We have a son and a nephew who are United Church ministers. Both are in their 30's, and both have strong gifts for ministry. The United Church is blessed to have these two serving congregations, albeit in different capacities. I appreciate their creativity and vigour.
We are an aging denomination and that includes our clergy. That includes me. The other day I looked at the obits in the United Church Observer magazine and realized that five of the six long-retired ministers who had been "promoted to glory" had served fewer years than my thirty-six. The other person had served 38 years. In other words, I've been at this a long time, longer than my father and father-in-law did, both of whom served in WW2. I'm something of an anomaly in that I have served all of those years in pastoral ministry, and always in very active congregations. I currently work with a group of people I enjoy. I feel blessed in that regard.
I am pondering retirement, although not immediately. I realize though that I would be foolish not to consider when this might be, and what will happen afterward. I am a Christian first, and a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ as an outcome of my faith. Who will I be as a Christian when I retire? How will I live out my discipleship when I no longer serve a congregation?
A recent CBC article Serial retirement - the boomer approach to leaving work: The abrupt end to a career is getting rarer as people seek flexible work before retiring was an interesting read for me. It suggests that the "here's the gold watch, see ya" retirement scenario has come and gone. Many are flexing retirement, sometimes sharing jobs. And 43% of 60-64 year-old retirees are re-employed within a year.
In a former congregation the lead minister's job in now shared by two half-timers. One wanted to reduce work, the other was my predecessor who eventually retired but has come back part-time.
When I retire I don't want to be in the way of younger and newer ministers who are seeking employment by working in a position they might fill. And I don't want to keep doing pastoral ministry because it is familiar and comfortable. Too many aging ministers just can't let go.
I'm considering what I might do and be as a fresh expression of who I am as a Christian.
Comments?
Eco-weddings in Costa Rica? You've done a lot of weddings, but not in the rainforest?
ReplyDeleteActually, I have seen weddings at just about every resort we have visited and thought "this would be a good gig." Well, except for inebriated guests, and monsoons, and...on second thought...
ReplyDeleteI am sure lots of doors will open up to you, David ... not any time really soon, I hope !
ReplyDeleteMy husband retired last November. Retirement is great! He is doing lots of photography, writing a book, taking some courses, enjoying family and friends. Go for retirement, you will enjoy it. As my husband says, when did I find time to work. There is so much stuff to do.
ReplyDeleteDavid, when you retire, you could consider being a personal trainer. It's important to show people how to properly handle the rubber dumbbells!
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I are planning to retire in 3 years, and we definitely won't be sitting in rocking chairs. We both have numerous interests and hobbies, and it will be nice to put some serious time in on those. We also are thinking of building a home in the Prince Edward County just before retirement - and I'd love to have some chickens and goats.
It sounds like Laurie's husband is doing it right.
This may be the first time I've been called a rubber dumbbell Roger, but I can't be sure. The key for me is continuing to be involved in effective ministry here at Bridge St and to make sure I have an eye to the future. While earnest plans often make a mockery of us, I appreciate what you mention about your husband Laurie. It sounds as though he has a healthy pattern for retirement. And I'm not done yet Judy.
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