Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults over 50

Praise for Baby Boomers and Beyond

"Amy Hanson does a brilliant job of reminding us that the most powerful and under–utilized source of Kingdom impact is the fifty–plus generation. I have seen firsthand how the mission of Jesus offers them more fulfillment than retirement, golf, or the next sight–seeing trip ever could." Dave Ferguson, lead pastor, COMMUNITY / Movement Leader, NewThing

"If you are fifty, or thinking about turning fifty; if you are concerned for the church and long for generations to be unleashed in ministry and community, then this book is the resource you have been looking for." John Ortberg, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

"In this powerful and impassioned book, Amy Hanson urges the church to better serve boomers so boomers can better serve others. It′s simple and ingenious, revolutionary and reasonable, lofty and practical." Marc Freedman, author, Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, and CEO, Civic Ventures

"Well–written, practical, and full of insight based on current research, Baby Boomers and Beyond opens our eyes and hearts to new ways to embrace older adults, for the benefit of the whole church and to the glory of God."Dr. Sue Edwards, assistant professor of Christian education, Dallas Theological Seminary, and author of four books on church leadership and the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series

"Amy Hanson reminds us of the work still to be done making disciples of an older generation. I encourage you to find ways to lead boomers into a dynamic walk with Christ and engage them in the mission of God′s Kingdom." Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, www.edstetzer.com

"The insights and strategies for ministry with boomers and older adults as detailed in this book are a must read for all church leaders seeking to be faithful to God and who want to be engaged in Kingdom building."Rev. Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., director, Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries, The United Methodist Church, and author, Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century

Acknowledgments.

Introduction: Reinventing Ministry with Older Adults.

Part One: Ready for More: The New Old.

1. A Wake–Up Call for the Church: A Reality We Can′t Ignore.

2. Not What You Thought: New Ways to Think About Aging.

Part Two: The Boomer–and–Beyond World.

3. Aging Well.

4. Relationships and Responsibilities.

5. Retirement: What It Is and What It Is Becoming.

Part Three: Harnessing the Potential: Implications for the Church.

6. Letting Go of the One Size Fits All Mentality.

7. Serving: The Linchpin of a Successful Ministry.

8. Matters of Faith: Spiritual Growth for the Boomer.

9. Melding the Generations.

Conclusion: An Uncharted Opportunity.

Notes.

About the Author.

Index.

Amy Hanson, Ph.D., is a speaker, teacher, writer, and consultant who is passionate about motivating church leaders to engage older adults in significant Kingdom work. By the age of twenty–three, she led the active adult (fifty plus) ministries at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas. Today she unites her doctorate in gerontology and her ministry experience to educate and equip pastors, denominational leaders, students, health care professionals, and older adults on the unique opportunities of an aging America. To learn more visit amyhanson.org.

Visit the Leadership Network Website, www.leadnet.org, for more innovative resources and information.