From Wednesday, September 4, through Friday, September 6, the Convention Center at the Hilton in downtown Branson was alive with activity as the Assemblies of God Senior Adult Conference gathered for learning, fellowship and ministry under the theme, “Fresh & Flourishing.”
If you think retirement is all about taking it easy and turning responsibilities over to the next generation, the 873 seniors in attendance would make you think again. How about using that fishing trip to minister to a veteran? Buying an RV for retirement travel? Hundreds of seniors registered with AG Church Mobilization travel regularly to use their skills in construction and other trades at churches and nonprofits who need a new building or a remodel/repair, saving millions of dollars yearly on labor so the funds can be used for ministry. And those are just a few of the ideas.
Attendees ranged in age from 50 to several in their 90s, averaging mid- to late 70s based on a visual count. Even those with physical limitations—and there were plenty who used a walker or scooter—were eager to get new ideas about engaging in multi-generational ministry in their churches or being a more involved grandparent. Exhibitors were on hand with ministry resources, including practical assistance such as estate planning to allow financial freedom and college information for those helping grandchildren and friends with that decision.
“Retirement is not the end of God’s plans for you,” stated Malcolm Burleigh, the opening speaker on Wednesday. Burleigh, who recently retired as executive director of AG U.S. Missions, used the example of Abraham to encourage attendees to face what is true, such as physical aging, while embracing truth—that older Christians still have an impact.
The encouragement continued as AG Christian Education and Discipleship Director Elly Marroquin spoke on Thursday morning. “Intentionality trumps distance,” said Marroquin about long-distance grandparenting situations. Using King Hezekiah as a biblical example, she warned against checking out emotionally from possible future challenges.
Thursday evening’s service was a highlight, as the Evangel University Chorale presented special music. Hardly a dry eye remained in the room when several young people shared how senior adults impacted their decision to attend Christian college and train for ministry. Following the powerful message by General Superintendent Doug Clay, the chorale closed their musical presentation with Kari Jobe’s beautiful song about legacy, “The Blessing,” before the students joined the senior adults at the altar for mutual prayer and encouragement.
Friday’s speakers focused on a subject most older adults have experienced multiple times—loss, grief and other tough circumstances. Referencing Job in the Bible, Richard Exley shared about God’s redemptive work through his grief journey after the death of his wife.
The closing speaker was 82-year-old evangelist Martha Tennison, who was serving with her husband in ministry in 1988 in Kentucky when their church bus was struck by a drunk driver, killing 24 youth and three sponsors and injuring several others. Tennison spoke of God’s faithfulness in redeeming even such a tragedy. “Your destiny is greater than your current dilemma,” she said, referencing a similar comment by her late husband shortly before his passing, as he encouraged her not to give up ministry.
The Assemblies of God is committed as a fellowship to multi-generational ministry, incorporating the wisdom of long-time Christ-followers to pass the legacy of faith to younger believers. Follow AG Senior Adult Ministries on Facebook or at https://sam.ag.org for future events, ideas about staying active in faith and ministry during retirement, or perhaps starting a senior adult ministry at your own home church.
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