Bardstown—”Enlisted and still in training” was the message delivered at the 2015 Senior Living Celebration.

Over 270 senior adults attended the event hosted by Parkway Baptist Church in Bardstown on Tuesday, April 28. Similar events were held in Lexington and Eddyville last week.

“Enlisted and still in training—does that describe you?” Tim Perdue, pastor at First Baptist Church of Eddyville and keynote speaker for the conference, asked.

“God has called me and He has called you to a race that really matters,” Perdue said, connecting attendees’ lives to Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 9:22.

“From the very moment that Paul met Jesus, he began a journey with the Lord where Paul realized he was called to run and to run well,” Perdue explained.

“Are you running your race well?” he asked.

He emphasized three motives behind Paul’s race: “for the sake of the gospel,” “for the sake of the sinner,” and “for the sake of a crown.”

“I’ve heard folks in my church say stuff like, ‘It’s time for the younger folks to do the work,'” Perdue said. “I have one question for you, if that’s your philosophy: What Bible did you read that in? It’s not in my Bible.”

“Bailing out on the race is never an option or characteristic that a Christian should have,” Perdue said.

“Don’t give up! Stay in the game! Finish the race!” he pleaded.

“You’re not finished. Stay enlisted. Stay in training,” he continued. “God’s not through with you. God’s call is still on your life.”

“To me, the biggest value in something like this (event) is that we are all approximately the same group,” said Carol Heizer from Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, who led a workshop on grief.

She continued, “As senior citizens, we’re dealing with issues that other age groups aren’t. We’re focused on that. … We get to associate with people going through the same things we are. There’s a sense of camaraderie there.”

“This event gives our senior adult population spiritual encouragement and confirms that the KBC sees them as a vital part in and of ministry,” said Shelly Johns, the KBC’s women’s and senior adult ministry consultant.

“I believe that we work with the local churches, as we partner to recognize, affirm and provide a place for our seniors to reconnect with God (or connect for the first time if they do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ) and each other,” Johns said.

Special music was provided by Alma Randolph, of Owensboro, and Jim Booker, of Louisville. Lyndia Fuller, of Paducah, provided a drama and music.

After the main session, several workshops were offered. “Suddenly Single,” “Experiencing Grief—Finding Your Way,” “Islam: Beginning and Development,” and “Wisdom Literature” were just a few of the workshops provided.

A drama also was presented by the Stephen Foster Story.

“It is my privilege to work with local churches and associations in providing the Senior Living Celebrations,” Johns said. “The KBC recognizes this team effort, and we celebrate our Lord for the great things that He continues to do through and with our seniors.”

Senior Living Celebrations have been held by the Kentucky Baptist Convention for more than 10 years. Each year, the Kentucky Baptist Foundation sponsors a breakfast, and the event is coordinated by Johns. (WR)