Is Service In Our Retirement Plan?

My parents are moving into this season called retirement.

My dad has worked for the same company for over 30 years. Currently he’s working abroad, in Europe. My mom has had a few different careers throughout that time. And throughout those years they have saved for their retirement.

The plan is to retire at the end of this year. They are currently building a new home in our hometown. My Mom has already moved back to oversee the construction. Once the home is completed, there are many retirement plans!

Some of these plans include family visits and time with grandchildren. There are hobby plans and my dad might get a fishing boat. And since their children and grandchildren live far away, travel will definitely be on the agenda (again, grandkids time).

I was speaking to my Mom about many of these items a few weeks ago. But then with even more excitement, she began explaining the next component of their retirement plan…

Church

Upon her arrival back to our home town, she completely engaged herself back into church-life. With great excitement, she told me about the various areas of ministry that she has already jumped into.

She told me about Women’s Ministry and the webcast event that she’s helping organize. She told me about the Visitation Ministry that she’s joined, and about visiting an older woman whose husband is ill and having Bible study with her.

Then she told me that when my Dad gets back into town, they’d begin hosting a Small Group in their home. And she let the pastor know, that their group will welcome younger adults, because they enjoy their energy and desire to build into their lives.

“I’ve done my time!“

As a pastor, I’m extremely proud of my parents. It’s not that my parents are perfect Christians or perfect people, but growing up, they always served the church:

Sunday School, Youth Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Small Groups, and my Dad led the Men’s Fishing Trip each year.

I remember rolling into church early, when only the pastor was there. Because my parents’ faithful made the coffee and put together the coffee cart each week.

Upon retirement, they have every opportunity to say, “I’ve done my time, serving in church. I’ll be on the beach sipping lemonade if anyone needs me!” But instead, their retirement plan includes investing in the lives of other people.

They’re going to use their resources and life-experience to build into the next generation of Christians.

Jesus’ Perspective

When I look at Scripture, it doesn’t look like Jesus’ desire for us is to check out of serving Him and His church at a specific age. The roles and responsibilities may change, but service to Christ should remain a life-long journey.

I’m not pitching a guilt-driven plea to service. I would never want anyone to serve in an area where God has not gifted them, nor called them to serve. That wouldn’t be Biblical or beneficial.

We just need to be mindful, that our goal of retirement from work does not include retirement from our service to the Lord.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

As Christians, we should serve God and others. Do you believe this ends at a certain age? Why or why not?