Workshop urges churches to end ageism, embrace older adults [Nov. 1, 2007 {0759}; An e-Review Florida UMNS Feature by J.A. Buchholz]

11-02-07 
 
A good witness against ageism might be to do away with mandatory retirement for ministers. Perhaps, like they do in the third world countries, in which I served, might be the criteria of are you healthy and strong enough to do the work? Moses wouldn't have been allowed to do his ministry in American Churchianity ... he was far too old.

Thank you for your timely article about embracing older adults in ministry. As a local church leader in her mid-seventies, I was pleased to read about the workshop held in  Zephyhills. Many of our congregation's leaders are older adults who serve willing and also realize our obligation to mentor younger adults as they grow to become the leaders of the future. FUMC is fortunate to have a young pastor, Rev. Mark Caldwell, who shares the philosophy of serving all persons throughout the life-cycle, from the parents of infants to the aged shut-ins. He honors the frail elderly, sees the gifts of the older adults, and encourages the young to become involved in the life of the congregation and the community. We at FUMC are "blessed to be a blessing" to the best of our abilities for as long as we can.

Jean Ready
First United Methodist Church, Ft. Lauderdale