In 2018, grant support from the ENCORE Ministry Foundation (formerly the Golden Cross Foundation) funded two tiny homes at The Village at Glencliff, located on the campus of Glencliff United Methodist Church in Nashville. These homes have become a beacon of hope for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals facing illness.
ENCORE Ministry Foundation offers free resources to church leaders and older adult ministry leaders that help older adults live dignified and grace-filled lives.
Date & Time: February 5, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
ENCORE Ministry Foundation is presenting an opportunity for church leaders to collaborate and network together as a way of strengthening older adult ministry in their local church. If there is enough interest, ENCORE Ministry Foundation plans to start a virtual Intentional Older Adult Ministry Network with church leaders.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, College of Nursing, with additional funding from the Tennessee Department of Health, are embarking on a bold new plan to help make a positive impact on the life of the congregation, older adults, and persons of all ages. Together, we are developing an Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program (AFCC). The Certificate program is an opportunity for congregational leaders, often lay volunteers, to take classes to learn about intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults. Congregational leaders will be engaged in ways to start, renew, or strengthen older adult ministry. The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate can be received by taking in-person or online classes.
In our culture, we tend to think about the here and now — the immediate. Many people are so focused on getting the right job, building a successful career, and taking the next step into retirement. There was a time when people used to think beyond themselves. They thought about future generations — the people who would come after them.
Good communication is an important part of the relationship process among the pastor, church staff, and congregation. However, having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies. Effective pastor-older adult communication has great benefits: Older adults are more likely to participate in church activities, express greater satisfaction with their church and church leadership, and have a greater sense of well-being.
ENCORE Ministry Foundation is self-supporting and relies on the gifts of generous donors. We provide – at no cost – resources, leader training, and consulting services for local churches and older adult ministry leaders. ENCORE provides grant funding addressing critical needs facing older adults. Learn More
ENCORE Ministry Foundation (EMF) provides free in-person or virtual consulting services for local church leaders and older adult ministry leadership teams concerning the needs of older adult ministry. EMF wants to help you start or revitalize your intentional ministry by, with, and for older adults.
One of our consultants are here to help you or offer a presentation.
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The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.
