In pastoral work, boomers and busters receive a lot of attention. But what about the generation that preceded both of them?

In Sun City, Arizona, a mecca for active retired adults, we've learned how to reach and motivate the builder generation. We've had to. Grace Bible Church is essentially a one-generation church-those 65 and older. Here are several myths-and the corresponding truths-about ministry to "older" folks.

Myth 1: Retired means retiring from ministry

The truth is that retirees are motivated by the same thing as younger generations: the chance to invest themselves in meaningful ministry. We emphasize the assets senior adults have to invest:

Productivity.

Retired adults have a reservoir of experience. Many of us have grown up with a biblical value system instilled in childhood. We are more in charge of our time than we've ever been.

Self-confidence.

We have no need to impress anyone, so we're not afraid to share our failures. One wonderful thing about retired adults is that ...