What Churches May Have to Learn from an Ageing Population

ABSTRACTThe present study seeks to gather evidence to help churches decide whether they need to reassess the value of older people in church life and whether their spiritual needs are being met. A qualitative survey comprising 11 open-ended questions was distributed to a sample of older churchgoers aged sixty and over. Narratives provided by 48 participants revealed five overarching themes: valuing older people in churches; the central importance of meaningful relationships; nurturing the desire to explore issues of faith; contribution of churches to countering loneliness and marginalisation; and participating in ministry and mission by those in their later years. Concluding comments are offered in the light of a community-based initiative developed by Christians working ecumenically in Alton, a market town in a rural part of Hampshire. This important initiative, which has already spread beyond Alton, promotes the spiritual welfare of older people and draws attention to the contribution older people make ...