ABSTRACT
The local church has traditionally provided services to the elderly. During this century, the role of government in human services has grown and partially replaced that of local churches. The mail survey was conducted in two stages. The first questionnaire was initially mailed on November 1, 1984 and included three checklists of services. The second stage of the mail survey began on August 12, 1985, when a questionnaire was sent to each of the pastors who had returned the first one. The data presented bear on three questions that are related to the general issue of whether linkages between local churches and the social service network are feasible and would make it possible to meet the needs of older adults better. The churches in this study offered a wide range of services to their elderly congregants, including many to meet their non-spiritual needs.
