November 5-8, 2010The Norman T. Allers Academy for Older Adult Ministry at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. In cooperation with the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults. 2009-2012 Academy Information Para-Professional Certification Process and Curriculum.
The Rev. Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. (Rick) is the director of the Center on Aging and Older-Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. His ministry involves providing resources and training support for leaders of midlife and older-adult ministries. His work encompasses a large number of constituents, since nearly a third of the approximately 8 million members of The United Methodist Church in the United States are 50 years of age and older.
The Norman T. Allers Academy for Older Adult Ministries
The Academy exists to provide training, mentoring, and confirmation for the validity of ministry to, for, by, and with older adults. One primary objective is to provide UM-GBHEM approved coursework leading to para-professional certification in Older Adult Ministry. Para-professional curriculum/courses are offered in a three-year cycle for persons (workers or volunteers) seeking to improve their skills in working in the care or ministry for older adults: www.gbhem.org/site/pp.aspx.
The Norman T. Allers Academy is not a substitute for seminary, or credited courses in higher education. It is intended to complement all existing training, courses of study, and special training for ministry with older adults. While the Academy is rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, it is open to all denominations. The Academy combines rigorous intellectual challenge with networking opportunities, skill development, validation of call, and spiritual formation. The design of the Academy invites dialogue and reciprocal teaching and learning of best practices for the 21st Century.