On the evening of July 8, 2025, the Fifth Global Chinese Mission Conference, themed "Discipleship and Opportunities for Elderly Chinese Christians in the 21st Century," was held online. The keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Kaofang Yeh, president of Family Keepers International, addressed the opportunities, motivations, and emerging prospects for discipleship among older adults.
Rev. Dr. Kaofang Yeh is a leading figure in advancing professional family services and is a renowned expert on family education and counseling within the global Chinese community.
Opportunities for Elderly Discipleship
Dr. Yeh began by defining the term "elders," noting that, globally, individuals aged 65 and above are typically classified as elderly.
Citing global aging statistics as of the end of 2024, he pointed out that the elderly accounted for 18.4% of the population in the United States, 19.2% in Taiwan, 22% in China, and 29.3% in Japan. If current trends continue, it is estimated that by 2030, the number of elderly people in some countries will surpass the total population of children and adolescents.
Previously, aging was seldom discussed, as the elderly were a relatively small demographic. However, this is no longer the case. The population aged 60 or 65 up to 100 is expanding rapidly. Whereas old age was once considered a brief stage of life, it can now span approximately three decades.
"With such extended longevity and a growing elderly population, doesn't this present a tangible and timely opportunity for elderly discipleship?" Dr. Yeh asked. "This is the generation with the largest number of seniors, making it the most suitable era for elderly discipleship."
Motivation Behind Elderly Discipleship
The driving force behind elderly discipleship, according to Dr. Yeh, is to cultivate a sense of "urgency, necessity, and a driving force" among believers.
He shared that, in a conversation with some elderly Christians, they described their aspirations in terms of the "Four Goods": good appetite, good bowel movements, good sleep, and a good death. While acknowledging the importance of these, Dr. Yeh proposed adding a fifth: a "good life," defined as living fully in the love and grace of God. This, he suggested, completes the vision of the "Five Good Things in Life."
In this regard, Dr. Yeh raised a critical question: how can elderly Christians attain a truly good life?
First, old age marks a new beginning in life. Dr. Yeh illustrated this with a play on the English word "retire," which can be interpreted as "re-tire"—replacing worn-out tires with new ones. Changing a car's tires is not meant to retire the vehicle to the garage but to prepare it for thousands more kilometers on the road. "This stage of life for the elderly is like replacing old tires—it's a fresh start in life," said Dr. Yeh.
Quoting 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV), "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day," Dr. Yeh encouraged elderly believers to embrace this stage as a fresh opportunity for renewal and growth.
Second, old age also presents a valuable opportunity for continued growth. Citing Jesus' words, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," Dr. Yeh emphasized that the latter part, "more abundantly," holds particular significance for those who have followed Christ for many years.
He explained that this abundant life is rooted in learning and growth, lifelong learning, encompassing spiritual maturity, physical well-being, relationships with others, and a connection with God. "Learning into old age," he said, is "learning until death."
Dr. Yeh stressed that learning is not reserved for the young; it's for the elderly, too. He shared inspiring examples, including a couple in their eighties who attended a marriage retreat and a centenarian who successfully earned a doctoral degree.
Third, even the elderly can still bear fruit. Quoting Psalm 92:13-14, "Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." Dr. Yeh emphasized that every elder can pursue the blessing of a fruitful life.
He shared the example of a Christian elder who embodies lifelong learning. This individual actively participates in church activities and educational programs and has even taken up fruit cultivation in his backyard, a skill so refined that professional farmers commend his work. In addition to his gardening, he also serves as the church's bell ringer.
Moreover, gray hair is the crown of old age. Dr. Yeh drew on the Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy—"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity"—to encourage elderly Christians with a parallel message: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are older, but set an example for the younger believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
He shared the story of a Christian brother who once felt disheartened in his old age, despite his faith. He described himself as a "third-class person," merely passing time waiting for food, sleep, and death. (In Chinese, the words for "class" and "waiting" share the same pronunciation.) However, through studying the Bible with his pastor and becoming involved in visiting and caring for other elderly individuals, he eventually took on the role of leading a small group. He testified that he no longer felt like a "third-class person" but a "first-class person," looking forward each week to just one thing: "coming to church to learn, to care for others, and to serve alongside the pastor." His experience has deeply inspired not only fellow seniors and middle-aged believers but also many young people.
New Opportunities for Elderly Discipleship
The new opportunity for elderly discipleship refers to planning and implementing discipleship for elders based on the existing opportunities and motivations for such ministry.
Dr. Yeh emphasized that elderly discipleship must take a holistic approach. "Discipling the elderly should not only promote better health and a more abundant life," he said, "but also equip them to care for others, share the gospel, and lead others in becoming disciples of the Lord."
There were four key components of holistic elderly discipleship: motivating, helping, accompanying, and equipping older believers. He also introduced a structured certificate program for elderly discipleship, which progresses through three stages: basic class for growth and practice, intermediate class for care and helping others, and advanced class for discipleship and training.
Dr. Yeh concluded with encouragement: "It's never too late to disciple the elders!" He urged churches, ministries, and seminaries to collaborate in planning and advancing elderly discipleship, noting, "This is the oldest generation in the world, yet the one most lacking in discipleship ministry."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Katherine Guo and translated by Poppy Chan
