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Introduction

We will explore ministry with two unique groups in Unit 7-- rural youth and rural elderly. These two groups comprise a substantial part of the rural population. Nearly 29 percent of the rural population are youths aged 19 or less, and over 12 percent of the rural population is aged 65 or more, for a total of 41 percent of all rural residents(1). Each of these groups have special ministry needs as a result of their ages and life situations. Both of these two ends of the age spectrum often are more vulnerable and dependent than the age group that lies between them. The youth are dependent on their parents for financial, custodial, and emotional support; the elderly are dependent on the younger generation for social and emotional support.

Rural youth and elderly face issues and problems unique to rural areas. But, they also encounter obstacles similar to those of other youth and elderly in society. For example, rural youth face issues such as relationships, sexual activity, and drug and alcohol use, as do their urban counterparts. Rural elderly encounter problems such as loneliness, transportation, health, and finances.

Many churches provide programs and activities specifically directed at their elderly. It is likely that an even greater proportion of churches set aside resources to offer programs aimed at their youth. Rural churches recognize that both the youth and the elderly are important resources and can make significant contributions to the life of the congregation and the community. Often times, however, pastors and lay leaders are unsure of how ministries to these two groups should be structured. And they are uncertain about ways to incorporate the youth and elderly into the active workings of the church. The purpose of this unit is to help you discover the abilities and needs of the youth and the elderly in your church. As you read the articles in this unit, try to picture in your "mind's eye" the faces of the young and the elderly members of your congregation. Consider ways the youth and the elderly may be ministered to and they ways they may be included in the church's ministry.