I’m 71 years young, I love the Church and have spent much of my life in various types of ministry. I write today’s post with a deep sense of urgency. Sherry and I have seen the beauty of God’s people at work all around the world. But recently I’ve been more aware of something that’s really troubling me — especially among my peers. Many older men (and women) have either stepped back or completely abdicated their spiritual responsibilities. We’ve traded the eternal call of the Great Commission for the fleeting comforts of retirement activities. Brothers and sisters, we were not called to this.
A Lifelong Mandate
Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:18-20 are crystal clear: “(NLT) Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This was a command with no expiration date. It was to ordinary people (like you and me), not for the “special ones” in vocational ministry. In short, it was given to all believers for all time.
Too often we hear people say, “I’ve done my part.” Or, “That just isn’t my gift.” Why do we think that reaching retirement age exempts us from Kingdom work? Do we see that anywhere in Scripture? What about the old stories of some of God’s most potent servants, guys like Moses, Caleb, and Abraham who did their most fruitful work in their later years. Caleb for example, at 85 years old was ready for battle! In Joshua 14:12, he cried out, “Give me this hill country!”
Retirement Culture . . . OR . . . Kingdom Purpose
Today’s secular culture, and too often even our Church culture says retirement is a time to focus on ourselves; that we’ve earned the right to focus on golfing, traveling or pursuing hobbies. Know that I don’t think any of those activities are inherently wrong. But if we are disciples of Jesus, and being obedient to the Great Commission, we’re called to something far greater: to a life of purpose: making disciples who make disciples.
If we prioritize comfort and indulgence over obedience and calling, we rob ourselves and others of the blessings that arise from faithful obedience. It’s no accident that Eugene Peterson titled one of his books, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society” where he explores perseverance in faith in the context of discipleship. Friends, what God has poured into many of us over decades of walking with Him is desperately needed by the younger men and women coming up behind us.
The Fields are White - and Beckoning
The percentage of millennials self-identifying as “nones,” having no religious or spiritual identity is staggering. As of 2023, that percentage stands at about 43%. In the general population, nearly 1 in 3 now say they have no religious interest or affiliation. We, the boomers, have the experience and have walked with God through lots of different seasons in our lives. We’ve been honed and sharpened. Paul was clear in his writing to Titus, “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness” (Titus 2:2). These characteristics are fashioned and forged through years of walking with Jesus. Now, it’s our turn to pour into the younger men God brings our way.
How Do We Do This?
We seek out opportunities to disciple younger men.
We serve. Whether on a short-term mission trip abroad, or volunteering in the community or at a local church.
We pray. Why not initiate a prayer ministry to intercede for our culture, our churches, our youth and for our neighbors — everyone who is far from God in our spheres of influence?
We teach or facilitate Bible gatherings. Learn how to do a Discovery Bible Study and invite younger men to participate with you.
We are present. In our churches, our families, our communities — and in the Harvest. This is the great filter. It’s easy to hang out with other like-minded believers . . . but it isn’t so easy to enter the Harvest and directly engage the lost. But that is exactly what Jesus has called us to do. It wasn’t a glib statement when “He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Let’s go!
Let's Finish Well!
At this point in our lives, we have precious little time left to chase temporary pleasures, especially in light of eternal rewards. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (I Tim 4:7). How can we say that if our final years are focused on ourselves? The Great Commission hasn’t changed. And it’s still our responsibility as followers of Jesus.
Let’s finish well — for His glory and for His Kingdom
The righteous flourish like the palm tree . . . They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (Ps 92:12-14)
I hate it when someone writes Blogs about me (especially a good friend named Rick). I often wrestle with this very issue in my life. I can not disagree with anything you wrote (or scripture says). The problem is I can’t put my finger on exactly why I struggle with this. I know there is NO retiring from sharing the gospel message so why is this not as prevalent in my life during my retirement years? Why do I feel like I have already run the race and now it’s time to rest or pass the baton to the next runner? Why do I feel disengaged from this call? I know when I stopped serving in youth ministry after 25 years I felt I was irrelevant (too old) to connect with the next generation of kids. Deep inside, I know that’s not true because the gospel message is timeless and always relevant. So then why? Tired? Lazy? Don’t want to do the hard stuff anymore? Lost my joy in serving? Need a reboot ( or just a good kick from a boot).
I’m going to spend more time reflecting (and praying) on this to see if I can not only come up with some answers to my questions but perhaps some practical ways to change this trend in my life……..
Thanks for the “KICK” Rick……. Keep the Blogs coming ……
Dear brother, I wasn’t writing about you. I’m writing about all of us! I look around and we almost all look the same. One of the brothers from South Asia was asked why he thought the West was struggling, and he had a one-word answer, “Prosperity.” We’re rich and fat and content with the status quo.
This is sort of what we’re studying up here also. So we’re all trying to figure out what our gifts are and how we can share them with others.
That’s awesome, Terri!