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The older we get the more different we become. It is imperative that church leaders recognize those differences and not attempt to minister with this group as a single entity. Traditionally, ministry with those in the retirement years meant providing ways for senior adults to combat loneliness and find purpose through social events and outings, aka. bus trips and potluck luncheons. While there is nothing inherently wrong with these activities, they neglect to recognize the breadth of diversity among those in the second half of life.

A global view of retirement reveals a mix of different perspectives. When viewed alongside biblical evidence, further helpful insights for application come into view. In America, for example, most understand retirement as the time for living off of accumulated finances. Strategic saving gives people the option to stop working and to live off the income from assets earned or pension promised over their remaining days. For many it’s a time to “eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19).

As I turned 60, my wife and I felt led to become part of a new church plant with a 26-year old pastor. For the first three years, I ended up becoming a “pew-sitter” with nowhere to serve. Recently, we started hosting a homegroup and have been invited to join the elder team. Personal meetings and meals with the pastor where I hoped to offer some pastoral wisdom and insights often mainly turned into listening sessions. I live every day in this need for a Retirement Reformation to happen on an intensely personal because of my involvement with an enthusiastic young pastor and church family that isn’t quite sure how to involve senior saints with a wealth of skills, experiences, time, and resources.