We as a Century Baptist church family welcome people of all ages in fellowship through Christ, and we continue to minister to the souls of people throughout their lives up to the point that they cross the threshold from this side of life and into eternity.

 

Those who are 60 years old and older have as much place and importance in God’s kingdom as those who are younger. Jesus’ command in the gospels to make disciples extends to the senior adult just as it does for the young person, and so senior adult ministry here includes sharing the gospel among those who are senior adults, building the faith and life of those who are older, and helping senior adults understand their spiritual gifts and talents which continue to be valuable to the Lord Jesus for as long as people are on this earth.  Our physical and mental agility may or may not change as we get older, but “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29, ESV 2016).

 

The Century church family is committed to seeing every adult connected into a community life group or other small group, without promoting segregation of generations.  Therefore, we encourage every senior adult to be involved with a neighborhood group or Bible study, as part of this vision.  At the same time, every generation has unique needs, developmental stages, and interests, so Century Baptist seeks to care for the senior adult in the uniqueness of his or her generation while at the same time encouraging multi-generational interaction in broader fellowship, worship, and ministry.

 

Senior adult ministry takes place together on the church premises each week, as well as outside the walls of this building throughout the week.  This portion of the church website gives an idea of what is happening in behalf of senior adults.  Check back often to see what is coming up!

Senior Adults in Discipleship

Each week a group of senior adults gather on Wednesday afternoons, from 2:30-4:00pm here in the church premises.  

  • We take time to fellowship, pray, and study the Bible together.  This group came out of what we traditionally might remember as the mid-week prayer meeting, but there are a couple of differences.

  • Prayer is encouraged both in the group, and in smaller, less intimidating groups around the room.  While we have a prayer list we follow, we also have people from other ministries within the church family and from outside the church, come and share so we can pray for them.

  • Bible study is more dialogue, more of a Sunday school format rather than a sermon.  We generally move through a book of the Bible, and encourage comments and note-taking.  Special note is taken how the passage of scripture we study moves us into following Jesus more closely.  No offerings are taken, but we do from time to time select a mission project and move it along.  And of course, there is coffee!


From time to time, we will also promote senior adult ministry gatherings hosted by other evangelical churches in the area, as part of a broader idea of senior adults worshiping and growing together in Christ.

Senior adults in celebration

Once a month we celebrate together the birthdays , anniversaries, and memorable milestones of one another’s lives together.  Some of us are also involved with sending cards to people whose birthdays or anniversaries are approaching.

senior adults in mission

Mission radiating from the lives of senior adults can come in several ways.  Anyone of whatever age who is involved in a community life group or ministry team, lends his or her hands and abilities to a mission endeavor that group may adopt.  We encourage that kind of serve together.

 

We also encourage ministry across generations within the context of Century Baptist.  As other age-related ministry to younger populations needs help, we can be part of care, prayer, and discipleship with those who are younger, both individually and within the context of children’s and youth ministry.  We as older people can encourage younger adults and parents, not ceasing to pray for them (1 Samuel 12:23), and actively modeling Christ in their presence, cheering them on.

 

Many senior adults can no longer get out and about, and they sometimes rely on others for transportation, help them shop, or look forward to a visit from a Shut-Ins Team member.

 

We also take opportunity to go beyond ourselves into the Bismarck-Mandan communities.  On a rotating basis we participate in worship services and Bible study services in a couple of different senior living facilities on a weekly and monthly basis.  Some of us help in the Bismarck Senior Center’s community services.

  • Every Tuesday afternoon 1:30-2:30pm, Primrose Retirement Home.
  • Every fourth Sunday afternoon  2:30-3:15pm, Edgewood Village on Colorado.
  • Twice each year or more often, Baptist Healthcare Center / Elim Care.  

And there are still many senior adult-related opportunities untapped, waiting for interested persons to come and share.

 

If you want to know more, or if you as a senior adult have a need, contact Dave Gallagher, Pastor of Care at dave@centurybaptist.org or 223-0478.