Encouraging Spiritual Growth for 21st Century Seniors course
This day on spiritual growth in later life will explore how today’s seniors can develop their faith and spirituality in this century’s fast-changing culture. What does ‘ministering afresh in each generation’ mean for connecting with the cohorts of older people currently dealing with the gifts and challenges of ageing? It will interest minsters of all kinds who want to encourage older people in their spiritual lives, as well as seniors exploring their own faith journeys.
Each generation comes to retirement through different times and circumstances which shape people’s life with God. The growing senior generations reflect variety within themselves as well as differences with the past. We will share research and good practices in order to offer perspectives for understanding our current situation and what mature spirituality can bring. Participants will be encouraged to draw on their faith-life experiences, in structured group and plenary discussion.
We will also consider ways in which individuals can reflect on their spiritual lives in terms of maturity and helpful disciplines and practices. Such challenges apply to churches too, in order to support and encourage older Christians.
Joanna Cox: previously National Adviser on Adult Education, Archbishop’s Council; led CofE / Methodist project on older people’s learning and publication of ‘Seasons of My Soul’ course handbook. Chair of Diocesan group SAGE (Southwark and Ageing).
Joanna Walker: previously Diocesan Adult Education Adviser for Guildford; recent doctoral researcher on older people’s spiritual development. Co-edited ‘Spiritual Dimensions of Ageing’, CUP 216. Currently trustee and editor at Christians on Ageing.
