Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry
Presbytery Advocate Position Description

Narrative:

     Older Adult Ministry Presbytery Advocates are called to serve synods and presbyteries as educators, advocates, and facilitators of older adult ministry in its many forms. Their goal is to raise awareness, through education and example, of congregations about issues of aging as they relate to church and community. Presbytery Advocates provide expertise, resources, and leader training to groups within congregations who then implement the basic principles of older adult ministry as identified appropriate for their individual congregation.

     Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Advocates are accountable to the governing body which calls them. These governing bodies are expected to provide supervision and conduct annual evaluations. They are commissioned by the presbytery for a three-five year term, and their names, addresses, and phone numbers appear in the presbytery handbook each year. Presbytery Advocates serve as full or adjunct committee members to the committee responsible for older adult ministry in the presbytery. In some cases an advocate may act as committee chair for a specified term of office based on presbytery guidelines for committees.

Who is a Presbytery Advocate?

An Advocate of Aging:

	is concerned for older adults and their family/support systems
	is knowledgeable about issues of aging and regional demographics
	is a committed to God's message of love and reconciliation

What does an Advocate do?

An Advocate of Aging resources the presbytery through activities such as:

	Educates and raises awareness about issues of aging
	Communicates useful information/models/opportunities to congregations
	Serves as a resource to a presbytery sub-committee, committee, or division, serving as ex-officio or co-opted member when possible
	Knows community/regional resources, i.e., Area Offices on Aging, retirement communities, specialized ministries and services
	Consults and networks with congregations
	Facilitates/helps establish new programs in churches
	Identifies and develops resources to be used in congregations
	Has a working knowledge of the presbytery's goals, mission, and structure
	Maintains a list of speakers/topics on pertinent issues
	Has a working relationship with Presbyterian-related retirement communities within the presbytery

How does an Advocate become equipped to do the job?

	The Synod provides at least one leader development event per year at which Advocates receive orientation and training, opportunity for model sharing, strategies, networking, fellowship, and worship.
	The Advocate attends local and regional events that increase knowledge base.
	The Advocate becomes familiar with denominational and ecumenical organizations resources related to the issues of older persons and their family/support systems.
	The Advocate develops an awareness of the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of aging.
	The Advocate is a member of POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network).

How do the Older Adult Ministry Presbytery Advocates fit
into the structure of the PC(USA)?

	Advocates are usually identified by a presbytery to serve for a specified number of years.
	Advocates may give guidance within the presbytery, usually given through a committee and/or the presbytery staff person responsible for older adult ministry.
	Advocates may be commissioned by the presbytery.
	Advocates share what is being done in the presbytery with the Synod Committee on Older Adult Ministries.
	Advocates receive funds for travel, fees and expenses as budgeted by a presbytery committee.

How do I become an Presbytery Advocate of Aging?

Contact Jan McGilliard

Where Can I Find Contact
Information for Other Presbytery Advocates of Aging?

Return to
OAM Homepage

Last Updated 2/8/05
Comments or Questions?
Email Webmaster