Since being elected president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, I have had the privilege of speaking in nine different South Carolina Baptist churches. These congregations vary in size, location and economic background, yet they all possess a valuable resource that is often underutilized. Senior citizens are too often seen as an unappreciated resource.

Within the next two decades, the over-60 population will become the largest segment of society. However, most organizations are neglecting the “graying” generation. The church has recognized the contributions made by these matriarchs and patriarchs, but there is still room for improvement.

Former South Carolina Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer Carlisle Driggers stated in his book, “A Journey of Faith and Hope,” that if South Carolina is going to advance God’s kingdom into the 21st century, “this movement will rely greatly upon the efforts of senior adults.”

Since senior adults possess such resources as time, money, experience and a willingness to serve, it would be unwise for any church to neglect this virtually untapped pool of resources. The senior adults in my pastorates have helped advance God’s kingdom work through service, contributions and wisdom in ways that would be hard to measure numerically. I would encourage any pastor to invest in the lives of senior adults in order to have successful and fruitful ministry.

Although investing in senior adults would be beneficial for any church, churches must also ask questions about their response to the questions confronting senior adults, including rising healthcare costs and inadequate long-term care for seniors, their families and their caregivers. The Bible exhorts Christians to care and revere the elderly.

I have enjoyed meeting the “graying” segment of South Carolina Baptists, and I thank you all for the privilege of being your president.

— Tommy Kelly is pastor of Varnville First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.