In an ageing society, it is inevitable that a significant portion of the Church’s population is also growing older. How should the Church continue to involve and encourage seniors to stay connected and keep growing?
Society tends to see seniors as being burdens to society, but that is a narrative that needs to change. As people who have lived through many seasons of life— busyness, raising families, building careers and serving the community—seniors have so much more to offer to the generations that follow. As they (we) enter a new phase, God invites them into a season of rest, renewal and repurposed lives, and the rest of the Church is also invited to learn from and with them.
To rest is not about being idle; it is about ceasing our striving and finding our peace in Christ. In a fast-paced society like Singapore, rest has a negative connotation. It is seen as something that only the weak need. However, that is not a biblical view. Those who are in seasons of rest are not burdens to society. This is a time to reflect on our journey, not with regret, but with gratitude for all the Lord has done. It is a chance to savour moments, remembering that God’s presence is our ultimate rest.
Renewal is not just for the young. In Isaiah 40:31, we read, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This promise is for everyone. We can renew our minds by engaging with God’s Word in new ways, perhaps through a Bible study group or personal devotion. The Israelites had an oral tradition that was faithfully passed down from generation to generation and this is what needs to be done today as well. In the retelling of stories, it is not just history that is shared, but faith and wisdom that is passed on for later generations to build and stand on.
Our lives have a purpose that extends far beyond our working years. Once the busyness of the daily grind has disappeared, it is a new time to repurpose the skills, wisdom and life experience that has been gathered. The call to serve is not limited by age. Every life can be a testament to God’s faithfulness, and repurposed service can be a powerful blessing to others, showing them that a life with Christ is a journey of purpose from beginning to end.
Bishop Philip Lim was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2024. Previously, he served as a missionary in Cambodia under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), and as Executive Director of MMS from 2012 to 2018.
