The congregation tilts towards the retired, and the somewhat long-retired. In other words, the average age is getting old. That has a lot of meaning.
For instance,
- retirement income is not what employed full-time income is.
- Medical costs for these folks are rising.
- Many have downsized into retirement communities or assisted living. Costs more.
- More and more people cannot drive themselves to worship or church service events.
- More people are dying at the advanced age end of the spectrum than are joining the congregation in their young adult age.
- Older people tend to want and need more pastoral care.
Not only that,
- Older people tend to want things about the same.
- Older people have (in this congregation) tended to win their changes in faith through difficulty and trials. They are tired.
- Older people often (in this congregation) do not want to go back to the "good old religion". They have moved past it.
- Many older people come to be with old friends, and don't extend themselves to welcome newcomers.
As is the case in many Denver area churches, there is not much of a sense of community. People talk about "community" but they are not in each other's lives, homes or social circles. It's not "small town" living, for sure.
So I wonder: Is the only future of such a congregation is slow dissolve, the intentional disbanding, or could there be a new, exciting life for this congregation and others like it?
What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know. especially if you have a magic formula or potion.
