Congregations and Older Adult Resources

Gloria A. Johnson

doi:10.1007/s11089-010-0308-5

Pastoral Psychology

February 2011, Volume 60, Issue 1, pp 49–59 | Cite as

Congregations and Older Adult Resources

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Gloria A. JohnsonEmail author

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First Online: 28 August 2010

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Abstract

This article defines ways in which a community can honor older adults as an invaluable resource to community life. A biographical study of a particular community is undertaken in order to extricate its theological convictions and ethical values. This study underscores the pivotal role of older adults in community function. Moreover, this article challenges scholars, caregivers, congregations to develop theories and strategies of care efficacious for healing.

Keywords

Community Generation Integration Healing

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Appendix A

Interview Guide

Part I: Life Review

1.

Factual Data: Date and place of birth? Number and ages of siblings?
2.

What have been major turning points in your life?
3.

What persons and experiences have been important for you in your life?
4.

Thinking about yourself at present: What gives your life meaning? What makes life worth living for you?

Part II: Life-shaping Experiences and Relationships

1.

At present, what relationships seem most important for your life?
2.

When you think of your father or mother as a child as he or she was during the time you were a child, what stands out? What were his special interests? Hers?
3.

What were the taboos in your early life? Can you indicate how those taboos have changed?
4.

Have you experienced losses, crises or suffering that have shaped or changed your life?
5.

What experiences have affirmed your sense of meaning in life?

Part III: Present Values and Commitments

1.

Can you describe the beliefs and values or attitudes that are most important in guiding your life:
2.

Are there symbols or images of rituals that are important to you?
3.

What relationships or groups are most important as support for you?
4.

When you have important decisions or choices to make regarding your life, how do you go about deciding? Example?
5.

When you think about the future, what makes you feel most anxious?

Part IV: Religion

1.

Do you have or have you had important religious experiences?
2.

What feelings do you have when you think about this?
3.

Do you consider yourself a religious person?
4.

If you pray, what do you feel is going on when you pray?
5.

What is your image of mature faith? (James Fowler 1995, pp. 310–312)

Appendix B

Interview Guide for Pastor

1.

What do you see as your task as pastor?
2.

What are the basic beliefs and values of this congregation as you perceive them?
3.

How would you describe the faith of this community?
4.

How would describe their relationship with God?
5.

How you describe your relationship to the people in this community?

References

Cannon, N. H. (1996). Roots of violence, seeds of peace. San Diego: Micleary.Google Scholar
Fowler, J. W. (1995). Stages of faith: the psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. New York: HarperCollins.Google Scholar
Gutierrez, G. (1984). We drink from our own wells. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.Google Scholar
McClendon, J. W. (1974). Biography as theology. Nashville: Abingdon.Google Scholar
Miles, M. (1988). Practicing christianity. New York: Crossroads.Google Scholar

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Authors and Affiliations

Gloria A. Johnson
- 1
Email author

1.College Chaplain/Assistant Professor/Pastoral CounselorBerea CollegeBereaUSA

Congregations and Older Adult Resources

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