Equipping leaders for ministry with older adults

Leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and beyond will gather Sept. 15-18 in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) National Gathering, an annual conference designed to equip, encourage, and connect those serving older adults and their caregivers.

Image

Registration is available at poamn.org/conference-registration.

Hosted at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Knoxville, the gathering will focus on themes of spiritual depth, resilience and continued fruitfulness — topics that resonate deeply with ministry leaders walking alongside older adults through seasons of transition, caregiving, loss and renewal. 

In many congregations, older adults represent both a significant portion of membership and a vital source of wisdom, leadership and service. Yet churches also face growing questions about aging, caregiving, loneliness, retirement, dementia and lifelong discipleship. The POAMN gathering aims to address those challenges while helping leaders discover new opportunities for ministry. 

Through worship, workshops and keynotes, participants will gain fresh perspectives from experienced leaders, discover practical ministry tools, strengthen their spiritual connections, address emerging challenges facing older adults and build relationships with peers committed to older adult ministry. 

The Rev. Dr. Andy Morgan will be the keynote speaker. Morgan is director of faith formation at First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and director of theological experience and formation for Solace. A frequent speaker and consultant on the ethical and practical use of artificial intelligence in ministry settings, Morgan has led workshops, webinars and conference presentations for church leaders across the country. His work focuses on helping congregations and ministry leaders better understand emerging technologies while thoughtfully integrating faith, ethics and innovation in their ministries.

Image

In his keynote presentation, "Discern.AI: Faithful Leadership in an Age of Artificial Intelligence," Morgan will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the ways people communicate, learn, access information and make decisions, and what those changes mean for the church. Drawing on both theological reflection and practical ministry experience, Morgan will examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for congregational life, from misinformation and online scams to increased accessibility and enhanced ministry resources. Participants will gain practical tools for evaluating emerging technologies and leading thoughtful, faith-informed conversations about their use in ministry and everyday life.

The conference schedule includes opening and closing worship, keynote presentations, multiple concurrent learning sessions, networking opportunities and time for fellowship. Events will begin with a welcome reception on Sept. 15, followed by two full days of programming and a closing morning session on Sept. 18. 

The registration fee covers keynote and concurrent sessions, worship experiences, a welcome reception, snacks and three meals, including lunches on Sept. 16 and 17 and dinner on Sept. 16. Participants who register early can take advantage of discounted rates. Early-bird registration rates, available through Aug. 10, are $150 for POAMN members and $225 for nonmembers. Beginning Aug. 11 and continuing through Sept. 4, regular registration rates increase to $200 for members and $275 for nonmembers. Single-day registrations are also available for $100 for members and $150 for nonmembers. 

Online registration closes Sept. 4. Organizers note that the 2025 conference sold out before registration ended, making early registration a wise option for those planning to attend. 

Beyond workshops and presentations, the gathering offers something many ministry leaders increasingly need: encouragement from colleagues who understand the realities of serving older adults. As churches navigate demographic shifts and changing congregational needs, opportunities to learn from one another have become increasingly valuable.

POAMN and its annual gathering remind the church of a powerful truth: Ministry with older adults is not simply about care. It is about discipleship, purpose and helping God’s people continue bearing fruit throughout every season of life.