MIDLIFE MOMENTUM IS A MINISTRY DESIGNED TO AID THOSE 43 AND BEYOND TO LIVE WITH GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND POWER.

Midlife Momentum provides a process of life reflection exercises to increase awareness of how God's grace has been at work throughout our lives, preparing us for the next season of living into God's purposes and plans.  By providing a safe community in which to share stories, dreams and goals participants have the opportunity to be intentional about choices they will make concerning the future.

The process fosters openness to the movement of the Spirit, listening for the new things God wants to do in and through us, and it allows us to more fully become who God has created us to be.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EXPERIENCE WHAT THIS MINISTRY HAS TO OFFER?

1. In the last 90 years God has added 30 years to the average life span (Dr.Charles Arn).  If God is the author of life and the one who numbers our days, we need to consider why God believes we need to be around these additional 30 years.
2. In 2000 US Health and Human Services information we learn that each year 700,000 women are widowed each year.  They are widows an average of 14 years.
3. The length of retirement has dramatically increased.  In 1998, if you were 65 years old you could expect to live another 19.2 years.  That life span continues to increase.
4. The suicide rate for men in their 60's is second only to teenagers.
5. Between 1999 and 2004 the suicide rate for 49-54 year olds increased 20%, and for women that rate was 31%.
6. Boomers are coming of age and we have masses of people dealing with midlife and retirement issues:  Empty nests, healthy grandparenting, ageism, financial security, restlessness in their current situations, healthy changes, hotflashes, the need for meaning, loss of identity, etc. 
7. There is an opportunity to mobilize a generation of people for greater ministry in the Kingdom of God.

WHO WILL MIDLIFE MOMENTUM SERVE?

1. Women 45-65 years old who are experiencing the transitions of midlife.  These transitions impact our physical well-being, family relationships, emotional health and spiritual discoveries. 
2. Couples 50+ who are seeking a fresh identity and purpose in their marriages now that they are empty-nesters or anticipating retirement. 
3. People 65+ who, according to a New York Times article may be facing their "2nd midlife crisis".  (Remember they still have 20 years to fill with purpose.)

As those in the boomer generation discern their purpose, families will be healthier because they are living with intention.  Grandparents will be sharing a heritage of servanthood to the King, and churches and communities which have a generation of Boomers revitalized and empowered for entrpreneurial ministry and mission opportunities.  (See Walt Kallestad and Kirbyjon Caldwell's book, Entrepreneurial Faith: Launching Bold Initiatives to Expand God's Kingdom,)           

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF MIDLIFE MOMENTUM?

      1.      Life reflection exercises which include:

a)      Individual work

b)      Sharing in triads

c)      Total group processing

d)      Writing short autobiographical stories

e)      Sharing our stories in light of the story of God

f)       Recognizing God’s grace

g)      Rediscovering parts of our lives and passions we have not developed.

h)      Discerning gifts and callings we need to explore.    

    2.   Clarifying our core values:

a)      Evaluating those we have operated on in our past.

b)      Looking for preferred values we want to focus on in the future.

    3.   Creating a Mission statement for the next season of life.

    4.   Creating a vision statement.  What will this look like?

    5.   Worship and Celebration as we keep God at the heart of the process.