Twenty percent of the American population is over 65. During the next 16 years the number of people under the age of 50 will increase by about one percent. Yet the number of people over 50 will increase by 74 percent.

Why then does all the church's attention and energy in ministry seem to be directed to the young?

That said, ministry should not be a matter of "either-or." Still, churches seem to increasingly push aside the aging population to embrace younger people's tastes. As a result, many who reach a certain point in middle age feel the church has left them behind. Or, they get the distinct impression they are standing in the way of progress.

Instead, Christians over 50 should recognize their value to the Kingdom of God. They should be aware they have a responsibility to His work, which isn't completed.

This group, which I refer to as "SecondWinders," needs to be discipled to become agents of change. As Psalms 71:18 (NIV) puts it: "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, you might to all who are to come."

Changing the church through your story

Everyone will leave a legacy. As Webster's Dictionary defines it, this is "something handed down from one who has gone before." Some sociologists contend that a person influences not only their children, but four successive generations.

Given this truth, churches should ask their senior members: What will be your legacy? What story will you leave behind that will be repeated for generations yet to come?

To address the need for masses of believers to leave a legacy for future generations, I have designed a process called "memory journaling."

This is not a complex task. It simply requires you to spend time recalling different seasons in your life and the people and events that influenced you. Especially important is the story of how you came to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and your Lord. And, how he directed your life through people and events in your journey.

Reaching back for memories

Memory journaling reaches back to the past for the benefit of future generations, leaving a lasting legacy of a life lived. This is serious business. After all, God is the author of your life and He has given you a story to tell.

To help me record memories, my wife and I have taken trips—which we call "Memory Journeys"—to such places as Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. We are still planning journeys through Kentucky and Arkansas.

Along the way, I keep a journal of memories sparked by visiting significant places, landmarks and people, all elements of my life that influenced me.

In renewing old friendships, I note those people who played key roles in the various pastoral and other positions I held. (Notes and pictures from these journeys are on my web site, www.larrytoller.com.)

Telling God's story

These exercises have helped relate the story of my life and the God who shaped it. It may not become a best-seller, but it will help family members and friends who outlive me to appreciate my contributions. And, more importantly, they will learn about the God who inspired me through both trials and triumphs.

You may be unable to include such travels in writing your story, but you can still look to the past and record your memories. I believe that God has written amazing stories in and through each of our lives. These stories should be recorded for generations who follow to read, learn from and use as a source of inspiration.

Larry Toller is an associate executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association in Springfield, Ill. Toller is co-founder of SecondWind Resources, a ministry to provide conferences and other events focusing on evangelistic, discipleship, recreational and educational opportunities for adults over 50. His newly-published book is a guided journal entitled, "My Story Your Story His Story." More information is available at www.memoryjournaling.com.