Silver Chalice Ministry Aims to Grow and Enhance Age-Friendly Congregations

Faith formation ministries that guide children, youth, and adults are commonly offered in churches. However, the same can’t be said about offering programmatic and spiritual support for aging and older members. NBA’s Innovative Conversation Group on Older Adult Ministries recognized the particular gifts and wisdom that God’s oldest adults have to share in the church’s ministry and worked to find ways to connect with and minister with these individuals.

Over a two-year period, the Older Adult Ministries team conceived and created the Silver Chalice Ministry designation program. Their Resolution GA-2513, supporting Disciples congregations receiving Silver Chalice designations, was approved nearly unanimously at the denomination’s General Assembly last year.

What is the Silver Chalice Ministry?

The Silver Chalice Ministry designation affirms the growing number of older adults in the US and in our faith communities, while fighting against the injustice of ageism. It seeks to create age-friendly communities all over the country.

“Silver Chalice renews purpose, focus and even vitality for individuals and the congregation,” said Jan Aerie, NBA’s Older Adult Ministries Mission Specialist. “Churches have captured this meaning and many now have older adult programs that are lifting spirits and lessening loneliness.” 

To date, 16 congregations have earned the Silver Chalice Ministry designation, with another 21 congregations who are working toward the ministry designation. Additionally, two Disciples Regions, Florida and Mid-America, have earned the Silver Chalice Ministry designation, and a third, the Northern Lights Region, is working toward the designation.

“The Silver Chalice Ministry continues to grow in strength and numbers,” says Lina Eddy, who helps guide congregations through the Silver Chalice process. “When we were in Memphis at the 2025 Disciples General Assembly, there were twelve Silver Chalice pilot congregations. Since then the total number of congregations earning the Silver Chalice designation or on the journey to become a designated congregation has tripled.”

How To Become a Silver Chalice Designated Ministry or Region

Disciples congregations and health and social service nonprofit ministries can earn the designation of Silver Chalice by undertaking a process of enhancing and creating new programs. These programs include older adults in their ministry, and recognize, affirm and celebrate every age. Disciples Regions can also take on a collective interest in Silver Chalice.

Groups assess needs and gaps and then choose projects to support older adults through outreach in the community, intergenerational conversation, and growing collaborative relationships.

More Information and Additional Resources for Older Adults

The Older Adult Ministries team identifies and creates resources to grow and support the Silver Chalice effort, including webinars, workbooks, guides and articles. If your congregation, ministry, or region is interested in becoming a Silver Chalice Ministry designated congregation, please reach out to Jan Aerie for more information.