This book concerns ministry in the church by, with and to elderly people, and the need, particularly for the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Australia (C&MA) for a policy that addresses issues associated with older adult ministry. People are living longer and healthier, so the percentage of older people in the population is increasing. This increase is reflected in the church community. Despite the larger numbers of older adults in the church, there are no programs that are particularly designed to allow them to have an effective role in the ministries of the church. More importantly, there is no policy by which appropriate programs can be evaluated or developed. Developing a policy in the C&MA is challenging because of the need to cater for a wide range of ethnic congregations, and in particular for the significant number of Chinese and Vietnamese congregations that constitute the C&MA in Australia. There is an important connection between involvement, spiritual growth and well-being in older adults. The need for spiritual support and guidance increases with age. Providing an environment in which older adults can work towards spiritual growth is part of pastoral care.

Autorentext

The author began theological studies after a thirty year career in Oil Refining. He received his B.Th. from the Alliance College of Australia and his DMin from Charles Sturt University, NSW. He currently serves as Associate Pastor with Eastern Districts Alliance Church, a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Australia.