Christian Council on ageing

for older people and their life of faith and hope.

   

A VOICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND THEIR LIFE OF FAITH AND HOPE

 

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Ministry and Training

1st July 2017 By GerryBurke

People who are involved in ministry of any kind in the Churches need training.  This applies to lay people as well as to those who are formally ordained or commissioned.  Training demands being open to ideas and it means having enough ideas to generate enthusiasm and commitment.  It also needs time, and often it can seem there is no time for everything so some things get left behind.  The place of older people in the life of the Churches and the ways in which ministry can focus on older people’s contribution, as well as their needs, does not seem to take up much time in many training establishments.  At least, that is what Christians on Ageing has come to understand, and our understanding could be wrong.

There is only one way to find out: ask the trainers.  Christians on Ageing is building a comprehensive directory of information about training for ministry in all the Churches.  We intend asking what the various training establishments and courses offer to help prepare for that part of ministry involving older people – how much time is allocated in courses?  What topics are covered?  What expert help is sought?

It is a major project and we would welcome input from those engaged in training, especially from those being trained.

Send us your contact details – ask any question – give us any information you think might be helpful.

You will find e-mail contact details on many pages of this website.  Use any of them to get in touch.

In the meantime, you might like to read this article.

Ageing & Spiritual Growth is a paper by the Reverend Rob Merchant, a member of Christians on Ageing who is involved in the training of candidates for ministry in the Church of England, considering the need for a theology of ageing.

Filed Under: Resources

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Speaking Out

There are some things which just have to be said.  We have to speak out because at the heart of the Christian message is our belief that God is not silent.  God has spoken through creation itself and the evolving universe; through the human story; through the dwelling of Jesus Christ in time; through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in each believer; through the inspiration of the scriptures; and through the wisdom and the teaching of the Church through the ages.

We use words all the time.  Words of welcome.  Words of wisdom.  Words of warmth.  Words of warning.  Words of wistfulness.  Our words are wasted if words are just words.   In the beginning was the Word.  And the Word was with God.  And the Word was God.  Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him.   The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word made things happen.

As Christians, as followers of the Word, we do something about what we have heard.  Our own best words are our actions.

Please tell us what you would like us to Speak Out about by contacting:  info@ccoa.org.uk

 

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Comment & Opinion

Christians on Ageing cannot deal with every issue affecting the lives of older people but it can highlight those which are causing public debate or concern.  The charity’s first task is to identify these for its members and to provide information about the nature of the debate and the variety of views and opinions being proposed.  Unless members of Christians on Ageing have been canvassed for their views or the Executive Committee has taken a policy decision, the articles here are to be considered an exploration of the issues rather than a formal comment.  The nature of the contribution to the debate will always be made clear.

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Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth.  Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust.  Lead me from hope to love, from war to peace.  Let peace fill my heart, our world, our universe.

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Ms Barbara Stephens
Honorary Secretary
Christians on Ageing
The Depozitory
23 Nelson Street
Ryde
Isle of Wight PO33 2EZ

 

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