UPCI Sages Frequently Asked Questions

  • The dictionary defines a sage as a profoundly wise person. The person is famed for wisdom and respected for judgment and experience. Because passing years give experience, a sage is often seen as someone beyond middle age.

    While age is no guarantee for wisdom, the word sages is used for our purpose to define those who are 55+. Indeed, most mature (some use the word older) Christians have gained wisdom. Such a one benefits others by passing on what has been learned.

  • UPCI Sages is a United Pentecostal Church, International (UPCI) ministry launched in early 2023. UPCI Sages 55+ is ministry BY those 55+.

    Those of the Sage age want to do something meaningful. To reach the unsaved and help disciple others is part of their spiritual DNA. This age group sees themselves as changing the world. UPCI Sages exists to help make that happen.

    UPCI Sages will:

    • Encourage, facilitate, and equip to establish a ministry of those 55+ in every local church.

    • Expand access to meaningful ministry - locally and worldwide.

  • UPCISages.com is an active website. Not only are there training resources. You will find information about Sages Missions Trips, the annual Sages Summit, cruises, trips to the Holy Land, Sages Bible Quizzing, ministry opportunities, and relevant blog posts.

    Additionally, the UPCI Sages Facebook group is exceptionally active. If you have a Facebook account and are over 55, join the Facebook group.

  • Some, perhaps many, people who have served God for decades step away from ministry when they move a bit slower. Unfortunately, many who step away from teaching Sunday School, the nursery, leading a Discipleship Ministry, etc., do not find another ministry role to step into. People who have served well become spectators, though they have much to offer.

  • A high percentage of retirees report that retirement is over-rated. People who had been active with goals to accomplish are now unchallenged. A few months after leaving public employment, the retiree is bored. The passive approach to the last 1/3 of life has not worked well. We need something meaningful to do for our entire life. A 55-year-old who lives an average life span has 1/3 of life ahead. Similarly, a 65-year- old has 1/4 of life ahead. In these prime years, do we sit back to watch? Is that what Jesus has planned for you?

  • Sages include all. There are two prongs of strategy. Engaging preachers is vital in this effort. So much wisdom exists in those no longer pastoring or evangelizing. Several paths for serving exist:

    • Former pastors and evangelists will be taught how to connect with younger preachers in a way that allows open interaction.

    • Those no longer consistently in one pulpit can undergird church planters and those pastoring churches of fewer than 100.

    • A ready source of pulpit supply if a pastor is sick, on vacation, or needs another voice.

    • Several Sage age preachers meeting with a group of relatively new pastors is impacting.

  • Every person over 55 in the local church is the second prong of UPCI Sages. Some churches already have a ministry BY those of the Sage age. UPCI Sages will help as needed.

    For churches with no Sage age ministry, UPCI Sages will:

    • Provide training for pastors and leaders in local churches.

    • Develop a step-by-step process for launching the ministry effectively.

    • Provide resources to help the leader stay fresh and compelling.

    • Help showcase the big picture by allowing the local Sages group to partner with and participate with others.

  • As for Youth Ministry, Ladies Ministry, etc., effectiveness happens at the grassroots. UPCI Sages cannot bypass the local church.

    However, much can be accomplished in concert that few local Sages Ministries can achieve alone. An annual Sages Summit, Sages Bible Quizzing, Regional Sages events, Sages Missions Trips, Cruises to Canada/New England or Alaska, Holy Land Tours, Sages Pre-Conference, and more.

  • The staff of Sages, from the Director on, are all volunteers. Volunteers are needed in many areas. The Church Advancement team at UPCI headquarters supports Sages.

  • Funding is by offerings, event registration, monthly donors, and grants. In time, the

    UPCI Sages Endowment Fund will provide funds. Your support is needed. To contribute, visit the donation page at UPCISages.com.

  • Yes. Our home is in Church Advancement, an umbrella entity including Deaf Evangelism, various Multi-cultural Ministries, Singles Ministries, etc. Church Advancement is led by a Director and administrative staff based at headquarters.

  • The Directors are Carlton & Norma Coon. Carlton is a co-pastor in Springfield, Missouri. The North-Central regional directors are Rick and Suzi Toadvine. Church Advancement is directed by Errin Bryant and supported by Miranda Carter. Additional regional representatives and a ministry secretary are yet to be appointed.

  • Website: UPCISages.com

    Contribute: Visit the donation page at UPCISages.com.

    Facebook: UPCI Sages

    Twitter: @Upcisages

    Director: Carlton L. Coon Sr. & Norma Coon.

    Email: SagesDirector@upci.org

    Phone: 314-497-9801