their basic spiritual needs. However, churches need to realize that in this fast-paced era, elderly believers—already naturally 'slower'—often feel overwhelmed, lost, anxious, and even fearful as everything around them changes. This can result in many spiritual challenges."
Churches could adjust their pastoral approach to balance the "fast" and the "slow." On one hand, they need to swiftly train the next generation of leaders. On the other hand, they should take the time to address the emptiness, confusion, and struggles of elderly believers, helping them first learn to face the world with the truth of God’s word. From there, the elderly can be empowered to journey alongside the church as part of a "silver-haired army.”
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by June Chen
Roundtable on Double Ninth Festival: Elderly Ministry in Aging Era
