Theology of Retirement

[Eric Vail]

Lately I have been working on a sermon series for September on work. As I have been reflecting on what Scripture might teach us about work and speaking about that within my local congregation, I have had to wrestle with the reality that a majority of the adults in my congregation are near or beyond retirement age. This has pushed me to ask, what does Scripture have to say about work in our later years in life? Is there such a thing as retirement for citizens of God's Kingdom?

One of the few texts that has haunted me in my reflections is Luke 12:13-21. This man worked and managed the resources available to him in a manner consistent with how we prepare for retirement. What other texts might instruct me in my thinking? How ought we order our lives as Christians on the issue of work in our later years?

[Dave McClung]

Eric

That should be an interesting series. I will give it some thought and may respond with some scriptures; however, I want to raise an issue at the start -- Is "employment" the same as "work?"

Personally, I have retired from "employment" several times, but I have yet to retire from "work." For many of us, the retirment from employment has freed up our time so that we can do more productive work.

[Dave McClung]

Lately I have been working on a sermon series for September on work. As I have been reflecting on what Scripture might teach us about work and speaking about that within my local congregation, I have had to wrestle with the reality that a majority of the adults in my congregation are near or beyond retirement age. This has pushed me to ask, what does Scripture have to say about work in our later years in life? Is there such a thing as retirement for citizens of God's Kingdom?

One of the few texts that has haunted me in my reflections is Luke 12:13-21. This man worked and managed the resources available to him in a manner consistent with how we prepare for retirement. What other texts might instruct me in my thinking? How ought we order our lives as Christians on the issue of work in our later years?

Eric, I suggest that you use 1 Timothy 6:17-18 which in some translations instructs us to "Do Good Works." Nothing in that passage would suggest that there comes a time in our lives when we should stop doing good. We never will have enough "treasure" in heaven that we can stop doing good works.

That being said, I don't see anything in the scripture that requires us to remain employed.

[Eric Vail]

Dave, you've asked a good question. "Work" is not coterminous with "employment." There is much that we do in life for which we are not employed, nor is it even volunteer work as we typically understand that category.

I don't want to derail my own thread before it gets going, but one issue with retirement is the question of work. The other issue is the use of resources that is required to make retirement possible. For example, collecting more mana today than what I need for today. Or, ignoring someone else's need for their daily bread so that I can ensure I have bread in the future. Some of the ways we operate in building up a nest egg strikes me as a transgression against the posture of daily faith/dependence our Lord taught us, as well as loving our neighbor as ourself. We could go so far as to label it as an a-theistic manner of managing resources.

The most saving for a future rest I can think of in Scripture is a communal saving for every Sabbath day, every Sabbath year, and the year of Jubilee. This is not a saving for an entire season of life, but as part of an ongoing rhythm in the life of the community--a rest that lasts a maximum of two consecutive years.

[Hans Deventer]

Personally, I have retired from "employment" several times, but I have yet to retire from "work." For many of us, the retirement from employment has freed up our time so that we can do more productive work.

That's exactly what I am so looking forward to. But like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it seems to be moving away all the time. I'm not part of the fortunate generation.

[Ryan Scott]

Eric, I think it might be more appropriate in our context to tie in the communal aspect more thoroughly, rather than just on the financial end.

Traditionally, older people could not work hard enough to continue to support themselves, so they relied on community (family, etc) to provide what they couldn't, while continuing to contribute what they could.

We've sort of entered a cultural idea where we're supposed to save enough either to provide for ourselves when our productivity wains or even to provide for our children so they can be more comfortable in life.

I think the financial element may have come about partly because we've lost the communal element. Even those folks who can't care for themselves are often shipped off to facilities designed for that, rather than cared for by family or community. If we've developed a practice of socially isolating people when they reach a certain age or ability, it might behoove them to prepare financially for that isolation or to prevent it.

[Eric Vail]

Ryan, this has been one of the issues with which I have struggled in reflecting on scriptural precidents. It was the community who was responsible for caring for the widows and orphans (those with no way of providing for themselves in the social/political/economic mechanics of the ancient world). The biblical stories we have of aging men (and their wives) still places them in leadership roles at the head of their households (i.e., head of the family industry/livelihood). The passing of the mantle of leadership/ownership happened very near death or at death--at the point where mental or physical faculties were long deteriorated.

In a capitalist society, the work force is expected to move around to where labor is needed. This makes communal interdependence very difficult. How are we to depend on others over the long term who may not have a livelihood in this place for long? Even families have difficulty depending on one another when each member is pulled away to far off places for employment.

Our social security system, in a way, makes our nation the smallest unit of community who will take responsibility for the care of the widowed, orphaned, disabled, or elderly. It takes the duty and direct involvement out of those in closest proximity (as well as away from those responding to God according to the inbreaking kingdom: church).

Are we to say to our congregations that a reversion to smaller communal economics is in keeping with God's design and desires for creation? Are we supposed to live as Christians in such radically counter cultural, counter economic ways that we can see the needs of the community met across all phases of life? Are we supposed to preach that there is no such thing as retirement in that community, but rather everyone working (ministering) within the community acording to their gifts and abilities?

The longer I reflect on this issue, the more complex I realize it is. For someone of my generation to say I am going to keep only what I need today (vs. want today or think-I-need-to-keep-today to take care of the unknowns of tomorrow) is quite difficult. God did not create us to live alone or respond to God's calling in isolation. If I alone give away each day everything but what I need, I need a community around me doing likewise. Rather than each of us creating our own safety nets so we do not need to depend on God or God's followers in times of trouble, we can trust that God will meet our needs (collectively) as they arise. God will provide enough for us all globally to have our daily bread.

With the breakdown of families, enduring church fellowship, and communities, how do we begin to live into the reality of God's designs and God's inbreaking Kingdom? In the face of the possibility that social security very likely will not be around for my generation, how do we begin to live and work today in ways that bear witness to the good news that the Kingdom of God is near? How do we begin to think of the practices of building nest eggs and retiring when there does not appear to be much biblical precident for it (correct me if I'm wrong on this)?

The thing I fear is living my life according to common societal practices that are forged according to a logic that is uninformed theologically (if not a-theistic in its fundamental approach to material resources). I do not want to just be moral or nice while my life practices communicate a story or a theology that is anti-Christ. What does it matter how good-natured I am (or the believing community is) if I am following the rules, aims, and philosophies of a false paradigm?

[Dennis M. Scott]

We again come to the biblical culture compared to the current culture thing. Seems like there are quite a few of those lately.

We're probably better to not being what we are at any point in our life, but in our culture we often work at some type of income generating occupation so we are able to be what we are. Even clergy do that: if it were not that way, clergy would do what they do for no compensation at all. There apparently comes a time when either the individual is able to quit doing that occupational thing, or is compelled to quit (retire). We all pretty much embrace the idea that we reach some sort of "ability age" when it's appropriate to change at least what we do, i.e., most of us would reject the idea of a ninety-five year old roofing installer.

Likely the theological issues are more in the arena of whether or not we come to a place where we stop "being", which may or may not pertain to what we "do."

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I find a parallel to preparing for retirement in the gathering of extra manna on Friday to prepare for the Sabbath. Extra manna was given so they would have a supply for the day when no manna would appear.

Having said that, I think we shortchange the ability of the Gospel to function in a variety of cultures and circumstances if we decide that Christians can't be real Christians in our economic system simply because our system is so different than that of O.T. Israel.

Also, all my life I've heard preachers remind their congregations that we never "retire" from the Kingdom and our place in it. In fact, most people who love the Lord and the Church will tell you that when they retire they're looking forward to giving more time to the Church. I'm quite sure that if I tell my congregation that they don't retire from the Kingdom that they'll respond with a "yawning Amen" - that is, "You are right pastor, but we already know that."

So, to coin a phrase, we make all we can, we give all we can, and we save all we can. We hope to someday retire from the day to day responsibilities of salaried work and one of our desires is that, once we've done that, we'll have more time to give to the Lord and has Church.

[Ryan Scott]

The longer I reflect on this issue, the more complex I realize it is. For someone of my generation to say I am going to keep only what I need today (vs. want today or think-I-need-to-keep-today to take care of the unknowns of tomorrow) is quite difficult. God did not create us to live alone or respond to God's calling in isolation. If I alone give away each day everything but what I need, I need a community around me doing likewise. Rather than each of us creating our own safety nets so we do not need to depend on God or God's followers in times of trouble, we can trust that God will meet our needs (collectively) as they arise. God will provide enough for us all globally to have our daily bread.

Maybe this is more an application of storehouse tithing? The community collected from everyone and held it in trust for those in need. The needs of the priests and ministers came from offerings separate from that tithe. If we have a community of people keeping only what they need, tithing for the communal good, giving for the survival of the ministers, and then giving the rest away - we might arrive at the biblical model. I can't imagine a more difficult task in present day USA than forgoing luxury.

I also wonder if/how we distinguish between saving for things that can't be paid for day-to-day and hoarding (for lack of a better term) for unknown future needs? I believe it's much more faithful to save for a college education than to borrow for one. I could also see saving for a home or a car, for example as positive uses of savings. The difference, maybe, being that there is an end in sight and a purpose. Once I save X dollars for this car, I'll stop saving - as opposed to the typical modern ideal of once I save X dollars for a car, I'll start saving for the next one.

You're right. It's much more complex than we realize.

[Dave McClung]

We again come to the biblical culture compared to the current culture thing. Seems like there are quite a few of those lately.

We're probably better to not being what we are at any point in our life, but in our culture we often work at some type of income generating occupation so we are able to be what we are. Even clergy do that: if it were not that way, clergy would do what they do for no compensation at all. There apparently comes a time when either the individual is able to quit doing that occupational thing, or is compelled to quit (retire). We all pretty much embrace the idea that we reach some sort of "ability age" when it's appropriate to change at least what we do, i.e., most of us would reject the idea of a ninety-five year old roofing installer.

Likely the theological issues are more in the arena of whether or not we come to a place where we stop "being", which may or may not pertain to what we "do."

One of the reasons I decided to become a lawyer was my observation that there is no established retirement date. In the legal profession, experience is valued. That means that a lawyer's expertise is marketable as long as his or her mind is clear. One of the senior partners in the law firm I joined right out of law school was in his 90's before he officially retired. His legal opinions were highly valued until he died.

I don't understand why the same isn't true in the clergy. Even when a pastor can't physically keep up with the rigor of pastoring a church, his or her depth of experience should be highly valued by the church. We should actively seek ways for elderly clergy to remain productive.

In the past two weeks, I have been asked to consult (on a volunteer basis) with two pastors who are nearing retirement. In reviewing their financial information, one thing stood out -- the opportunity to produce after retirement income for a pastor is very limited (when compared to other occupations). Those who fail to save for retirement face a retirement with a standard of living well below what they had while pastoring.

I believe I Timothy 6:17 "...put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. " provides a framework in which we should view the resources that God has entrusted to us. One who is living in such poverty that life isn't enjoyable can't really participate in the activities listed in verse 18, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

Some of the retired clergy that I know are so focused on survival that they can't really be a blessing to others.

[Ryan Scott]

Dave, I think the difference is that a pastor can continue in employment indefinitely without remaining up on new developments in the field. A lawyer in a similar situation would probably be out of work sooner.

I've noticed the pastors who keep a close eye on the culture and context around them have always found a place of honor and usefulness well past retirement age.

[Larry Parsons]

Eric, this is a very interesting subject and it is true the bible has nothing to say about retiring and watching grass grow sitting on the portch. In fact I don't think anyone ever thought about retiring until S.S came along and the age of 65 became the magic age. I believe some retire pastors not all could still be blessing and help to others and at same time supplement their retirement income. By getting involve in direct marketing business and there lot of direct marketing Co. out there that pay a good commision. I know one direct marketing Co. that been around for over 100 years that will pay up to 50% commision. Direct marketing could be great for some retire ministers to supplement thier retirement income and at the same time be a good work. I'm retire and I believe there are people who love for me to sell to them. I remember one southern Baptist pastor told me once you have learn how to sell you will never be out of work. I believe God wants us to be active until he take us home to be with him.
Thank
Larry

[Gina Stevenson]

I believe I Timothy 6:17 "...put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. " provides a framework in which we should view the resources that God has entrusted to us. One who is living in such poverty that life isn't enjoyable can't really participate in the activities listed in verse 18, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

Amen! to needing enough (re v 17) to be able to "live" and do v.18.

[Shea Zellweger]

In fact I don't think anyone ever thought about retiring until S.S came along and the age of 65 became the magic age.

I think you're very wrong here. Prior to SS, there was no typical retirement age, but retirement was still pretty common. People in manual labor worked until they couldn't work anymore, while people in white collar jobs worked until they didn't need to work anymore. Pensions have existed for hundreds of years (I think the US gave them to Revolutionary soldiers), as has the idea of saving money to provide for oneself when one cannot work anymore. We also have the evidence of multi-generational households, in which elderly people moved in with their adult children when they were no longer able to provide/care for themselves. We may understand retirement differently now that it's been "standardized," but it was still a common thing prior to that standardization.

[Larry Parsons]

I think you're very wrong here. Prior to SS, there was no typical retirement age, but retirement was still pretty common. People in manual labor worked until they couldn't work anymore, while people in white collar jobs worked until they didn't need to work anymore. Pensions have existed for hundreds of years (I think the US gave them to Revolutionary soldiers), as has the idea of saving money to provide for oneself when one cannot work anymore. We also have the evidence of multi-generational households, in which elderly people moved in with their adult children when they were no longer able to provide/care for themselves. We may understand retirement differently now that it's been "standardized," but it was still a common thing prior to that standardization.

You may be right but I don't believe retirement was a common thing with the people who live back in the 20's but that doesn't mean that some didn't think of retiring but it was not a common thing. People back in those days believe retirement was bad for thier health. If they believe that then they would want to continue to work to live longer. Even now retirement could be wrong for some people, for example My wife and I have very good friend that run 1.2 billion dollar business he will be 65 this coming August and he is thinking about retiring then. But one thing he worry about concerning his retirement all the company works will be without a job. The reasons, The stock holders of the company has told him if he retires they would sell the company. As Christian he doesn't seem right to retire if his retirement going put people out of work.
Thanks
Larry

[Kevin Rector]

Maybe this is more an application of storehouse tithing? The community collected from everyone and held it in trust for those in need. The needs of the priests and ministers came from offerings separate from that tithe. If we have a community of people keeping only what they need, tithing for the communal good, giving for the survival of the ministers, and then giving the rest away - we might arrive at the biblical model. I can't imagine a more difficult task in present day USA than forgoing luxury.

Nowhere in the concept of the storehouse tithe is the idea of only keeping what you need. The idea is to give the first 10%. You might only need 50% but the totality of the 90% is yours. Ideally if you didn't need it you'd do something righteous with it, but that wouldn't be tithing.

Most of the people who have large amounts of money to contribute to charitable and church work have that money because of two things. 1) they have the capacity to generate money and 2) they have the capacity to save money until a good giving opportunity comes along. Many times, saving money is the very best thing we can do with it.

[Ryan Scott]

Nowhere in the concept of the storehouse tithe is the idea of only keeping what you need. The idea is to give the first 10%. You might only need 50% but the totality of the 90% is yours. Ideally if you didn't need it you'd do something righteous with it, but that wouldn't be tithing.

Most of the people who have large amounts of money to contribute to charitable and church work have that money because of two things. 1) they have the capacity to generate money and 2) they have the capacity to save money until a good giving opportunity comes along. Many times, saving money is the very best thing we can do with it.

Isn't this saying the same thing. You're talking about keeping money until we find a good opportunity to give it away.

I think we're all talking about some form of earn, save, give. Live simply and give generously. That's the idea.

[Dave McClung]

Most of the people who have large amounts of money to contribute to charitable and church work have that money because of two things. 1) they have the capacity to generate money and 2) they have the capacity to save money until a good giving opportunity comes along. Many times, saving money is the very best thing we can do with it.

You are right partially right, Kevin, but I think your statement may imply that people become wealthy based on how much they save our of their salary. That is only half of the answer. I would say that people who are able to give large amounts to chairty and the church: 1)earn a lot 2)spend less than they make 3)invest the savings in assets that appreciate over time 4)are patient enough to pass up opportunities to spend in favor of making a significant difference.

[Kevin Rector]

You are right partially right, Kevin, but I think your statement may imply that people become wealthy based on how much they save our of their salary. That is only half of the answer. I would say that people who are able to give large amounts to chairty and the church: 1)earn a lot 2)spend less than they make 3)invest the savings in assets that appreciate over time 4)are patient enough to pass up opportunities to spend in favor of making a significant difference.

Well, you're points are definitely more specific than fine. I simply wrapped up your points 1,2, & 3 in my point 1 and your point 4 is my point 2. But yes, I think we completely agree.

[John Reilly]

The "Theology of Retirement" Series is very appropriate and timely for the Baby Boomer generation as they begin to retire. We as clergy and Pastors need to preach the Theology of Retirement to help guide and focus the Baby Boomer Generation into their next career or line of "WORK" as Dave mentioned. The Baby Boomer Generation is a huge resource for the church. We need to be ready to put them to work in the church doing ministry. The resources available are huge, counseling, Bible teaching, financial planning, serving the homeless, the hungry, maintenance on the church, helping repair homes and cars of others in the church and neighborhood, shopping, nursing, visiting, providing transportation, day care, mothers day out, golfing, the list is endless of second career options for the "WORK" of people who are retired. The church can provide opportunities for meaningful ministry to be done by the baby boomer retirees. My volunteer church secretary works ten hours a week and she told me last week she might retire again when she turns 70. She has worked for me for three years saving the church $15,000. Preach it and put them WORK !!!

[Anne Hood]

My husband, has retired from being a pastor, twice. He stays quite busy filling pulpits for other pastors. But, at the present time, I feel as if I am in a vacuum..considering what my life was for around 40 years. We live within driving distance, of two churches, where he was the pastor a total of nearly 27 years. You cannot stay in contact with these people, that you loved for years.

[Billy Cox]

One of the few texts that has haunted me in my reflections is Luke 12:13-21. This man worked and managed the resources available to him in a manner consistent with how we prepare for retirement. What other texts might instruct me in my thinking? How ought we order our lives as Christians on the issue of work in our later years?

I don't think that the parable has much to say about retirement, if anything. The landowner's decision to live off of the fat of one harvest would have been a ridiculous proposition in Jesus' day. Letting agricultural land go unmanaged would be an affront to good business sense, and would in effect 'lay off' all of the workers that made their living in agricultural services.

A more comparable scenario would be Joseph in the land of Egypt, where Joseph set aside a portion of the harvest during years of abundance so that there would be enough to eat in times of famine.

[John Kennedy]

Now here I am in my tenth year of what I thought was retirement -other than the never having a day off, I thought I was home free. And now some of you guys, who have entirely too much time on your hands, want me to come up with a 'theology' of reitrement'! Sounds like a lot of work to me.

[John Kennedy]

My husband, has retired from being a pastor, twice. He stays quite busy filling pulpits for other pastors. But, at the present time, I feel as if I am in a vacuum..considering what my life was for around 40 years. We live within driving distance, of two churches, where he was the pastor a total of nearly 27 years. You cannot stay in contact with these people, that you loved for years.

Why should you have to break off contact with people simply because your husband was once their pastor?

[Rich Schmidt]

Lately I have been working on a sermon series for September on work. As I have been reflecting on what Scripture might teach us about work and speaking about that within my local congregation, I have had to wrestle with the reality that a majority of the adults in my congregation are near or beyond retirement age. This has pushed me to ask, what does Scripture have to say about work in our later years in life? Is there such a thing as retirement for citizens of God's Kingdom?

One of the few texts that has haunted me in my reflections is Luke 12:13-21. This man worked and managed the resources available to him in a manner consistent with how we prepare for retirement. What other texts might instruct me in my thinking? How ought we order our lives as Christians on the issue of work in our later years?

Many of the things Jesus said don't mesh well with setting resources aside for future needs. Matthew 6 comes to mind.

However, there are certainly other parts of Scripture that speak to the wisdom of saving for the future. Proverbs 6:6-8 is the classic illustration of the principle:

6 Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
7 Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
8 they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.

Preparing for future needs is the wise thing to do. Statistically, most of us will reach an age when we are no longer able to earn a living due to physical or mental limitations. If we haven't saved, invested, insured, and otherwise financially prepared for that, then we'll be in trouble.

BTW, when it comes to Luke 12, I've always keyed in on what Jesus says before and after the parable.

Before: "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

After: "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."

It seems to me that a person can be rich toward God and responsive to the needs of those around him, guarding against greed, while still living frugally, investing for the future, etc.

[Gina Stevenson]

Why should you have to break off contact with people simply because your husband was once their pastor?

Not Anne, but I've heard such things as how a former pastor "shouldn't" really hang around and attend the church he just finished pastoring, thereby leaving the congregants free to transfer their affections to their new pastor, rather than remaining tied to their old pastor.

However, I agree with you John in that there seems to be no reason why contact would have to cease. Might be good, at least for awhile, to socialize with folks outside of the regular church meetings that are where the new pastor presides, but to lose all contact? Wouldn't think that totally necessary.

[Todd Erickson]

Not Anne, but I've heard such things as how a former pastor "shouldn't" really hang around and attend the church he just finished pastoring, thereby leaving the congregants free to transfer their affections to their new pastor, rather than remaining tied to their old pastor.

However, I agree with you John in that there seems to be no reason why contact would have to cease. Might be good, at least for awhile, to socialize with folks outside of the regular church meetings that are where the new pastor presides, but to lose all contact? Wouldn't think that totally necessary.

My father in law recently retired from Greenbrier Nazarene. Since then, he and his wife have only been attending elsewhere (he is acting as an aid to the DS, so he's been filling in at churches in transition and such), but it's precisely so that they don't get in the way of the new pastor.

[Rich Schmidt]

My husband, has retired from being a pastor, twice. He stays quite busy filling pulpits for other pastors. But, at the present time, I feel as if I am in a vacuum..considering what my life was for around 40 years. We live within driving distance, of two churches, where he was the pastor a total of nearly 27 years. You cannot stay in contact with these people, that you loved for years.

My dad retired from the pastorate 2 years ago. Since then, he and my mom have been attending the church I pastor in the town next door... but they've maintained connections with people from the church he'd pastored for nearly 22 years. I think they continued to host their home team (small group) at their house for a year after he retired. My mom has dived right into kids ministry at our church, including Bible quizzing, so she still sees all kinds of folks from around the district. And my dad has filled pulpits for about half the Sundays since he retired, so he's still seeing plenty of people, too. Both of my parents are staying PLENTY busy... and they certainly don't seem to feel isolated. I'm sorry, Anne, that you're feeling that way. (My mom is also bowling, trying out a Sweet Adeleine-type choir, and spending a day each week in Chicago with my sister & her young kids. Like I said, they're staying busy!)