In this episode, Tina Waldrom sits down with Ben Boland, a seasoned chaplain in aged care, to talk about a topic that many people overlook—how to share faith with older adults, especially those living with dementia. Ben opens up about the challenges of ministering in this space and the deep joy and purpose it brings. He explains how evangelism in aged care looks different from other settings—it’s not about long sermons or deep theology, but about showing up with love, being present, and offering moments of spiritual connection, even with those who may not respond in the usual ways.
Ben Boland highlights that just because someone is living with dementia doesn’t mean their spiritual life is gone. He shares touching examples of how prayer, music, and simple gestures can still spark connection and peace in profound ways. This conversation reminds us that older adults are not forgotten or less valuable in God’s eyes—they’re deeply loved and capable of engaging with faith. For anyone wondering how to care spiritually for ageing loved ones or minister within aged care, this episode offers both encouragement and practical steps to bring the hope of Jesus into this often-quiet mission field of evangelism.
In this podcast episode, you will discover that:
- Dementia is a complex condition with many forms.
- Spiritual conversations are vital for older adults.
- Faith can exist even in those with cognitive decline.
- Prayer is essential for effective ministry.
- Engagement with nonverbal residents is crucial.
- Self-care is a significant challenge for caregivers.
- Older individuals are created in God’s image and are priceless.
- The Gospel transcends cognitive ability.
- And more…
Short Video with Ben about Dementia – watch now
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*OTHER PODCAST EPISODES LINKED TO THIS
Living in Miracles – The Life and Ministry of Evangelist Tim Hall
How to Reach Different Generations With The Gospel
Karen Workentin on Street Evangelism – Is It Still Effective Today?
Reaching Seniors in Nursing Homes
Jon Owen: Good News Through Love and Fascination
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Discussion Questions
1. How do we view the spiritual value of older people and those living with dementia?
Ben reminded us that people with dementia are “created in God’s image and so loved that God died for them.” Do we believe this truth, or are we unconsciously assigning lesser value to those with cognitive decline?
Read: Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:14, Isaiah 46:4
2. What prevents us from ministering to or visiting people with dementia?
Ben contrasted how people flocked to visit his dying mother, yet abandoned his father with dementia. He said, “If we’re only visiting for what we get out of it, then our Christian love needs some pretty hard work.”
Read: Matthew 25:40, James 1:27
3. How can we share the Gospel when memory and cognition are impaired?
Ben stressed that “The Spirit works beyond cognition.” Evangelism isn’t dependent on someone’s mental sharpness—it’s a spiritual encounter.
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Romans 8:26-27
4. Are we relying on God’s power or our own when doing ministry?
Ben said, “Prayer is what powers our ministry. It’s not about your great podcasting ability or my chaplaincy skills. It’s about God and His power.”
Read: Zechariah 4:6, John 15:5
5. Why might people in aged care be more spiritually open than younger people?
Ben explained that aged care residents have let go of the idols of youth—beauty, career, power—and know they are nearing the end of life.
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Hebrews 9:27, Philippians 3:8
6. How do we define and express the Gospel in relational, not just intellectual, ways?
Ben said, “If we reduce a person to their brain, or theology to a thought process, we’ve reduced the gospel.”
Read: 1 John 3:18, Colossians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
7. What can you do today to bring Christ’s presence into aged care spaces?
Is there someone elderly you can pray for, visit, write to, or support this week? How might God be calling you to evangelise in this overlooked mission field?
Read: Matthew 28:19-20, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 31:8
