Reaching the Elderly - Alpha for Seniors

by Kuda Bumhira

‘Alpha for Seniors’ is an exciting new initiative by Alpha USA that allows elderly residents housed in senior care communities such as nursing homes, assisted living and continuing care retirement communities an opportunity to attend and experience an Alpha course.

People of all ages have come into relationship with Jesus Christ or had their faith come alive through the Alpha course. Most are able to come to a church or other location where a course is being held. ‘Alpha for Seniors’ is developed with a mind toward those who may have limited mobility and unable to get to a course. It is therefore crucial that the Alpha course be brought to them, within the four walls of their communities.

Unfortunately, the daily lives of far too many senior residents include social and spiritual starvation due to isolation, confinement and, in many cases, abandonment. There is often very little spiritual activity in these senior communities.  Beyond the obvious benefit of inviting guests into a saving relationship with Christ, ‘Alpha for Seniors’ serves as a great source of spiritual nurturing and growth for the elderly.  At a time when individuals are facing the end of their lives, the experience of God’s love, comfort and reassurance gained through an Alpha course provides a way for them to ‘finish strong’.

So, as the elderly in your community adapt to changes in their health, physical ability and loss of social status, as they have to deal with emotions associated with loss and regret of loved ones, and have to come to terms with new surroundings and a new lifestyle, we encourage you to plan on running a future Alpha course in a senior care community, to provide our elderly community with an opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As our population ages, the need and opportunity to reach the elderly for Jesus Christ will only increase, ‘Alpha for Seniors’ is an effective way to reach this generation.