Core Values
Wes Wick
If you’ve ever played Wordle, you know it helps to pin down vowels before diving too deeply into consonants.
Please follow along as we use Ephesians (NLT) and vowels to uncover five core YES! values.
A. All Ages
When older adults are undervalued, it’s tempting to start waving the ‘older adults matter’ flag. But the truth is, every generation matters. While focused on ages 55+, YES! affirms ministry to and from all ages. The young need us, and we need them!
It’s pretty basic: In healthy families and churches, we expect to see love flowing within and between generations.
“Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:21
E. Extended Equipping
In Ephesians’ next chapter, Paul highlights the equipping role of church leaders.
“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12
The equipping need spans a lifetime, extending to retirees and through later frailty seasons, too.
I. Increased Investment
Many churches invest lavishly in younger generations and then suddenly become misers when considering older adults. In addition to inspiring increased investment, YES! provides quality resources for second-half leaders often working with shoestring budgets.
O. Optimized Obedience
These are not frivolous, bonus years tacked on to a purposeful life. We welcome continued opportunities to joyfully discern and follow God’s will.
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:16-17
Let’s optimize our obedience and allow God’s best plans to shape our later years.
U. USEFUL & Unified
How exciting when older adults are unleashed to become more useful in God’s kingdom! And it doesn’t just stop with individuals having purpose; it also leads to unity.
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:16
Running counter to our consumer-driven, age-discounting and division-prone culture, these five values represent more work ahead.
We vowel-U your partnership! :) With your prayers and financial support, it’s our joy to help churches and older adults live vibrant lives, more consonant with Scripture.