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Most churches have faithful members like Brother Williams or Sister Jackson (the names have been changed to protect the innocent!) They sit in the same seat each Sunday. Their hair is gray and their steps are slow. On Sundays, they arrive earlier than most other people. They may have been a member of the church longer than the pastor has been alive. And if you ever sit down and spend time with them, you will learn more about the church and its community than you ever imagined.   

Our culture is so fixated on youthfulness that we sometimes overlook Brother Williams and Sister Jackson. But one of the unique gifts of congregations is that we bring multiple generations together around a shared purpose. With that purpose comes a countercultural opportunity to be a community that genuinely honors elders. It allows us to see age as a potential gift rather than an automatic liability.   

In Scripture, age is not the determining factor in one’s sense of purpose, vocation and dignity. At 80 years old, Caleb declared that he was ready to move into the Promised Land. Psalm 92:14–15 says, “In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (NRSVue). 

They still produce fruit. So, how do we continue to engage the more senior members of our congregations? How can we respond to the continued desire for purpose and minister to those who are coping with the challenges of getting older? What does it look like to take seriously this vision of producing fruit in our old age? What is our theological view of discipleship in the later years of life? Congregational leaders would be wise to reflect on these questions as people live longer and our congregations age. 

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Before you go

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my childhood pastor. He’s 90 years old. I talked with Paul and his wife for a few hours in the retirement village where they now reside. During my visit, Paul took me to see another resident. Sister Hortense is 107 years old. We visited with her for about an hour as she told me about her childhood and the racial violence that forced her family to relocate when she was very young. The wisdom I gleaned from that visit and the prayer that Paul prayed for me let me know that he’s still producing fruit, even in his old age. I hope we can honor the gifts of the elders. Perhaps there’s a Caleb sitting in the pews, ready to lead the charge into new territory.  

You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!