Center for Ministry with the Frail
As our population, and thus the church, continues to age in ever increasing numbers, there is tremendous opportunity for ministry with the frail. All congregations have members, or extended family of members, who desire a continued connection to the church when their frailty issues prevent them from doing so on their own. The Center for Ministry with the Frail (CMF) offers resources for pastors or laity who serve this population, focusing on the special ministry needs of the frail and their families in areas of worship, care, caregiving, hospice, community resources, volunteer training/support, discipleship and service.
The CMF is based on the Silver Link model of ministry with the frail at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Silver Link Ministry maintains a connection with persons who are frail or have dementia focusing on Psalm 71:9; “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” (NRSV)
Frailty itself is a journey of physical, social, cognitive, sensory or mobility issues that can combine in many different ways to cause loss of strength and lowered activity. Dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders) can profoundly affect people’s ability to engage in their continued faith journey. This Center’s resources are fully available to download and adapt to your specific ministry setting.
The Center on Ministry for the Frail is in partnership with the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries, General Board of Discipleship, United Methodist Church at www.gbod.org/coa. The Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries, directed by Richard H. Gentzler, offers resources and support for Older Adult Ministries.