Search

Rabbi Daniel Aronson demonstrates that his seminary training in aging continues to enrich his rabbinate as an administrator and educator over a decade later. He has actualized his learning by crediting elders with the gifts that come with aging; advocating accessibility; engaging older constituents in life review; providing elders a way for their values and commitments to live on after their death; entering into relationships that he terms 'sacred encounters' with constituents by being fully present, without agenda and mindful of God's presence; and enabling and teaching about the transformative power of encounters between the young and old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the results of a survey of seminary students (pre- and post-aging course groups) regarding the issue of what they need and want from seminary courses in aging and theology. The author found increased perspectives on aging in the post-course group and lower appreciation for diversity in older adults in the pre-course group. Both groups reported a desire for deeper understandings of the aging process, help with integrating theology and practice, and practical resources for wise practice. The author argues for designing proactive, over reactive, ministry programs for older adults and employing imaginative paradigms in pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Churches across the nation are experiencing a rate of aging that dramatically exceeds the trend in the general population. In light of the demographic shift, it is imperative that a new model of senior adult ministry be adopted. The new model emphasizes ministry with senior adults rather than just to them, contains social, service, and spiritual components, and is biblically-based. The emergence of the new model has implications for seminary curriculum, existing senior adult ministries, and intergenerational efforts in the local church. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]