Spending golden years with God is truly a blessing. With more baby boomers entering retirement in their golden years, the need for senior ministries is on the rise. These ministries range from caring for physical needs, light in-home care, to visitation.

The elderly have contributed much to society throughout their years, and are not to be forgotten when they become old. Even the bible tells us that the elderly should not be set aside, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” Psalms 71:9.

There is much Christians can do to help our senior citizens, but most importantly, is to bring them to salvation. And for those who are saved, we should continue to minister God’s Word to them. Visiting the elderly at their home or in senior care centers, is a ministry filled with many blessings for the giver, the receiver, and in fulfilling the great commission.

Caring for the Elderly

Scriptures instruct us to care for our dear gray-haired elderly. “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32.

The Bible teaches us to respect our elders, “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22. And we are instructed to treat them with dignity, “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” I Timothy 5:1-2.

God’s Promises

When we honor the aged, God gives us this promise, “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Deuteronomy 5:16.

God makes promises to be with the elderly, “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4.

Full of Sap

There are many examples in both in the New and Old Testaments of the aged teaching life lessons that still apply to us to this day. Some elderly mentioned in the Bible lived for over 900 years. Imagine the stories they could tell us!

There is much we can learn from our elderly, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;” Psalms 92:14. We can draw upon their life experiences to apply to our own, “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” Job 12:12.

Make Golden Years with God Possible

As the elderly population increases, so does the church’s responsibility to embrace them and fill their spiritual needs. This we do so that we may honor God’s Word as the scriptures teach us, “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.” Proverbs 20:29.

Can’t go in the mission field but yearn to do something for the Lord to benefit others? Then the Senior Retirement Service ministry is for you! Just a couple of hours a week will bring cheer and hope to those whose lives you’ve touched.

==> Learn more about our Senior Retirement Service Ministry.