A popular expression among some churches goes something like, “Grow younger to grow larger.” Yet today, with the rising trend of retiring baby boomers (roughly 10 million per year), that motto may be as out-of-date as Grandpa”s vinyl records.
Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois, has come up with
a successful model for reaching what senior minister Dave Ferguson calls one of the “fastest-growing demographics.” About 12 years ago, the Chicagoland church began partnering with a small, struggling congregation that met in the clubhouse of a nearby 55-plus gated retirement community, and today the weekly attendance of this Community Christian campus averages 250.
Earl Ferguson, Dave”s father, who leads this campus, points out that it”s just plain convenient for those who attend. Residents don”t have to drive far, handicapped parking is plentiful, and snow is promptly removed from sidewalks. Beyond that, the campus has a more vibrant grief ministry than other locations, the worship band members range from 65 to 85, frequent field trips and serving opportunities have been provided, and their popular small-groups ministry attracts more people than their Sunday services.
Earl Ferguson says retirement communities are a perfect church-plant opportunity for retiring ministers with “gas still left in their tank.” These may be what he calls unplowed mission fields in our communities.
“”www.outreachmagazine.com/ideas/10585-community-of-seniors-community-christian-church.html
Author: Michael C. Mack
Michael C. Mack is editor of Christian Standard. He has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and Kentucky. He has written more than 25 books and discussion guides as well as hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and web-based articles.
