Resources

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing grants for your church—from understanding the unique position of religious organizations in the grant-seeking landscape to crafting compelling proposals that resonate with potential funders. 

Rural and small-town churches across North Carolina have a precious resource that is often underutilized: our elderly congregants. As part of Hood Empowers’ commitment to the Foundation, Formation, and Faith pillars that strengthen our rural churches, this guide offers practical approaches for church leaders seeking to honor, learn from, and effectively minister to older adults. By intentionally connecting with elderly members, rural churches can preserve their heritage while building for the future generations they are called to serve.
The Spiritual Treasure of Elderly Congregants in Rural Churches
In many rural North Carolina churches, elderly members represent not just the past but a living connection to generations of faithful witness. Scripture reminds us to “stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, and walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). When we actively work to honor and learn from our elderly congregants, we create opportunities for spiritual growth that benefit everyone:
Deep wisdom that comes from decades of walking with the Lord
Living memories of church history and community traditions
Tested faith that has endured through changing times
Powerful prayer warriors with time dedicated to intercession
Mentors who can guide younger generations in spiritual formation
Stewards of rural church traditions and hymns that connect us to our roots
Practical Ways for Rural Churches to Connect with Elderly Congregants
Drawing from “15 Effective Ways of Sharing the Gospel With Elderly”, here are concrete actions rural church leaders can implement to strengthen their Foundation, Formation, and Faith pillars:
1. Honor Life Experiences in Worship (Foundation)
Create worship services that intentionally honor the spiritual journey of elderly members. Include traditional hymns alongside newer music, and incorporate testimonies from older members that highlight God’s faithfulness across generations.
2. Form Intergenerational Ministry Teams (Foundation)
Pair older and younger church members in ministry teams that allow for mentorship and mutual learning. These partnerships create opportunities for wisdom-sharing while giving elderly members meaningful roles in ongoing church life.
3. Develop Elderly-Focused Pastoral Care (Formation)
Train church leaders in the specific spiritual and emotional needs of aging congregants. Understanding the unique challenges faced by rural elderly members helps pastors provide relevant spiritual care during significant life transitions.
4. Provide Accessible Worship Options (Foundation)
Ensure worship services are accessible to those with hearing, vision, or mobility challenges. Consider large-print bulletins, hearing assistance devices, and transportation ministry to help elderly members remain connected to corporate worship.
5. Create Senior Bible Studies (Formation)
Establish Bible studies that address the spiritual questions and life stage of older adults. Topics like leaving a spiritual legacy, finding purpose in retirement, and faith in the face of loss resonate deeply with elderly congregants.
6. Implement a “Wisdom Council” (Formation & Faith)
Formally invite elderly members with spiritual maturity to serve as advisors on church decisions. Their perspective can provide historical context and tested wisdom that balances newer innovative approaches.
7. Record and Preserve Church Heritage (Foundation)
Create an oral history ministry that captures the testimonies and memories of elderly congregants. These recorded stories become powerful discipleship tools that connect future generations to your church’s spiritual heritage.
8. Honor Traditional Spiritual Practices (Faith)
Incorporate traditional spiritual disciplines like prayer meetings, hymn sings, and testimony services that resonate with elderly members. These practices often have deep meaning for older congregants and can enrich the spiritual life of the entire church.
9. Facilitate Purpose Through Service (Faith in Action)
Create service opportunities specifically designed for the abilities and availability of elderly members. From prayer ministries to mentoring to crafting projects that support missions, meaningful service keeps elderly members connected and purposeful.
10. Recognize and Address Isolation (Foundation)
Develop a visitation ministry specifically for homebound elderly members. Regular visits, communion services, and prayer from church leadership ensure these faithful members remain connected to their church family despite physical limitations.
11. Bridge Technology Divides with Grace (Formation)
Offer technology assistance to help elderly members access online church resources, connect with family, or participate in virtual Bible studies. This practical ministry opens new avenues for spiritual growth and connection.
12. Create Senior-Friendly Physical Spaces (Foundation)
Evaluate your church facilities through the eyes of elderly members with mobility challenges. Simple adjustments to seating, lighting, and pathways can make your building more welcoming to aging congregants.
15. Develop End-of-Life Ministry Resources (Formation & Faith)
Provide spiritual resources and pastoral guidance for elderly members addressing end-of-life questions. Creating space for holy conversations about heaven, legacy, and faithful finishing honors the spiritual journey of aging saints.
Show Image
Effective Communication with Elderly Congregants: Key to Meaningful Connection
Based on the “Tips for Improving Communication by Church Leaders with Older Adults” resource, here are essential strategies for ensuring your message is received with clarity and respect:
Speak with Clarity and Respect
1. Adjust Your Speaking Style, Not Content: Elderly congregants deserve the same depth of spiritual teaching as other adults. Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume, but never talk down or oversimplify complex faith concepts. Rural elderly church members often have deep theological understanding that should be respected.
2. Eliminate Background Noise: During Bible studies, meetings, or fellowship events with elderly members, choose quiet settings that minimize distracting background noise that can interfere with hearing aids or natural hearing challenges.
3. Face Your Audience Directly: Position yourself where elderly members can see your face clearly when speaking. Facial expressions and lip-reading often supplement hearing for many older adults.
4. Use Appropriate Written Materials: Ensure all church communications—bulletins, newsletters, Bible study handouts—use larger print (at least 14-point font) with high contrast between text and background.
5. Incorporate Multiple Communication Methods: Important church announcements should be delivered through multiple channels—verbal announcements, written materials, and personal follow up—to ensure elderly members receive critical information.
Foster Meaningful Spiritual Conversations
1. Practice Holy Listening: When elderly members share their stories or concerns, give them your complete attention. This communicates value and creates space for authentic spiritual connection.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, invite deeper sharing with questions like, “How has God been working in your life lately?” or “What hymn has been meaningful to you recently?”
3. Honor Their Timeline: Allow elderly members to communicate at their own pace. Rushing conversations communicates that efficiency matters more than relationship, which contradicts Christ’s example of unhurried ministry.
4. Validate Life Experience: Acknowledge the wisdom that comes from decades of faithful living. When appropriate, invite elderly members to share how their faith has sustained them through historical events and personal challenges.
5. Create Communication Rhythms: Establish regular check-ins with elderly members through consistent visitation schedules, prayer partner programs, or “spiritual grandparent” ministries that pair older and younger church members.
Success Stories and Kingdom Impact
Rural churches implementing these approaches have seen God move in remarkable ways:
“When we created our ‘Legacy Council’ of elderly members to advise on major church decisions, their wisdom helped us navigate a building project that honored our history while preparing for future growth. Their insight prevented divisions and ensured we maintained our church’s spiritual DNA.” – Pastor, Rural North Carolina Church
“Our ‘Stories of Faith’ recording project captured the testimonies of 25 members over age 80. These recordings have become our most powerful discipleship tool—new members and youth regularly listen to them to understand the spiritual foundation of our congregation.” – Church Historian, Small Town Ministry
“By intentionally honoring our elderly members’ hymn traditions alongside newer worship music, we’ve created Sunday services where three generations worship side-by-side with mutual respect. What some churches see as a ‘worship war,’ we’ve transformed into a beautiful tapestry of intergenerational praise.” – Rural Church Worship Leader
Getting Started in Your Rural Church
Even small ministry initiatives can make a big difference in honoring and connecting with elderly congregants. Consider starting with:
1. A Sunday service specifically honoring the church’s longest-standing members 2. A “church history day” where elderly members share stories of God’s faithfulness 3. A prayer initiative pairing elderly prayer warriors with younger families
4. Bible studies exploring themes of spiritual legacy and faithful aging
5. Regular feedback sessions where elderly congregants can share their needs and insights Resources for Your Church’s Journey
Hood Empowers is committed to supporting your rural church’s ministry to elderly congregants. These resources provide valuable guidance as you begin:
“15 Effective Ways of Sharing the Gospel With Elderly” – Believe in the Bible
“Tips for Improving Communication by Church Leaders with Older Adults”
Hood Empowers’ Rural Church Revitalization Workshops
Intergenerational Ministry Resources
Scripture studies on honoring elders and spiritual legacy
Contact Hood Empowers for personalized coaching on implementing these strategies in your specific rural church context. Our team can help you align these practices with the unique needs and opportunities in your congregation.
A Call to Rural Church Leaders
Building bridges between generations is both a spiritual calling and practical ministry. It requires intentional effort, respectful listening, and a commitment to seeing elderly members as vital, contributing parts of your church body. By implementing the strategies outlined in these resources through the lens of Hood Empowers’ Foundation, Formation, and Faith pillars, rural churches across North Carolina can preserve their rich heritage while preparing to serve future generations.
The journey toward meaningful intergenerational ministry is ongoing, but with each story shared, each piece of wisdom honored, and each elderly member engaged in meaningful service, we move closer to fulfilling God’s vision of a church where every age and stage is valued as essential to the body of Christ.
Will your rural church answer the call to strengthen your ministry by fully embracing the wisdom and contributions of your elderly congregants?
This blog post was created by Hood Empowers’ Institute for Rural & Small-Town Ministry & Leadership, summarizing insights from “15 Effective Ways of Sharing the Gospel With Elderly” and “Tips for Improving Communication by Church Leaders with Older Adults.” For complete information, please visit the original resources linked above or contact Hood Empowers for personalized guidance for your rural church context.

Rural and small-town churches across North Carolina face unique financial challenges that require thoughtful, contextual solutions. While declining membership and aging facilities create common pressures, each church community has distinct needs, resources, and opportunities. The pathway to financial stability begins with understanding your specific context and building strategies that honor your church’s unique mission within your community.