This is a hard time for our communities of faith. It’s hard on the members, hard on you as a leader, and most of all, hard on our old folks. Many of them are alone and now have very little social interaction. They are the most vulnerable in many ways and are actively discouraged from attending worship when we meet in person.

I know many are calling and checking in on their older members. So let me suggest three specific ways to express value and worth to our older members.

1. Ask about their experience with times like these. Many of them were parents during the polio scares of the ’50s. They have seen and experienced a lot of life. You may even learn some things that will be helpful in your ministry.

2. Ask them to help. Have some specific prayer requests ready and ask them to be your prayer warriors. They pray often and God hears them. Use them.

3. Finally, thank them for their example. Many of them have modeled long, healthy marriages. They have been elders and deacons and Bible class teachers. Much of what your church has accomplished in the past is because of their work. You stand on their shoulders. Now they are showing us how to persevere in the hard times. Thank them.

They are faithful. They endure. They see the promised land more clearly than many of us do.

They still have great value to our faith communities. Be sure they know that you know that.

Use them.

And remember, if the Lord wills, you will be them someday.