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Influencing generations through. Heart Transplants or …. How to Harness Passion in Your Older Adults. Charles Arn. CASA Conference November, 2011. One group can’t be all things to all people The group has a “saturation point” Existing group has a “Christian-orientation”. Key Insight:.
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Influencing generations through Heart Transplants or … How to Harness Passion in Your Older Adults Charles Arn CASA Conference November, 2011
One group can’t be all things to all people The group has a “saturation point” Existing group has a “Christian-orientation” Key Insight: One senior adult group ≠ growth Why?
Start New Groups!! The solution?
Many different kinds of groups… Recreational Bible Study Support Topical Task Evangelistic Covenant Accountability
Introduce you to: Purpose of this Session… “Heartbeat” Groups A regular gathering of people (ideally Christians and non-Christians) who share a common interest/passion.
The center of one’s emotions where the most sincere feelings are located, and where an individual is most vulnerable to pain. An individual’s passion and priority in life. The ability to experience humane and altruistic feelings. The distinctive and significant center. Heart|härt|: CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Grief Share Dunwoody Baptist Church Dunwoody, GA “Suffering from loss of a loved one? CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Caring for Aging Parents Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, OH “ ‘Caring for Aging Parents’ examines financial and legal considerations, as well as family dynamics and end of life issues from a biblical perspective.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Adopt a Grandparent New Life Church, Austin, TX “ ‘Adopt-a-Grandparent’ is designed to provide social interaction between generations. Opportunities are created for younger persons to become involved in the lives of older adults who may not have family in the area...” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Dementia Caregiver Support Group Wieuca Rd. Baptist Church Atlanta, GA “This monthly support group is for the caregivers of older adults with memory loss. Designed to be both informational and supportive, this group provides a confidential and welcoming atmosphere for family members and friends who want to learn more about dementia. Open to anyone in the community.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holy Cross Lutheran Church South Daytona, FL “Are you raising your grandchild or grandchildren? Then this is a new chapter in your life, and there are many others sharing your experience. Our primary goals include support, resources and advocacy. For us it is summed up in our organization's motto: ‘The Child First..’ ” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Walk by Faith First United Methodist Church Murray, KY “You won’t want to miss the fun and excitement every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:00 as a lively group of senior adults gathers in the CLC gym for walking. The exercise begins with a warm-up, 20 minutes of walking, and a cool down. Come walk with us (or just drink coffee if you prefer!).” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Piecemakers Quilting Group Bend Church of the Nazarene Bend, OR “ ‘The Piecemakers Quilting Group’ meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Fireside Room from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The group works on quilts for mission organizations in the Nazarene church and for local charitable groups such as Grandma’s House and others as the need arises.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Grandma’s House Chehalis Seventh-day Adventist Church Chehalis, WA “Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoon ‘Grandma’s House’ has many activities for kids in the neighborhood (but no videos, computers, or TV). Started by retirees Joyce and Stu Neal, which now involves other older adults in the community, Grandma’s House is designed to be a protected, nurturing place where relationships get first priority.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Adopt-a-Youth Bushnell Assembly of God Bushnell, FL “Kids who volunteer, and senior adults who want to adopt are matched for a year. Birthdays, holidays and other special events are cause for getting together. Or, maybe it’s just a day at the zoo or a trip to the local ice cream parlor.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Snap, Crackle, Pop Exercise Group Central Baptist Church Jacksonville, TX “Exercise programs meet each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8-9am in the Family Life Center.” CASA Conference November, 2011
Examples of “Heartbeat” Groups Begun by People with a Passion… Your examples? CASA Conference November, 2011
Creates a “greenhouse” for relationships Older adults can be “ministers” Makes your older adult ministry relevant to life’s important issues Why Start “Heartbeat” Groups in Your Church?
Build a Culture of Creativity How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group in Your Church… Step #1 CASA Conference November, 2011
A Culture of Creativity… Excelsior, MN “Ministries begin at Westwood Community Church through the initiative of Westwood attendees and/or staff. If you have the passion to begin a new ministry at Westwood, the process is outlined below...”(www.teamWestwood.org) CASA Conference November, 2011
A Culture of Creativity… Indian Wells, CA “Do you feel like God has placed a desire in you to start a new ministry at Southwest Community Church? We would love to help you build a ministry action plan for your new ministry by completing the following steps…” (www.Southwestcc.org) CASA Conference November, 2011
A Culture of Creativity… Baltimore, MD “Do you feel the desire to start a new ministry at Miracle Temple Church? We would love to help you.”(www.miracletemple.net) CASA Conference November, 2011
Find the Passion How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #2 CASA Conference November, 2011
SPECIAL INTERESTS SPECIAL CONCERNS How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Where are people’s passions? or CASA Conference November, 2011
Available at: www.HeartbeatMinistries.net How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… How do you find people’s passions? • Existing knowledge • “I Wish” card • Casual conversations • Counseling sessions • “You Are Special” booklet • New member orientation CASA Conference November, 2011
Recruit a Dream Team How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #3 CASA Conference November, 2011
Do An Internet Search How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #4 CASA Conference November, 2011
Books Other Churches Internet Websites How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Others’ Experience Organizations CASA Conference November, 2011
Available at: www.HeartbeatMinistries.net (n/c) How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group…
How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #5 Define Your Purpose (see p. 3-4) CASA Conference November, 2011
Describe your T.A. specifically! How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… • Who? (Target Audience) • What is their passion? CASA Conference November, 2011
FELT NEEDS How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Have a purpose beyond just immediate needs • Health • Finances • Relationships • Employment • other? CASA Conference November, 2011
DEEPER NEEDS FELT NEEDS How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Have a purpose beyond just immediate needs • a place to belong • a sense of balance • authentic relationships • help through transitions • spiritual answers CASA Conference November, 2011
ETERNAL NEEDS DEEPER NEEDS FELT NEEDS How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Have a purpose beyond just immediate needs • Fully devoted follower of Christ • Active member of a local church • Sharing faith with others CASA Conference November, 2011
How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #6 Publicize and Hold the First Meeting The Key Issue: RELEVANCE!! CASA Conference November, 2011
How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Step #7 Nurture Relationships CASA Conference November, 2011
How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group… Number of weeks the Heartbeat Group has been meeting CASA Conference November, 2011
Is there passion in your older adults? God doesn’t waste experience! CASA Conference November, 2011
How to Start a “Heartbeat” Group(s)… Resources that will help… Vision-planting booklet Text Guidebook www.HeartbeatMinistries.net