The ADEL Program: Empowering Retirees and Strengthening Churches and Communities
by Delbert Baker, Ph.D.
In today's rapidly changing world, more and more individuals are reaching the golden years of retirement. For example, the 76 million Baby Boomers cohort, born between 1946 and 1964, began reaching the age of retirement in 2011. Since that time, every day, approximately 11,000 Baby Boomers have been reaching retirement age. This retirement trend will peak between 2030 and 2031. Retirement is in, and will continue its resurgence for some time to come.
Retirement, once a phase associated primarily with relaxation and leisure, has been under a social reconstruction. There is a growing recognition that retirees possess valuable skills, wisdom, and experiences that can greatly benefit their churches and communities. This realization led the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP), in 2021, to establish a biblically based innovative initiative for all interested retirees, called "Association for Development, Enrichment, and Lifelong Learning" (ADEL).
This unique program has direct relevance for RCRP retirees, but it is designed for any person interested in educating and expanding their retirement intelligence and involvement. Since its inception in June of 2021, ADEL has been educating retirees on harnessing the untapped potential of retirees and enhancing their role in the church and community.
The ADEL Purpose
The Bible speaks of older people remaining fruitful and productive (Psalm 92:12-15). And in many places Ellen White beautifully reminds us that we may make continual improvement and be productive throughout our entire lives (2 Selected Messages, page 221). ADEL seeks to operationalize this counsel.
ADEL was established on the principles of retirement empowerment, social enrichment, and lifelong learning. The primary goal of ADEL is potential building. It provides a platform and community for retired individuals to continue their journey of personal development, education and service-ministry.
ADEL recognizes that former employees bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to the table. As they enter retirement, these individuals often have an abundance of untapped potential that can significantly benefit the community, particularly through volunteer work, mentorship, and leadership roles. Churches and conferences, as central hubs, have a unique opportunity to facilitate this process.
ADEL Monthly Program
The ADEL purpose is spread and facilitated by the ADEL Monthly Program (AMP), emailed out the first week of every month since the inception of ADEL. Each AMP has 1) a video devotional with spiritual content, 2) mini-concert for inspirational value, 3) mini-seminar for continuous learning, 4) a variety of educational resources and referrals, and 5) free classes for educational enrichment.
Each AMP offers free online classes in conjunction with the Adventist Learning Community and educational institutions. In October, ADEL featured a new RCRP retirement training tool called R.E.A.P. or the Retirement Education Acceleration Preparation Course. All ADEL courses are free of charge. (Google: ADEL.Today for past AMPs, to sign up for free AMP email and the REAP training course https://www.regionalretirement.org/courses/reap/
ADEL Features
ADEL's purpose is multi-faceted, covering a broad spectrum of opportunities and activities for retirees. In conjunction with conferences and local churches, the ADEL initiative encompasses the following key areas:
1. Lifelong Learning: ADEL promotes ongoing education and personal growth for retirees. Workshops, seminars, and classes are offered, allowing retirees to explore new interests and acquire new skills.
2. Volunteerism: ADEL encourages retirees to actively participate in volunteer work within the church and the community, such as mentoring, organizing events, and providing support to those in need.
3. Mentorship: Retirees with a wealth of experience in various fields are encouraged to become mentors for younger members of the congregation. This mentoring relationship fosters intergenerational connections and knowledge sharing.
4. Leadership Roles: ADEL encourages retirees to take on needed leadership positions in churches, community initiatives, and special projects.
5. Fellowship and Social Engagement: ADEL fosters a sense of community among retirees through online and local coordinated social gatherings, support networks, and shared activities.
ADEL Affirmation
ADEL, and similar programs, demonstrate the churches ongoing commitment to retirees, even after active service. As Dr. William Cox, RCRP Executive Director, likes to say, we provide, “more than just a check!”
By engaging and serving retirees, the church creates a sense of inclusive connection and communication between retirees, church and community. Therefore, retirees will be more inclined to invest their time and resources where their contributions are recognized and valued.
May ADEL model how the church can more actively serve retirees and benefit from their experience and skills.
Delbert W. Baker, PhD, minister, author, educator, former administrator, is the Director of Research and Development for the Regional Conference Retirement Plan.
