Apostolic adults over the age of fifty-five will have a new outlet for their gifts and skills thanks to the launch of SAGES (Senior Adults Giving Evangelistic Support), an initiative that seeks to connect believers in this demographic with resources, events, information, and ministry opportunities.
The ministry will host its inaugural summit May 2-4 in St. Charles, Missouri. The event will feature music, inspirational preaching, and conversations about how to connect senior adults with churches and ministries that need assistance. Connie Bernard, wife of UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard, will lead a special worship session featuring classic Pentecostal music.
The conference may feature a bit of nostalgia, but SAGES was created to assist believers who want to help the church meet current challenges and seize new opportunities.
“Ministry isn’t over just because you’re a senior,” said Errin Bryant, executive assistant for UPCI Church Advancement, the ministry that oversees SAGES. “There is still a lot more to do and to pass on to the next generation.”
Bryant and SAGES Director Carlton Coon hope to build a ministry that connects believers who have spent a lifetime acquiring knowledge and expertise with churches and ministries that need the skills these seasoned believers have to offer. Additionally, adults over age 55 often have obtained financial independence and scheduling flexibility that allows them to serve in ways others cannot.
As an example of the type of projects SAGES will pursue, Bryant notes that, a few years ago, a group of senior adults in the UPCI’s Louisiana District adopted the then-fledgling Newfoundland District. These Louisiana seniors traveled to Newfoundland to help establish a district campground and assist local churches with everything from maintenance to music.
“They took revival from Louisiana to Newfoundland, and they had fun while doing it,” Bryant said.
In addition to an annual national summit and various service projects, Bryant says SAGES organizers hope to offer retreats, camps, cruises, mentorship training, and a variety of other activities that will help senior adults build relationships while serving the body of Christ.
The SAGES Ministry operates under the oversight of the UPCI’s Church Advancement Department, in cooperation with the Stewardship Group. To learn more about SAGES, visit UPCISAGES.com. The site includes a link to register for the upcoming SAGES Summit 2023.