When I was pastoring, an older widow confided that the hugs she received every Sunday at church were the only ones she got all week.

It was a poignant reminder that the local church is a lifeline for many senior adults.

Those who are no longer able to attend worship services often lose a vital sense of community, connection, and purpose.

Some 1.3 million people live in more than 15,000 nursing homes across the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 31,000 assisted living communities offer housing for 1.2 million more.

Additionally, many others live as shut-ins at home. Health and transportation issues make it difficult or impossible for them to attend church in person.

Isolation takes a toll on these individuals — socially, emotionally and spiritually. Congregations can make a big difference by reaching out to them.

In fact, Scripture compels us to care for the hurting and lonely among us. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

In every community, there are people who cannot leave their homes or care facilities. Thus, the Church must meet them where they are.

After all, Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples of all peoples (Matthew 28:19). That certainly includes those who are unable to attend traditional worship services.

Many shut-ins are believers who are longing for Christian fellowship. Others are unsaved, including some who have never heard a clear gospel presentation.

Ministry to shut-ins — whether in their individual homes or care facilities — is an opportunity for sharing Christ’s love and reaching a harvest of souls.

Launching a Ministry

How can your church develop a ministry to shut-ins?

Start by recognizing the need. Consider who in your faith community is no longer attending in-person services because of ongoing challenges related to aging, health or mobility.

Contact skilled-nursing and assisted-living facilities in your area. Set up meetings with activities directors to determine their openness to a visitation ministry.

Inquire about available resources and opportunities at these facilities. Do those in charge allow regular Bible studies or weekend worship services? Could your church provide Christian programming or assist with existing efforts?

Pray intentionally, asking the Lord of the harvest to help you identify congregants who have a heart for this type of ministry.

Devote a weekend service to the need, raising awareness and inviting congregants to get involved. Include testimonies from individuals who have personally benefited from visitation ministry amid an illness or lonely period.

There are many quality resources available to help congregations prepare for ministry to shut-ins. Research and choose your materials, and set aside time to start training your team.

When the training is nearing completion, coordinate with a care facility to establish a start date for ministry to its residents.

Small Gestures

Ministry to shut-ins isn’t about grand productions as much as small gestures that let people know they still matter.

In every community, there are people who cannot leave their homes or care facilities. Thus, the Church must meet them where they are.

Keep in mind seven simple ways of sharing Christ’s love.

1. Listen. When visiting shut-ins, plan to spend time patiently listening to their life stories. Ask about their childhoods, careers, military service, hobbies, families, achievements, and faith testimonies.

Active listening communicates that you genuinely care. Listening builds relational connections and trust.

2. Share. Bring a gift, note, or food treat for each person you visit. Acknowledge birthdays and holidays with cards and decorations.

Even the simplest gift can go a long way toward helping someone feel seen and loved. Celebrating fun moments together grows bonds of fellowship and contributes to a sense of thriving and belonging.

3. Sing. Many shut-ins love to worship. You don’t need a great voice or full worship band to lead them. Simply open a hymnal and sing together, with or without the accompaniment of a piano or acoustic guitar.

I’ve seen frail and confused elderly people come alive as they experience the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence amid worship. Even if they nod off during the sermon or devotion, seniors often join in enthusiastically once the singing starts.

4. Read Scripture. When I read the Bible to Christian shut-ins — focusing especially on their favorite passages — they eagerly soak it up like soil receiving rain.

God’s Word is powerful in every season. Throughout a believer’s life, hearing the truths of Scripture helps him or her keep growing in faith.

Older Christians often prefer the King James Version, but many are familiar with the New International Version as well.

5. Pray. Seeking God for the needs of those you visit reminds them they are not alone. Not only do they have friends who care, but they also have a loving God who hears and answers prayers.

Knowing someone is praying regularly on their behalf is a great encouragement to shut-ins.

6. Bring young people. Many senior adults enjoy visiting with teenagers and kids, who often remind them of their younger selves.

Invite elderly Christians to share wisdom and advice, and to pray for young visitors. Such opportunities for ministry can help seniors feel valued and useful.

Bringing together the generations with regular, positive, and engaging interaction benefits everyone involved. We are stronger, wiser, and healthier when each member of the Body utilizes his or her gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12–25).

7. Make a connection. Never underestimate the power of a friendly hug or gentle touch on a hand.

Numerous studies have documented the need for human touch. Yet affectionate touch is missing from the lives of many shut-ins.

One elderly gentleman in the retirement community where I serve as chaplain looks forward to my hugs and often remarks that I am like the son he never had.

Jesus emphasized the importance of visiting and caring for the sick, vulnerable, and lonely. In His Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

A fellow chaplain recently told me, “Science can add years to a person’s life, but our job is to add life to those years.”

Outreach to shut-ins can do just that. Your congregation can make all the difference in the lives of individuals in need of Christian fellowship, friendship, and hope.

There are lonely people in your community who are waiting for someone to break through their isolation with the light and love of Jesus. What a great opportunity to minister to “the least of these.”

This article appears in the Winter 2025 issue of Influence magazine.