Conference calls senior adults to action

Oct. 19, 2007

APOPKA (FBC)—Spiritual growth, worship and evangelism were the focus of the 2007 Sensational Senior Adult Celebration Oct. 8-9 at Trinity Baptist Church in Apopka.

The event, co-sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention’s Discipleship and Family Department and Lockhart Baptist Church in Orlando, drew over 700 mature and senior adults from Florida and parts of Georgia.

“These exciting two days were a celebration of the Christian life in service for the Lord,” said Charles Nelson, event coordinator and minister of music and senior adults at Lockhart Baptist Church. “Every one of our senior adults worked and prayed long hours asking God for Kingdom results.”

Over the two days, speakers taught Biblical lessons, musicians inspired lively worship, and comedians created gales of laughter all with the purpose of spurring seniors to be more effective in their spiritual lives.

Everyone who attended was given the Rick Warren CD “Invitation” which includes the plan of salvation and was challenged to share the CD with someone who needs Christ. “We have people who have been in our churches for years who have never truly been saved. It is our prayer that through this tool, those who attended will lead many to salvation long after leaving the event,” said Nelson.

Terry Williams, director of church music at the Convention, spoke on the kind of worship God desires. He addressed the true “heart of worship” saying “it is not about us and our preferences, it is about worshipping God.” Williams asked seniors to unify their hearts and minds in worship and “get to the business at hand, which is creating more disciples.”

“We wanted mature and senior adults to be pro-active in healing some of the ‘worship wars’ within our churches,” said Nelson.

Seniors were encouraged to have faith in the face of adversity by David Uth, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando. Speaking from Psalm 23, he asked them to trust Christ to be their “shepherd” and guide them.

“We wanted to inspire our seniors to re-fire for ministry instead of retire from ministry,” said Nelson. “Typically, the senior adults in our churches have more disposable time and income than any other age group. This is the time of life when we can make our biggest impact for the glory of God.”

John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Convention, spoke at the close of the event, challenging seniors to make a difference in their communities.

Nelson urged seniors to take advantage of opportunities to serve through the Florida Baptist Convention. Ministries suggested included adult evangelism, senior adult music, disaster relief and prayer walking.

Gaye Martin, motivational speaker and humorist, also spoke. Worship was led by David Crain from Grand Saline, Texas. Joining Crain was soloist Charles Haugabrooks, from Mount Dora; Blue Ridge, a Southern Gospel quartet from Franklin, S.C.; and Dave Boyer and the Live Big Band Trinity Orchestra from Apopka. Comedians Charles Hurley and Taylor Mason provided entertainment.

“The celebration was so well received that we are already making plans for the event to be held next year. This truly is a success story,” said Nelson. He hopes that next year more seniors will attend and be inspired “to return to meaningful ministry in their home churches.”