Toward New Directions for Ministry in Aging:

The church has a leadreship role in the field of aging in providing its own definitions, utilizing its own resources, and functioning with the spiritual orientation toward person-centered growth of the aging. While psycho-social theories of aging have shaped the church's role in the past, the church should avoid ageism, broadly define aging, and reinterpret its functions. The themes of religiosity, religion, theology, spirituality, and ministry are discussed. The developmental and wholistic goal of the church's involvement in aging is spiritual well-being. Solid theological basis and acerful spiritual focus lead to sound ministry. Development of the concept of spiritual aging is proposed.