Improving with Age

by Stuart Briscoe, Jill Briscoe

"Improving with Age" addresses the triumphs and challenges of aging Christians and examines the uniqueness of skills and resources they bring to their church communities. Through Scripture and story, the Briscoes assert that aging is not only normal, but it is a joyful and productive life season.

Genres: Christian

254 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2015

About the author

Dr. D. Stuart Briscoe is an evangelical Christian author, international speaker and the former senior pastor of Elmbrook Church, in Brookfield, Wisconsin

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson]

Corny, but good.

[Jennifer Brown]

Good ideas to keep in mind as one ages

[Kelly]

I'm a young Boomer; my daughter says I am "beginner-old". I recently heard the term 'Geriatric Millenial, I'm a bit older than that but not as old as most of my cohort who "are projected to number 75 million" by 2031 (there were 39 million that age in 2008). Stuart and Jill's book, 'Improving with Age: God's Plan for Getting Older and Better' is filled with wisdom. I'll share a few quotes that particularly stood out to me amidst much underlining and highlighting.

"Doggedness can become obduracy, faithfulness can become misplaced, and the backward look of history can obscure a forward vision of the future. We need to recognize that the world we live in is changing, that new problems require attention that fresh opportunities beckon, that old errors can still be corrected, and that startling new insights are not all wrong!"

Seniors "need to be part of a community of faith that incorporates people who are totally different from themselves in age, outlook, experience, spiritual development, interests, and desires. Non-seniors equally need interaction with those old enough to be their parents and grandparents."

"Enthusiasm without experience breeds chaos; experience without enthusiasm frequently produces stagnation. But enthusiasm wed to experience promises and produces healthy ministries."

This is a hopeful book encouraging those of us who are aging to embrace aging with grace and humor ("graceful diminishing") and to remain vibrantly engaged (perhaps at a slower pace) using the gifts God has given us ("spiritual gifts don't age").

[Tara]

Loved reading this book written by Stuart and Jill Briscoe, long time senior pastor at my family church in Milwaukee WI which we started attending when I was in 5th grade. (Im 47 now). I can hear both their British voices speaking the words , asking the questions at the end of each chapter. It’s a book to read and read again and reflect with others. Jill’s beautiful poetry filtered throughout preciously reflects the loving heart of Jesus. It’s a book I will gift to people in my life who are living out their years of retirement. Wonderful biblical reflection applicable to those of us a few decades younger too. Perfect for bible studies as well as thought provoking questions to ponder over tea with dear friends.

[Dennis Thurman]

The Briscoes always present serious truth seasoned with humor. The exegesis is solid and the illustrations enlightening. Then, there is the application that is sometimes convicting and sometimes encouraging, but always poignant. This is a great challenge for those who are headed toward the finish line to finish well!

[Emily]

sweet, sweet book giving great advice about the process of aging and our response to it; Tidbits on loneliness, physical changes, freedom, responsibilities, etc. As always, the Briscoes deliver a great read without too much jibber-jabber to make themselves sound wise. They just are.