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Pastor Len McLaughlin explains his focus on the church marquee.

Heritage Church of McKinney, Texas, is a congregation comprised of adults ages 50 and up. Pastor Len McLaughlin planted the Assemblies of God church three years ago with the goal of reaching an older generation.

McLaughlin, 59, believes many contemporary churches do a great job of meeting the needs of young families. At the same time, though, he says those programs and worship styles often leave the "second-half" generation feeling isolated and uninvolved.

Heritage's foundational verse is Psalm 92:14: "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be [healthy] and flourishing" (KJV).

The church, located just outside of Dallas, does not have a youth group or a children's program. Even Heritage's community service outreaches target older adults.

"We feel so blessed to have church services at several assisted-living facilities throughout the week," McLaughlin says. Most of the more than 100 Heritage members are involved in assisted-living services, he says.

John Heide, AG U.S. missionary to the second-half generation, cheers McLaughlin's concept of expanding programs and opportunities to 50-plus attendees as a needed ministry focus.

Author: Jordan Schrandt, Pentecostal Evangel