“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2
Some in vocational ministry think retirement is unbiblical
A popular seminary professor, now with the Lord, always warned students against retirement. “Nowhere in Scripture are you taught to retire,” he thundered. “Too many pastors I know hit their early sixties and begin their long slide toward retiring. I knew a guy who couldn’t wait to get to Florida. He prepared for his retirement for six or seven years and you know what? He blew out his aorta on his way to Sarasota!”
Another well-known minister often proclaims, “I’m not retiring. No, not me. I want to go while I’m serving the Lord. I mean literally … I want to be standing, preaching the Word, and … boom … I want to fall and hit my chin on the pulpit on the way down. Now, that’s the way to go!”
Others just have a hard time letting go
Many in ministry have a hard time letting go of the reigns. I have worked with hundreds of seminary graduates who are applying to serve in ministry with churches and parishes around the country. They often tell a similar story.
“When I interviewed, the Senior Pastor told me he was planning on retiring in two to three years. I was informed if I got off to a good start and things went well, he was interested in mentoring me to become the new Senior Pastor upon his retirement.”
“Sounds like a good plan … what’s the problem?” I counter.
“Well, it’s been six years and now he tells me since things are going so well at the church, he’s planning on staying another four or five years as Senior Pastor!”
While its true that the Scriptures do not explicitly state the exact age or date someone should retire from vocational Christian ministry, wisdom teaches that we should have a solid succession plan in place and pass our leadership role along to others who are well qualified.
We will always minister, just not necessarily in a vocational role
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will undertake ministry for the rest of your days. But your ministry does not necessarily need to continue to occur in your specific vocational role. In other words, you and I can undertake incredible ministry efforts during vocational retirement.
I’ll never forget a seminary professor who retired with this explanation. “I’ve taught here for many years. And I plan on continuing to serve in my local church. However, we have many younger professors who are ready to step up to the teaching podium. I want to give them my courses.” I’ve always admired that professor’s statement. Speaking of higher education, one wag shared, “Academic Dean’s never really retire … they just lose their faculties!”
The fears of letting go
The problem often lies in wanting to hold onto a position of authority out of fear. What are those fears?
- Q: Will God be able to provide if I retire? A: You’ve trusted him to provide during your years of service, surely, you’ll continue to trust him now.
- Q: What if no one steps up to carry on this ministry? A: Plan now by mentoring someone. Or, again, trust God to bring someone who will carry on your role.
- Q: I’m as sharp as ever … I don’t need to go anywhere! Why should I retire? A: Are you sure? Have you asked close, trusted friends and advisors? Age catches up to everyone. A younger protégé may bring in fresh ideas and new ways of doing things. (Technically, old Moses was the first person with a tablet downloading data!)
- Q: I’ve been told horrible problems always occur during a ministry transition … I’ll just stay put and avoid those problems! A: Job 6:7 states, “… man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” You will encounter difficulties whether you pass the baton or delay. In fact, holding on to the baton too long brings its own set of difficulties.
- Q: I know this ministry, no one will be able to undertake this ministry like I have! A: Were the ministry successes you enjoyed the result of your own efforts or was God doing the good work through you? If you believe the source of blessing in your ministry is you … you’ve got it all backwards. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” God can speak through a donkey if he chooses.
If you are feeling the prompting from God to retire from vocational Christian ministry, and your spouse agrees, and your trusted friends and advisors agree, then by all means plan and attend your retirement party! You’ll be able to continue in ministry as along as God gives you breath! Don’t wait till someone taps you on the shoulder and says, “Uhm, Pastor, the deacons, the elders, the presbytery, the bishop, the session, the district superintendent, the church secretary, and our church consultants all think you should retire!” Step out in faith, trusting God to help you walk into your new season of life!
Planning for succession is biblical
It’s healthy and normal to pass the baton of leadership to a new generation. Succession between close mentors and disciples, such as Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus and the disciples, appear throughout the Scriptures. Begin now to plan your healthy baton pass!
© Dr. Paul Pettit
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
Dr. Paul Pettit is Director of Career Services; Adjunct Professor in Pastoral Ministries, Media Arts and Worship, and Educational Ministries and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Resources for Dads
A five-time dad, Dr. Paul Pettit has become a spokesman for the responsible fatherhood movement. Dr. Pettit has founded Dynamic Dads which offers key resources to help Dads succeed in their unique role of fathering. His website provides curriculum for either existing small groups, or for forming a new Dynamic Dads group at your church.
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