Book Description

The historical or mainline churches have increasingly larger percentages of older adults as congregants. They are characteristically vibrant and committed. In contrast, there are proportionally fewer younger adults or children active in the church. The older congregants in the last third of life can offer much by speaking about their lives, their spiritual journeys, and their hearts and souls.

This book is about cultivating an informed conversation, cultivating some of the most important religious realities of life. There are six chapters, each tied to one of the six stages of aging: Extended Middle Age, Ready or Not, The New Me, Like It or Not, The Rest of Living, and Dying. Each chapter looks at the pathways to personal and communal spiritual growth—community, prayer, teaching, proclamation, service, and witness.

For each stage of life, the authors conclude with a short read and a suggested pastoral strategy for group discussion or sermon preparation.