National Senior Adult Convention Coming in August

Recognizing the growing impact and even greater potential seniors have in advancing the kingdom of God in the United States and around the world, the first ever Assemblies of God National Senior Adult Convention will take place August 29-31, 2016, at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri.

“In addition to a focus of enriching the lives of those seniors attending,” says Wes Bartel, senior director of AG Senior Adult Ministries, “the purpose of this convention is to help re-establish an effective working seniors network within our Movement and within our world.”

The speakers for the event include keynote speaker General Superintendent George O. Wood, Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison, General Secretary James Bradford, and General Treasurer Doug Clay. “We want to communicate to our seniors just how important they are to the Assemblies of God at all levels,” Bartel says.

Bartel says that current projections are that by 2030, seniors (60 and over) will comprise 20 to 25 percent of the U.S. population and control 40 percent of the wealth, making them the largest and most powerful age demographic in the United States.

“We want to help our seniors re-engage,” Bartel says. “The theme for the convention is It’s About Time. Now, as seniors, it’s about time we awaken, not just retire, and be about the Lord’s business!”

In reviewing the potential of seniors, Bartel says the convention will also recognize the specific spiritual needs of seniors and ways to minister to them and the lives they touch. “We want to articulate pathways for seniors to re-engage in effective ministry with their families, their churches, and the world,” he says.

In addition to the four main speakers and a worship team, five breakout sessions are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as well as special musical performances throughout the event.

Bartel is also quick to point out that as many seniors cannot afford the high cost of a typical convention, prices have been kept extremely affordable. “The registration fee of $49 also covers six meals (Monday night through Wednesday noon),” he says, “and we’ve worked out a very affordable $89 a night stay with the hotel.”

Bartel urges seniors to mark the dates (August 29-31) on their calendars. Links to registration, housing, details about breakout sessions, and more will be posted in the next few weeks on the National Senior Adult Facebook page and the national Senior Adults Ministries website.

Dan Van Veen

Dan Van Veen is news editor of AG News. Prior to transitioning to AG News in 2001, Van Veen served as managing editor of AG U.S. Missions American Horizon magazine for five years. He attends Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, where he and his wife, Lori, teach preschool Sunday School and 4- and 5-year-old Rainbows boys and girls on Wednesdays.