Dear Senior Saints

Dear Senior Saints,

In a world that may seem to overlook you, we see you. We see your faithfulness and your perseverance. We see the fruits of your labor for the gospel. You may wonder whether your role in the church is fading into the background, whether your usefulness is waning, or whether the next generation is ready for you to quietly step aside. But let me say this as clearly as I can: We still need you, more than you know.

In a culture that is obsessed with youth, innovation, and quick results, we need your wisdom. Many of you have lived through trials that the younger generation hasn’t faced yet. You have seen grief, disappointment, and sadness, yet you have persevered through decades of obedience. We want to hear your stories—not just the stories of your victories, but also the stories of regrets and lessons learned.

In Psalm 78, Asaph is preparing to recount Israel’s history. In verse 2, he says: “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old.” In other words, as he tells the history of Israel, he isn’t just going to tell of their successes, but he is also going to tell of God’s faithfulness through their rebellion. He wants to give a full account as a warning and a lesson for future generations.

The next generation of this church needs your counsel. You are spiritual fathers and mothers whose walk with us helps us to see the bigger picture. Even if we don’t always ask for it, we deeply benefit when you speak biblical truth into our lives.

Not only do we need your wisdom, but we also need your encouragement. You may no longer change diapers in the nursery or teach a packed Sunday school class, but your presence, your hugs, your prayers, and your kindness to young parents and their kids are cherished more than you know. Those things matter more than you will ever know.

Don’t underestimate how encouraging it is just to see you worship on Sunday mornings. Many of us complain about getting the children ready, and then we get to church and see the obstacles that you had to overcome just to get here, and our own complaints fade to oblivion.

We also need your presence. Though it may seem like you are slowing down, perhaps the most fruitful part of your ministry still lies ahead of you. Some of the richest mentoring, deepest friendships, and most rewarding discipleship could happen in this season—if you stay available and present. Titus 2 tells us that older men and women are to teach and model godliness to the younger generation—not just formally, but in the natural rhythms of church life. So join us. Share meals. Ask questions. Listen well. And teach us.

Finally, we need your faith. There is a unique beauty in an older saint nearing the end of their earthly race, trusting Jesus more than ever. It gives us courage. It lifts our eyes to eternity. Psalm 92 says:“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright.” (vv. 14–15)

We are watching you. Your faith gives shape to our hope. Your joy in suffering reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Your peace in weakness reveals the strength of the Lord. You are proof that God keeps His promises.

So, dear senior saints—thank you.Thank you for decades of faithfulness. Thank you for prayers we’ll never hear and sacrifices we’ll never see. Thank you for walking with Christ so we can see what that looks like at 70, 80, or 90 years old.

With love,

Lakeside Baptist Church