“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15, KJV.

When we hear Jesus’ command to go into all the world, we see images of foreign exotic lands with strange natives who need the Gospel. But “all the world” is not just overseas, it is all around us.

Some of the forgotten people needing ministry all around us are the elderly. I find that I enjoy ministering in nursing homes, and senior living centers.

When I was a young pastor, I used to have a hard time ministering in nursing homes. Invariably, there would be some dear soul screaming out while I was trying to preach. and many had Dementia or Alzheimers, and seemed to be difficult to reach.

But later, I began to realize that nursing homes are a spiritual gold mine for the Lord. Many people in the nursing homes have never experienced the new birth, being raised in churches that steered away from experiential salvation.

I found that when these people heard the pure Gospel in a non-threatening way, they would often eagerly respond to a call for salvation. At an invitation, they would openly confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. When this would happen, not only would I get excited, but I felt as though a revival atmosphere would prevail in those places. You see, those people may be weak physically or even mentally, but they still have a spirit which is very much in need of the life of God.

Today, I still go into nursing homes. I like to minister the simple Gospel with gusto, and I find that there is an anointing to preach in nursing homes, senior living centers, and many other places outside the church house door.

I would recommend you preachers or anyone desiring to serve the Lord in a meaningful way to get involved in nursing home ministry. Oftentimes, there are great opportunities to reach staff members at the facilities as well.

When I was a local church pastor, most of the people who attended my church were saved. In other words, they had already given their lives to Jesus and had been born again. This is why it’s good for pastors to preach in other settings. It’s a good way to learn by experience how to preach evangelistically.

Pastors, you may notice when you are preaching in your churches, you are always saying, “We do this. . .” or “We should do that. . .” We, meaning “we” as believers in Christ. But it’s when you get among non-believers, or those who are religious but unsaved, that you really are prompted to preach evangelistically. Instead of saying WE all the time, you began to say “YOU must be born again!” That’s why it’s good for pastors to get out where the sinners are, in the nursing homes, in the jails, on the streets, so you can round out your ministry, and cultivate your soul winning skills. That’s what I found in my own ministry. Nursing home ministry actually helped me to get a handle on proclaiming the Gospel to the lost.

I remember I used to preach on John 14:1-6 almost every time I would go to the nursing home, about the Father’s house (heaven) and how to get there. Then I would share John 1:12 about receiving Jesus.

You see, it’s scriptural to receive Jesus. It’s not just about joining a church or going through confirmation or about being baptized as an infant, it’s about accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. So, I tell them that, and then invite them to receive Him. Usually, several of them do.

Today, I don’t always preach on John 14, but I still always preach salvation and give a call for repentance and accepting Jesus. Because if I don’t do it, probably no one else will. The next ten preachers that talk to them may not even mention the cross, so when you have a chance, preach the Gospel! And preach it good and clear. Preach it with compassion and conviction. Tell them they are lost and without hope without Christ and give them a chance to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord and to know that their sins are forgiven and they have eternal life.

People in nursing homes are hungry for spiritual reality. They are very needy spiritually. They realize they are nearing the end of their physical life and they want to be prepared for the future. They may have their physical needs met, but they have many other needs. More than 50 percent of nursing home residents have no living close relative. It is estimated that 60 percent of them have no visitors. You can be a lifeline to a nursing home resident. Over 2,000 people die in nursing homes in the United States each day, so getting the message of salvation to them in time is vital.

Here in Mankato, we have a great ministry to nursing homes, senior living centers, jails and detention centers. It called Gentle Shepherd Ministries. I’ve had an opportunity to work with them in a couple of the facilities in our area. Pastor Jerry David heads it up. If you live in the Mankato area, you can volunteer to get involved in this important ministry. Otherwise, start your own ministry where you are.

Go. . . into all the world. . . and preach!