THE NATURE & CAUSES OF AGEISM

We live in a day when racism and sexism have been recognized as the
unwholesome attitudes they are. Yet, unfortunately, ageism is alive and
well; even in the church. Although it is no longer considered in good taste
to make racist or sexist jokes, old age is still fair game. Ageism is a
pervasive, negative attitude toward aging and people who are growing old.
Like racism or sexism, it is a destructive and discriminatory form of
prejudice that is based on flawed stereotypes.
The majority of people in our society, including many in the church,
are absorbed in a self-centered lifestyle, concerned only with the “here and
now”. There is little interest in the future or the past. Self-validation is
based on looks, position, money, or power; attributes that often fade with
time. The value of accumulated experience, which age brings with it, is
often overlooked.
AGEISM AND THE CHURCH

Well, if the church is going to seize the opportunity of effectively

ministering to senior adults, it will need to root out the ageism found in
subtle ways in so many congregations. In a society that places enormous
value on youth-related attributes, there is a stigma attached to growing older.
Well, what about congregation?
1. Does you church intentionally seek out young families
without an equal outreach to older adults?
2. Does the membership see older adults as liabilities rather
than assets?
3. How many persons in your church community are between
the ages of 12 and 21? Do you have a pastor/leader assigned
to this age-group? What percent of the church budget is
spent on youth? In contrast, how many persons in your
church are 55 or older? Do you have a pastor/leader
assigned to this age-group? Yes, but what responsibilities
does he have beyond visitation of the ill and homebound?
What percent of the budget is spent on older adults? If a
disproportionate amount of money, time, and staff is spent
on youth, at the expense of effective ministry and outreach
to older adults, that’s ageism.
 4. If your church were seeking a new pastor and had identified
two candidates of equal qualifications and merit, would your
church automatically choose the younger candidate?
5. What is your church doing to help its senior members
prepare for effective living after they are no longer gainfully
employed?
6. How many key lay leadership positions in your church are
filled by persons over 55?
7. Is your church offering its older adults opportunities to touch
the lives of other people with the love of Jesus?

Modern American society finds little use for older adults. It forces
them to retire before they have exhausted their capacity for productive work,
and then suggests that they occupy their time with hobbies or recreational
activities. Unfortunately, the church often follows society’s lead. If our
seniors members are healthy, we entertain them; if they are ill, we visit
them. All too often we see them as liabilities that deplete our energy, not as
assets that can add vitality and know-how to our programs.