AG Senior Adult Conference held in Branson

Senior adults from at least 47 U.S. states and several countries gathered at the Hilton Inn and Conference Center in downtown Branson from Monday, September 21, through Wednesday, September 23, for the biannual Senior Adult Conference sponsored by the Assemblies of God Senior Adult Ministries department. 

The spirit of joy, fellowship and continued purpose even in the “autumn” season of life was almost tangible as attendees ranging from “youngsters” in their 50s to several in their 90s enjoyed special music, times of worship, inspirational messages, vendors of practical and ministry-related resources and breakout sessions. Those sessions encompassed a wide range of topics including financial planning; fraud/scam awareness; tips for intergenerational ministry in local churches; ministry to other seniors including those in nursing homes; and more. Sessions about intentional and purposeful grandparenting were especially well-attended, as more grandparents these days find themselves with custody of grandchildren or are increasingly concerned about the children’s social and cultural environment. A special reception for widows/widowers was also much-appreciated. 

Featured speaker at the opening session was 84-year-old Martha Tennison, whose story includes losing 24 church youth and three staff members while serving with her husband as pastors in Kentucky, when their church bus was hit by a drunk driver. From that awful tragedy have emerged many stories of God’s healing and grace, and Mrs. Tennison continues to inspire audiences with her powerful preaching. 

Many of the group attended a special luncheon and tour of the Convoy of Hope facilities near Republic, Missouri, which included an inspirational interview with CEO Hal Donaldson. Most attendees also stayed over following the closing session to enjoy seeing “David” at Sight & Sound Theatre. 

Other featured conference speakers included Rick Ross, a member of the national executive leadership team. Ross spoke about the dangers of a negative spirit and instead encouraged attendees to emulate Caleb, recorded in the Bible as being ready for a new challenge and God’s leading even in his older years as Israel entered the Promised Land. 

The final general conference session got off to a great start with a hymn sing led by former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, who served under President George W. Bush after previously serving as Governor of Missouri and as a U.S. Senator. Themed around Proverbs 3:5-6, the hymn sing featured well-known hymns and worship choruses emphasizing key words from the familiar scriptural admonition to “trust in the Lord with all your heart,” allowing Him to “direct your paths,” something about which the attendees have lived experience. 

Closing speaker was writer and Pentecostal historian Ruthie Oberg. After sharing about the tumultuous times in the mid-to-late 1800s that led to revival and the founding of Pentecostal denominations, she challenged conference attendees to follow the example of fervent prayer set by those founders and seek God’s leading during the current cultural climate of unrest and divisiveness. Many left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose in ministry to their families, communities, and local churches. 

Visit https://sam.ag.org to check out videos of the breakout sessions and plan now for the next conference, to be held in Branson in September 2028. Although many AG seniors enjoy the conference as an opportunity to reconnect with friends, you do not have to be an AG adherent to attend; any Christian 55-plus (ish) will be inspired and encouraged with ideas for passing their faith legacy to the next generation.