Older adults in churches: Differences in perceptions of clergy and older members

Abstract

As individuals age, their spiritual and religious needs may change. What are churches doing for their senior members? What do seniors feel they should do? In this study we asked both older church members and their clergy leaders about programs directed toward seniors in their congregations. The sample consisted of ministers, priests, and rabbis (n = 25) who then gave us names of senior members of their congregations for interview (n = 45, average age 78.5). Data, collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, showed that many congregations had provisions for older members, but most were focused on frail elders and their transportation needs. A majority of seniors, however, wanted more programs and groups tailored to their more active interests and needs. A number of the priests, rabbis, and pastors also saw the need for such programs but didn’t know how to go about forming them. Many churches appeared to equate being older with frailty and there appeared to be suggestions of ageism on the part of clergy. We conclude that the 75 million baby boomers who are now moving into their retirement years represent a challenge as well as a potential resource for churches and synagogues in America.

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