I ate this morning at Chick-fi-a. Their chicken sandwich cannot be beat. I love it. And, it is a company run by Christians with solid Christian values and support of Christian ministries.
I noted that every Monday they will host, "Senior Nights" with special prices and events just for people my age. (I wonder if they will "card" me. I have not been carded for a long time.)
I certainly appreciate the desire of Chick-fil-a and other companies to do some special things for the oldsters. We can use it. However!!! These kinds of activities mirror the churches that sponsor "Hand Holding Activities" for their Seniors. Most of us want places to serve others and to use our time, talents and gifts for God. We are educated in the Bible and know for sure that the following passages of scripture are real and true.
"It is better to give than receive."
"Give and it shall be given unto you; pressed down, shaken together and placed into your lap."
The person who buries his/her talents will lose what they have but those who "invest" their talents will receive many more.
I am greedy! I want to use my talents so I get more. This is why I call this blog, "SEASONED BELIEVERS not Senior Believers". We are seasoned and some of us are marinated and ready to serve. Just give us a chance.
We have time, lots of time.
We have money.
We have experience at work and at church.
We have wisdom.
We have desire to minister.
All we need is an opportunity.
Showing posts with label Adult Services???. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adult Services???. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2010
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Seniors Lead the Way Forward
Seasoned Believers in Significant Ministries
We live in an exciting time. Although many Believers are frustrated with the ways society and culture are on a terrible downturn, God has a plan. The passage that comes to mind at such times says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood God will raise up a standard against it.”
As western society began to fall apart in the sixties and seventies God poured out His Holy Spirit on millions of people in a massive world wide revival. Young men and old along with women and children had supernatural experiences of redemption and found their hearts burning with a fire that was unquenchable.
Those people, most of whom were called Baby Boomers, went out into various professions and brought dramatic changes to every profession, institution, organization and ministry. Some went to seminary thinking that the best way to pass their burning hearts to the world was professional church work service.
Most did not become professional clerics but chose professions and careers that in times past were considered secular”. Now we know that there is no such thing as secular work for God’s people. These Spirit filled kids attended colleges, got married and reared children, worked all over the world and studied the Bible in small groups to develop a level of practical spiritual maturity rarely ever seen before in history. What now?
It is forty years later and those Baby Boomer Kids are now grand parents, retired executives and wondering what is next. Back in the early days of the Jesus Movement Revival they were all asking, “What challenge is next for me to accomplish in the power of God’s love?” Now they are asking, “What’s next for me; a retirement home?”
We have a population of Seasoned Believers with the best education, the best Christian training, the best professional experiences and the best financial condition in history. Despite these amazing facts there are few places open to the leadership of these gifted, talented and experienced men and women. Why?
The sacred secular split in Christian thinking. Ever since Constantine decided to merge the church and state the western world has seen life split between some activities that were “holy, pure and godly” and others that are “Unholy, impure and ungodly”. This evil lie from the pit of hell has always been a severe block to expanding God’s Kingdom but is presently so pernicious that it must be attacked and defeated.
A lack of leadership who understand how to recruit, mobilize and encourage Seasoned Believers to grab the gusto in any and all areas of life. The men and women who dominate “sacred” organizations are severely biased against mature persons as well as those who have been successful in other careers. Many church leaders do not have the self confidence or ability to recruit and release people who are smarter, wealthier and more experienced than they. They are essentially digging holes and burying their talents.
We live in an exciting time. Although many Believers are frustrated with the ways society and culture are on a terrible downturn, God has a plan. The passage that comes to mind at such times says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood God will raise up a standard against it.”
As western society began to fall apart in the sixties and seventies God poured out His Holy Spirit on millions of people in a massive world wide revival. Young men and old along with women and children had supernatural experiences of redemption and found their hearts burning with a fire that was unquenchable.
Those people, most of whom were called Baby Boomers, went out into various professions and brought dramatic changes to every profession, institution, organization and ministry. Some went to seminary thinking that the best way to pass their burning hearts to the world was professional church work service.
Most did not become professional clerics but chose professions and careers that in times past were considered secular”. Now we know that there is no such thing as secular work for God’s people. These Spirit filled kids attended colleges, got married and reared children, worked all over the world and studied the Bible in small groups to develop a level of practical spiritual maturity rarely ever seen before in history. What now?
It is forty years later and those Baby Boomer Kids are now grand parents, retired executives and wondering what is next. Back in the early days of the Jesus Movement Revival they were all asking, “What challenge is next for me to accomplish in the power of God’s love?” Now they are asking, “What’s next for me; a retirement home?”
We have a population of Seasoned Believers with the best education, the best Christian training, the best professional experiences and the best financial condition in history. Despite these amazing facts there are few places open to the leadership of these gifted, talented and experienced men and women. Why?
The sacred secular split in Christian thinking. Ever since Constantine decided to merge the church and state the western world has seen life split between some activities that were “holy, pure and godly” and others that are “Unholy, impure and ungodly”. This evil lie from the pit of hell has always been a severe block to expanding God’s Kingdom but is presently so pernicious that it must be attacked and defeated.
A lack of leadership who understand how to recruit, mobilize and encourage Seasoned Believers to grab the gusto in any and all areas of life. The men and women who dominate “sacred” organizations are severely biased against mature persons as well as those who have been successful in other careers. Many church leaders do not have the self confidence or ability to recruit and release people who are smarter, wealthier and more experienced than they. They are essentially digging holes and burying their talents.
It takes wisdom, creativity, skills and knowledge to understand how to unleash Seasoned Believers in non traditional ways.
Seasoned Believers are anxious and unsure how they can minister in a secular world. Wise leaders will have to open the doors for these talented, mature and gifted men and women.
Sweeten Life Systems is searching for ways to open doors for Seasoned Believers. In 2008 we held a kick off to cast a vision for a Significance Center, a movement not a place that will gather Seasoned Believers and inspire them about ways they can overcome the blocks to full engagement at this most important time in life. If you are interested in joining up with us leave a cooent.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Stages of Growth
Do you believe that adults can be a widely varying places in their spiritual, mental and relational development? Or, do you think all adult Christians ought to receive the exact same spiritual food?
Hebrews 5:11 Concerning this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your hearing. 12 For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you need someone to teach you over again the first principles of God's Word. You need milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness, for he is a mere infant!
•14 But solid food is for full-grown Believers for those whose senses and mental faculties have been trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
After reading these passages it is relevant to ask:"What did the author of hebrews think about adult development?"
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Health Care for Seniors
Garrison Keillor of The Prairie Home Companion radio show is one of my favorite humorists. He sees humor and with it insight in many wacky and wonderful places. For example, getting old and getting the government to pay for it.
What is Wrong with Our Country Today
January 22, 2008
Q. As a senior citizen, do you feel that the health care system is doing all it can for your health problem?
Q. As a senior citizen, do you feel that the health care system is doing all it can for your health problem?
A. I am not now, and never have been, a senior citizen. I happen to be 65 years old. Not the same thing. I am lively and quick, don't shamble or shuffle, and don't clutch the banister when I go down stairs. The brown spots on the backs of my hands are from experiments with a chemistry set when I was a boy. I have the urinary tract of a young horse. Doctors continue to be astonished.
What was the question?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Time is Now
Bill Hybels, Founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, says:
I’m operating with a theory these days that the greatest untapped resource in the next ten or fifteen years around this church is going to be all of the people who are finishing life 1, who don’t want to just go to dinner at 5:30 and shuffleboard. They love God, and they love our church, but we have to engage them at a whole different level … If we don’t call them to it, the call to golf might win.
I’m operating with a theory these days that the greatest untapped resource in the next ten or fifteen years around this church is going to be all of the people who are finishing life 1, who don’t want to just go to dinner at 5:30 and shuffleboard. They love God, and they love our church, but we have to engage them at a whole different level … If we don’t call them to it, the call to golf might win.
Let's unleash the wisdom and talents of the ages that lies largely untapped within the men and women who have served God for several decades while rearing kids, making a career work and being responsible citizens. Many if not most are put on the shelf when it comes to using their experiences in the workplace to do the works of the Lord.
The Boomers and Silents are loaded with all that is needed to change the world. Let's help them find their place to serve, a community to partner with and the way to connect.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Politicians
The debate among five Republican pols tonight was pretty good. At least they are not promising every citizen and illegal immigrant on earth a free education and free unlimited medical care forever. The Democrats are seemingly trying to out do each other in false promises.
But, still, it does not appear that the debators are taking seriously the huge number of people who are hitting sixty every day and what that will do to Medicare, Medicaid and taxes. Can you say, "Break the bank?"
I need to examine more closely the statements of these men. I know what the Dem's are saying and, since I can count, know it cannot work. So, let's just elect a nice person who will lie to us because we demand it instead of an adult who will tell us the truth.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Better Relationships
The central focus of Sweeten Life Systems is to enhance the relationships of individuals and organizations. It is impossible to have healthy relationships in the office and factory is they are dysfunctional at home.
The Families at Work Institute and has a lot to say to the situation we face today in America. To read the entire report go to: http://familiesandwork.org/site/research/reports/3wbooklet.pdf
Today’s U.S. workforce and workplace are in transition. In Families and Work Institute’s (FWI) nationally representative study of the U.S. workforce, the National Study of the Changing Workforce, we find dramatic changes over the past 25 years.
To begin, the workforce is aging.
In 1977, just over a third of the workforce (38%) was over 40-years-old; today, more than half (56%) is (over 40).
Women today play an increasingly vital role, making up nearly half of thewage and salaried workforce. In addition, work hours for many employees are climbing and jobs have become more hectic and demanding.
Life at home has also changed with an increase in the number of dual earner couples in the workplace (from 66% of couples in 1977 to 78% today), which has created pressure among working families.
55 percent of employees feel they don’t have enough time for themselves,
63 percent feel they don’t have enough time for their spouses
67 percent feel they don’t have enough time for their children.
Repercussions of these trends are being experienced by employers as well. FWI data reveal that
39 percent of employees are not fully engaged in their jobs,
54 percent are less than fully satisfied with their jobs
38 percent are somewhat or very likely to make a concerted effort to find a new job in the coming year.
Employers are challenged to recruit talent, engage and retain workers, and maximize productivity.
How can employers accomplish their goals and continue the high productivity if families are so stressed that individuals cannot function well? What can we do? It is clear that additional family counseling alone is not enough.
I am a Family Therapist who has spent a great deal of his adult life counseling couples and families. I also founded two counseling centers and one in-patient psychiatric hospital to treat distressed people. Crisis counseling is not nearly enough!
The only answer is for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to establish centers that will actually teach people how to develop healthy relationships. We need hundreds of churches in each city that are so concerned about individual children that they equip adults how to be good parents.
I am happy to see "Divorce Recovery" groups springing up in a few of the 5,000 or so congregations in Greater Cincinnati, but that is too late. We know the major causes of divorce and we know how to teach people to avoid one. Why do so few churches and community organizations do anything to prevent divorce?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It is possible to prevent problems. It is also less expensive and less traumatizing to everyone concerned. Why not do it???
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Gadgets for Seasoned Citizens
I received an e mail from Michael Cristiani. Take a look.
Check out all 6 pages/mini-stories. For me the challenge is how to put all this stuff to the service of the Gospel and the loving/caring/relationships/healing stuff you have been blogging about.
Seems there must be some ministry/church-healing/unifying opportunities here somewhere, or even just some business ideas.
http://www.news.com/2300-1041_3-6212355-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg
Check out all 6 pages/mini-stories. For me the challenge is how to put all this stuff to the service of the Gospel and the loving/caring/relationships/healing stuff you have been blogging about.
Seems there must be some ministry/church-healing/unifying opportunities here somewhere, or even just some business ideas.
http://www.news.com/2300-1041_3-6212355-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Boredom and Love: Are they Compatible?
In Ron Tate's latest blog, the Boomer Blogger, he writes tellingly about why people leave or drop out of church. He read a book about "Exit Interviews" and quotes why so many people are fed up with their churches.
Is it too much love? Too much respect? Too much support and caring? Too much action and excitement?
Read Ron's stuff. You may be surprised.
Is it too much love? Too much respect? Too much support and caring? Too much action and excitement?
Read Ron's stuff. You may be surprised.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Preparing for Elder Care
The Sandwich Generation: Stress from Parents Stress from KidsI spoke earlier tonight at Horizon Community Church about how to best care for our elderly relatives, friends and church members. There was a nice group of people in attendance that ranged in age from 50 to 75.
Many had already started to deal with elderly parents and relatives. Several were asking questions about estate planning, long term insurance, ways to discuss financial issues with elders, and how to buffer the shock of becoming dependent again after being independent.
As we plan our curriculum for 2008 I am committed to having sessions on these and other timely topics. Education can assist us in facilitating good, open discussions with out family and ways to avoid family squabbles.
What topics would you like to see covered in our next year? (Other than how to correct a golf slice and ways to putt better.)
Finances
Long Term Care
Facilitating a Family Council with elderly parents
How to decide when to enter a retirement home?
Sibling rivalry
How to deal with elder resistance and anger?
Other Issues?
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Our Movement is Gathering Steam
Next Saturday over 50 of us are coming together to see what God is doing in our time to Unleash Seasoned Believers to Love, enjoy and serve God. I cannot wait to hear the insights, ideas and creative solutions people have for us mature Christians to live abundantly for this era of our lives.
I went to Kroger last week to get my flu shot. While I waited my eyes fell on a magazine dedicated to helping Seniors get along better in Greater Cincinnati. It is entitled "Older Adults...the resource guide." Sub titled, "The Resource Guide for Mature Adults and their Families."
The front shows active, laughing gray haired adults playing with their grand kids and having a ball with a spouse. So far, so good, but then I opened to the first few pages. The first two advertisements were for "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Long Term Care Centers," then it got worse for there were two full pages of ads for Tranquility incontinence products.
Now, there is nothing wrong with medical ads for us mature adults. However, there is almost nothing for active, self directed matures adults. This kind of over emphasis on sickness, dying and medical emergencies is why I am starting a new approach to Seasoned Citizens.
(A funny thought just occurred to me. For most of my adult life the only people who focused on marketing to me were sleaze pornography makers who called their products "Adult Reading and Viewing". Now, the only people doing anything to get my attention are folks selling hearing aids, incontinence products and nursing care. Maybe we can call the transition "From porn to scorn".)
You can support us by donating to the not-for profit 501 c 3 ministry, Sweeten Life Systems and write your check or send your stock as you pray for the ministry. We are getting rave reviews for the concept and approach. Stay in touch.
I went to Kroger last week to get my flu shot. While I waited my eyes fell on a magazine dedicated to helping Seniors get along better in Greater Cincinnati. It is entitled "Older Adults...the resource guide." Sub titled, "The Resource Guide for Mature Adults and their Families."
The front shows active, laughing gray haired adults playing with their grand kids and having a ball with a spouse. So far, so good, but then I opened to the first few pages. The first two advertisements were for "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Long Term Care Centers," then it got worse for there were two full pages of ads for Tranquility incontinence products.
Now, there is nothing wrong with medical ads for us mature adults. However, there is almost nothing for active, self directed matures adults. This kind of over emphasis on sickness, dying and medical emergencies is why I am starting a new approach to Seasoned Citizens.
(A funny thought just occurred to me. For most of my adult life the only people who focused on marketing to me were sleaze pornography makers who called their products "Adult Reading and Viewing". Now, the only people doing anything to get my attention are folks selling hearing aids, incontinence products and nursing care. Maybe we can call the transition "From porn to scorn".)
You can support us by donating to the not-for profit 501 c 3 ministry, Sweeten Life Systems and write your check or send your stock as you pray for the ministry. We are getting rave reviews for the concept and approach. Stay in touch.
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