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Boomer Ministry Basics

Rev. Dr. William B. Randolph Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministry

Contact Us.

Email: wrandolph@umcdisicipleship.org

615-340-7173 Office Phone

336-429-7362 Cell Phone

https://www.facebook.com/Godlovesolderpeople Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministry Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/higherboomers Dedicated Baby Boomer Page

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non 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

What Year Were You Born-Use Text Tool and point to a year of birth. If not born during the Baby boom use Non box

The Future of the Church will be set

in the next 15 years not 50 years in

the future, when the Millennials

have children & grandchildren.

Boomers are the largest cohort (76.5

million vs 74.5 million for millennials)

and only about 25 % of them are

active religiously.

138 Million or over 60% of the US.

population is over the age 40. In the

next 10 years this will grow to 66%.

The Church operates on contributions

and Boomers have the highest

proportion of wealth and disposable

income (about 75%) with which to make

contributions.

Boomers retirees represent a great

volunteer service corps.

Boomers have witnessed more change

than other generations & are

experiencing more life changing events

than other groups. Transitions are

opportunities for renewal of faith.

Why Boomer Ministry is Important to the Church

Boomers are the key to reaching

Millennials, Teens, and Children—

Most are Boomer Children or

Grandchildren with ties to Boomers.

Boomers in retirement will go through a

second time of formation, a second

coming of age, meaning they will need

help with this transition. The church has

much to offer so it becomes a Golden

opportunity to reach the un-churched

Proper Boomer Ministry will lead to

Inter-Generational relationships

important to avoid Gen2 Gen

conflict. Good Boomer Ministry is

Good Ministry period.

Many Boomers will live longer post

retirement than they lived during their

working careers, so many will be a

part of the ministry of the church for

many years to come.

Why Boomer Ministry is so Important to the Church

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Boomer characteristics that should get your attention or Why should the Church Care about Boomers

• Boomers --Are The Leading Consumers In 119 Out Of 123

CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Categories.

• Boomers --Spend more money on wireless service and

technology than Gen X or Gen Y – an average of $650 per month.

• Boomers --represent 49% of all social media consumers.

Virtual tie with Millennials

• Boomers--Close to 100% own computers (and 41% own an

Apple and ). Only slightly slower adapters of technology.

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Boomers compared To others

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What are Boomers Like?

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Generations Are Formed in the experience of becoming Adult….

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Types of Boomers The generation is usually divided into two cohorts:

1.“Leading-Edge Boomers” born approximately

from 1946 to 1955.This group represents slightly

more than half of all Boomers. Also known as

Alpha Boomers or Zoomers (Zoom since they

have seen the world speed up) Many of this group

of Boomers will have retired or will soon retire.

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Leading Edge Boomers

1.Becoming Adults 1962-1973– Assassinations of

President Kennedy/King/Senator Kennedy, Vietnam

War, Civil Rights/Civil Disobedience, Protest

Movements, Sexual Revolution/Birth Control,

Woodstock, Cold War/Nuclear Threat, Earth

Day/Environmental Movement, Man on the Moon,

Drug Experimentation. This group can be expected to

be different than parents because of upheaval and

change in their young adulthood.

Types of Boomers The generation is usually divided into two cohorts:

2. “Late Boomers” born approximately between

1956 to 1964. Called Trailing-Edge or Joneses (as

in keeping up with the Joneses). This group

includes the remaining members and were the group

also referred to as Yuppies (Young Urban

Professionals) when they were young. Youngest of

this group will likely not retire for at least 10 years.

Joneses Boomers 2.Becoming Adults 1974-1985 Women’s Rights

Movement-ERA, Watergate Hearings-Nixon

Resignation, Arab Oil Embargo, Recession-

Stagflation, Iran Hostage Crisis, Globalization-Job

Relocation, Widespread Immigration- Multi-

culturalism, AIDS. This group is not only different

than parents but more performance oriented than

Alpha Boomers.

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B O O M E R S Believers Originality Optimism Marketing Experience Retirement Service

Values are important, Idealism is key

Do things our way, rebel against the past

Performance is name of the game, Self -improvement

Meeting Desires & Needs, speaking to subconscious

Common experience of coming of age

Reinvention rather than retirement, revolutionizing retirement

Changing the world, leave it a better place

Mistrust of authorities

Change is always good

Forever Young Engagement on their terms

Facing a second coming of age in last quarter of life

Never going to retire from life

Economies of scale for the world pushes back

SBNR’s, Ad. Hoc. Organization by Consensus

Personal Choice, Do your own thing,

Wellness & Adventure

Copy and Steal Everything from Marketing

Know the types of Boomers and how aging will work on them

Journey with Retirees in planning, re-assessing for retirement

Community engagement and Voluntarism

The Ambiguity of BOOMERS 1. Authority –had problems with this as youth. Now are in authority.

2. Accountability- grew up holding others accountable & experienced hypocrisy

3. Community—Need group affiliation.

4. Spontaneity-Having fun & being carefree

5. Engagement-Being active and fulfilled

6. Generosity-Happiness in giving

7. Health-Conscious and Fitness

8. Transcendence-is a goal

9. Unity-Is an important Value

1.Independence-Decreasing Independence

Don’t trust authoritative approaches.

2. Lassiez-Faire—Have become used to having the power to do as they wish.

3. Anonymity-Value Independence & Privacy

4. Discipline-Performance Orientation

5. Detachment-Not having to meet others expectations.

6. Material Gratification-Earned Lifestyle

7. Hedonism-Enjoyment and Comfort

8. Temporality-recognition of future death

9. Diversity is the reality

Challenges Presented by Boomers

1. What do you call Baby Boomers

2. Boomers define Structure rather than Structure defining Boomers. Organization must be different.

3. Generational Conflict with other Generations

4. Boomer Diversity- Not just one type of Boomer

5. No GPS, Few Roadmaps, or fewer beaten paths to follow

6. Busyness of Boomers

7. Boomers inside church are different than outside

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Matures, Older Adults, Golden or

“Seniors. “ Definitely not “Elderly.”

AARP, found “grown-ups” was the only

age-related term boomers weren’t

turned off by. The reject age-related

labels because they don’t really fit.

Boomers is O.K.. We like to be known as

unique, not our demographic group. We

would rather not be labeled at all.

Spry, perky, chipper, feisty, sweet,

geezer and oldsters. Boomers consider

this approach patronizing. Descriptions

to avoid “still,” as in still driving.

One solution: market to Boomers based

on values, not age. So know the values

which Boomers believe in.

Safe Names According to several surveys:

Actives Aquarians Bee bees Boomers Chronads Crossroaders Encores Experienced Grown-ups Keenagers Leisured Class Midcenturions MC’s Mileaged New Agers Primers Sages Seasoned Sonics

What’s In A Name

Re-invent the Wheel! Or Don’t think of adding Boomer Ministry to existing Older Adult Ministries

A. Hobbies as an opportunity to be a community rather than simply playtime for Adults; Self realization through learning experiences not just making a craft. Travel not simply for fun but for service and education. Substance.

B. Open Government- Skip having a group Chair or President, formal decision making councils. Instead have decisions be group based with a facilitator who simply moves process along. Rotate who is responsible for each task. Flexibility.

C. User Friendly Schedule-Consider activities which can be completed at a person’s own pace and schedule plus over time. Instead of formal promotion how about group reminders and multitasking. Convenience.

D. Options-Variety of opportunities in everything from worship to learning. Have Menu cards to help with the choices and keep up with activities which are popular for individuals and the group. Variety.

1. You can throw out the window what worked with the Builder Generations of Older Adults: Golf, Crafts, Travel. For Boomers it is about personalization, community, education.

2. Instead of a tight, rigid, protocols, leaders, procedures, hierarchy, structure, organizational chart, or leaders, consider a loose, rotating, group decision making process.

3. Instead of announcing designed programs, consider group sponsored activities

4. Survey and feedback are watchwords. Survey for Boomer likes and desires and give plenty of opportunities for feedback.

Generational Conflict Know the Causes of Generational Conflict

1. Competition for limited resources

and fear of not getting fair share.

2. Stereotyping--Misunderstanding

fueled by a lack of empathy and

understanding.

3. Past Sins and a lack of forgiveness

and tolerance.

4. Silo-ing of the Generations-not

enough interaction.

5. Performance Orientation and

Narcissistic Tendencies.

Know the Solutions to Generational Conflict

1. Proper Budgeting of resources.

2. Immersions experiences across

Generational Lines.

3. Help name past hurts &

understand forgiveness is both

sided.

4. Plan Multi-Generational

Relationship building Programs,

5. Guide Boomers to relax, to think of

service for others first. Guide them

to be role models in programs of

mentoring/being mentored

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Lifestyle Attitudes of Baby Boomers (% who indicated Agree and Strongly Agree) 1. People should try to maintain a youthful spirit about life. (96.6%) 2. The possibilities afforded to us by technology are only going to continue to grow. (96.6%) 3. I trust my instincts. (95.2%) 4. I am very passionate about the causes I care about. (94.8%) 5. The actions of a single individual can make a big difference in life. (94.8%) 6. People have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than they found it. (94.2%) 7. We are all responsible to leave the world a better place when we leave it. (93.8%) 8. Think it is important for all of us to look for ways in which we can get involved and improve society. (93.7%) 9. Young people can learn a lot from my generation. (92.6%) 10. There is no reason why young people and older people can’t enjoy the same kinds of things. (92.2%)

Common Attitudes Survey Results

1. Focusing more time & energy on my grandchildren (80%). Spending money on them (67.4%) 2. Spending more time with family (77.2%) 3. Reading more books (76.3%) 4. Getting more out of life (75.4%) 5. Taking more control over your future (73.6%) 6. Doing thing I’ve always wanted to do (73.5%) 7. Having enough money to get by (72.4%) 8. Learning a new skill or hobby (71%) 9. Having new adventures that are exciting and fun (70.7%) 10.Planning your retirement (68.1%) 11.Making new friends (67.4%) 12.Forgiving yourself more (66.7%) 13.Getting more involved in social causes that matter to you (66.1%) 14.Deepening and strengthening your relationship with God (65.3%) 15.Develop new skills and expertise (64.8%) 16.Working to make your community a better place (64.3%)

Common Attitudes Survey Results-

1. Straight Arrows:

This is the one group of Boomers for whom

Spiritual priorities are foremost. They make up 32

% of Boomers. They are driven by traditional

values and religion & they look forward to sharing

their beliefs with others. They are conservative in

politics, dress, moral values, and lifestyles. They have

more in common with the GI Generation than their

own and may hinder reaching out to Boomers beyond.

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2. Due Diligent:

This is one of three groups for which personal

Priorities are most important. They represent 10

% of Boomers. they think ahead and plan for the

worst. They’re willing to take risks, though, as

long as they feel protected. The tend to be

pessimistic in outlook, hard working, and are

conservative but pragmatic. They feel like if other

Boomers wanted to be in church they would..

3. Hedonist Boomers-

Personal priorities are at the top for this group.

They account for 15 % of Boomers. They want to do

as much as possible and get the most from life.

They seek fulfillment by immersing themselves in

everything possible thing in life. Generally enjoy lots of

life and look forward to retirement and spending time

with grandkids. Are often too busy for church.

Hippie Boomers

4. Sideliners:

Personal priorities matter. They make up 20

% of Boomers. They are less involved in

activities and amusements. They are very

private, self-­‐contained, and undemanding but

independent thinkers focused on families. They

are often outside of the church and difficult to

reach because it is irrelevant to them. SBNR’s

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5.DisContenteds:

This is one of two groups for which societal

priorities are highest. They account for only

8 % of Boomers. They see social problems

they would like to fix, and their sympathies are

with protesters. However, they shy away from

getting involved to the point of compromising

their own comfort. SBNR’s

6. Re-­Activists:

Societal priorities are highest for this

group as well. They represent 15 % of

Boomers. They are ready to join

campaigns in support of social causes.

They want to get involved while they still

can, before age makes it difficult for

them to have an impact. Service appeals.

Not A Lot of Models http://www.cor.org/leawood/crossroads

Church of the Resurrection- Crossroads

1. Multi-generations within the church, but now is targeting Boomer Ministry as separate ministry to itself.

2. Very little sharing between different focuses and age groups, including fellowship and worship. Open to innovation.

3. Targets Needs of Boomers as they age e.g. need for Service through a variety of programs offered under the group banner.

http://saddleback.com/ Saddleback – Primary Boomer Ministry

1. These churches grew up around an

intentional, exclusive, ministry to Baby Boomers when they were younger. Multi-generation but Boomers Dominate

2. Worship, Service, Learning, Social Activities appeal broadly Boomers more than other groups because longstanding. Other generations fit in or not. Closed to innovation

3. Participants are mostly Boomers and others needs are overlooked. Not much interaction with or programing for other generations.

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Not A Lot of Models http://ginghamsburg.org/ Ginghamsburg- Integrated

1. Multi-generations within the church, but Boomer Ministry is incorporated into all programs and ministry. Inter-generational sharing encouraged.

2. Natural sharing between groups. Other Group needs may or may not take precedence over Boomer’s. Open to innovation.

3. Targets Needs of Boomers as they age in every program but not just Boomers.

http://www.chapelwood.org/Event_Display.cfm?Event_ID=46

Chapelwood – AD. Hoc Programing

• These churches have occasional specific Boomers Programs but rely on strength of their other programs to appeal to Boomers in a Multi-generational church

• Worship, Service, Learning, Social Activities appeal broadly and Boomers exclusive needs addressed as needed.

• Boomers specific needs are targeted but not all the time, but shadow organization continues under Boomer leadership.

Boomerstock Colloquium Catalog of Boomer Best Practices Boomer Coaching Network New Books on Boomer Spirituality Ministry

Inspire a Deeper Spiritual Life of Discipleship

Draw Boomers Into Service & Community

To Encourage Good Aging

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Meet Identity and Purpose Needs of Boomers

Assist in meeting Wellness and Wholeness Needs of Boomers

Help Boomers fulfill intellectual & spiritual potential

Service as Opportunity- Changing the World a little at a time

• Activist oriented want to make the world a much better place.

• Want to give back to future generations & it is what makes them happy.

• Legacy is something Boomers will think about

• All have unique talents to offer so discernment of talents & gifts is start point

• The gifts of all have to be equally valued.

• Support Groups & Partnerships, Projects

At Your Service • Participate in existing service programs-VIM, Prime-timers,

UMM/UMW, Nomads, • Develop Gen2Gen programs such as Computer Tutoring,

Community Gardens, Respite Care, Grandparent’s Camp, Transportation Service.

• Partner with Other Groups (e.g. Alzheimer’s Association) who already ministers in the community such as Hospital, Prisons, Schools, Alcoholics Anonymous,

• Craft service to address unique local needs and issues to serve in advocacy with help of Council on Aging, Social Services

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Boomers are SBNR-Spiritual But Not Religious

Thrown Baby Out w/ Bath Water

1. Rejected the Church as Institution: Empty Ritual, Formality, Icons & Dead Music makes them run!

2. Still need to be connected to the Divine so embraced alternative paths to Spirituality. Can see value of many paths.

3. Need to be practical, simple, easily approached, be group oriented.

How to Reach SBNR’s or Nones 1. Offer Prayer Classes- in Guided, Meditative, Intercessory, Journaling 2. Do not denigrate other faith groups or practices; be willing to blend practices (e.g. yoga or Meditation). 3.Peer to Peer Bible Discussion Groups which are open ended and geared toward current events for Boomer s not ancient history.

SBNR Grounded in the Basics

Bible Study as Narrative not as Dogma

Prayer Circles which meet regularly

Spiritual Coaching or Mentors

Faith Sharing Groups

Walk to Emmaus—Face2Face and other programs

Retirement is the Key • Retirement is changing with many

Boomers not wanting to end their careers at 65 or being able to afford to retirement.

• Boomers Performance orientation will not make for good aging in retirement. Some have become bored in retirement already and others have never learned to slow down

• Many Boomers haven’t thought or planned through their aging process. They don’t know how to be retired but are forced into it by downsizing.

• The last Quarter of life is about Purpose, Meaning, Life Review, Legacy, Being, death preparation, and Spirituality -all new skill sets for boomers who will need help processing this phase in life.

• Boomers have resisted growing up, maturing, and growing old so have not embraced aging which is inevitable and will therefore need assistance.

• Boomers may live longer in Retirement than working life and will need assistance with their health.

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Opportunities For Ministering to Retirement

• Retirement Financial & Satisfaction Pre-planning and Post Retirement Checkup Events, Classes, Programs.

• Investment Clubs and Tax Preparation Clinics

• Annual Health Fairs and Screenings plus Parish Nurse Program.

• Fitness Center, Weight Loss and Exercise Programs

• Career Assessment, Training, and Placement Center

Education & Learning are Key • Boomers are the most educated

cohort on the planet. Boomers love to learn about new things, explore new experiences, and to Do it Yourself

• Boomers are virtually tied with their millennial children for use of technology, social media, and only slightly behind in being first adopters.

• Helping Boomers maintain their youthfulness and health is important way to minister.

• Boomers spend more on travel than any other cohort and especially enjoy educational travel.

Education & Learning are Key • Retirement Academies, Seminars, Consultations, for Boomers help reach beyond

Boomers in your church

• Church Peer2 Peer Learning is important way to offer education in crafts or skills such as craft classes like woodworking, skill classes like language courses, or content classes like local history classes will appeal to Boomers.

• Exercise, Relaxation, and Nutrition appeal to Boomers who are trying to remain young, so Cooking classes, Meditation Classes, Fitness/Exercise classes like tai chi, or fun classes like dance are a way to reach outside Boomers.

• Boomers love tech. so computer and social media classes with their millennial children or other generations are fun for them.

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One is the Loneliest Number Boomers are disconnected

• Boomers tended to define themselves through their jobs & Job change or retirement means loss of support groups

• Boomers often have been mobile and settle in new places, having to make new friends all over again.

Boomers have made divorce very prevalent resulting in fewer opportunities for Family Bonding. Many Boomers divorce after empty nests syndrome.

• E-Harmony Happy Hour Matching Model.

• Redefinition through shared interest groups. E.g. Motor cyclist or Interests Support Groups in partnership with community groups.

• Block parties and other celebrations.

• Open Houses, Block Parties, and Carnivals.

• Welcome Wagons

• Community Needs Surveys

One is the Loneliest Number

Standards of Practice 1. What’s in a Name-Boomers are afraid of growing older

Labels for Boomers or O.A. Ministry like Senior, Golden, Elder, Mature, anything which smacks of Old will not work.

2. Develop a new Organization- for Boomers -Don’t try and graft Boomers into existing OA Programs unless its an intergenerational program or service group.

3. Develop Various Structures -Boomers don’t like rules so like freedom, variety, and creativity. Suggest rather than require, flexible schedules instead of deadlines, etc.

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Standards of Practice 4. Person Centered Is Name of Game- Boomers are used to having it their way with a plethora of choices; offer choices & and emphasize quality or comfort. Never offer non-customizable or pre packaged programs.

5.Aging Requires New Orientations -Offer more than performance oriented lifestyles with lots of activities. Offer community & relationships, spirituality and wholeness, service and personal growth.

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Standards of Practice 6. Be an Open, Accepting Community- Church for some has been experienced as condemning, judgmental, and self-righteous. Be accepting of life style differences, supporting rather than authoritative. 7. Avoid Inter-Generational Conflict- Offer Gen2Gen Activities for understanding & relationship building. Properly fund Boomer Ministry. Expansion of Boomer Ministry can provoke existing or create conflict with other generations by competing for resources or control structures. Fund Boomer Ministry sufficiently.

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Standards of Practice 8. Offer Volunteer Service Opportunities -Remember Boomers came of age in area of Activism. Service offers opportunity recapture their youthful idealism 9.Holistic and Multi-Dimensional- Boomers are multi-dimensional. Offer Spiritual, Intellectual, or Physical Programs or integrate multi-dimensions into Activities. 10. Don’t Become Locked In- Prepare for the Baby Busters and continue to evaluate, create, and assimilate from outside sources ideas.

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Sample of Boomer Websites http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/baby-boomers

Office on Aging, Discipleship Ministry’s website

www.bgassociates.com, Brent Green Associates, Reaching Boomers thru. Marketing

http://www.nextavenue.org/ Next Avenue, NPR Online, Sociology of Boomers

http://sixtyandme.com/ Sixty and Me, Margaret Manning’s Boomer Women

http://changingaging.org/ Dr. Bill Thomas

Don’t Forget our Facebook Pages

Others Growing Bolder https://www.facebook.com/GrowingBolder/ Baby Boomers group 1946 thru 1964 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1950s.BOOMERS/ Baby Boomers Let’s Rock https://www.facebook.com/groups/269683643130363/

Growing Up Boomers https://www.facebook.com/higherboomers?ref=bookmarks

Selected Readings • Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations, Jackson Carroll and Wade Clark Roof, Jossey-

Bass Publishing, Wiley Imprint Books, San Francisco, CA 2002.

• Second Wind, Dr. Bill Thomas, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2014.

• Baby Boomer Spirituality: Ten Essential Values of a Generation, Dr. Craig Kennet Miller, Discipleship Resources,

Nashville, TN, 1993. Scheduled for Update Oct. 1.

• Baby Boomers and Beyond, Amy Hanson, Jossey-Bass Publishing, Wiley Imprint Books, San Francisco, CA 2010.

• Generation Ageless: How Baby Boomers Are Changing the Way We Live Today . . . And They're Just Getting

Started, J. Walker Smith and Ann Clurman, Harper Collins, New York, 2007.

• Aging and Ministry In the 21st Century and Beyond: An Inquiry Approach, Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Discipleship

Resources, Nashville, TN, 2008.

• Generation Reinvention, Brent Green, I Universe- Amazon Digital Services, 2009 and also Marketing to

Leading-Edge Baby Boomers, Paramount Marketing Publishers, Ithaca, NY 2006.

• Belief Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious, Dr. Linda Marcadante, Oxford

University Press, 2014.

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Thanks for Participating…..Take the Plunge N2 Boomers

Rev. Dr. William B. Randolph Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministry

Contact Us.

Email: wrandolph@umcdisicipleship.org

615-340-7173 Office Phone

336-429-7362 Cell Phone

https://www.facebook.com/Godlovesolderpeople Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministry Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/higherboomers Dedicated Baby Boomer Page