I’VE RUN THE RACE
A few years before I retired, the Presbyterian Church debated whether Honorably Retired should be the only category of retirement for pastors. While the debate generated some sarcastic comments, it was generally decided that regardless of the quality of their work, there was no descent way to create more than one category of clergy retirement. In behavior, however, there are a variety of ways that clergy live out their retirement. Some become totally inactive while others seek out new forms of ministry or become a supportive associate to overworked pastors. Given the drop out rate in the ministry, there is something honorable about having continued in ministry until retirement. As Paul phrased it, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7).
A NEW CALL IN RETIREMENT
For many clergy, the blessing of retirement is that they are liberated from some of the exhausting demands of ministry and released to exercise ministry in a new way. I found that not being responsible for the management of the church organization was a refreshing change. Some enjoy being interim pastors and applying the wisdom drawn from years in the ministry to assisting a church in between clergy. Others enjoy temporary preaching assignments or offering pastoral visits on behalf of a church. Some, like me, enjoy the freedom to focus on various writing projects. We are still pastors responding to God’s call in our life but now the call has become more focused.
RETURNING TO THE SOURCE
I loved my thirty eight years of active pastorate life. I found many opportunities to exercise ministry in ways that were very satisfying. However, the life of an active pastor is often so demanding that one neglects some of the deeper aspects of the spiritual life. One of the things I hope to do in retirement is to return to the source of my call. Lately I have been reading more about Thomas Merton and his disciplines of centering prayer. I’ve found a book by Basil Pennington to be very helpful in being aware of the false self and the true self. My hope and desire is to open myself to a deeper experience of my true self and to reflect on that with respect to the exercise of ministry.
From time to time, I will share what insights have come to me. In the next blog, I want to suggest some beginning steps that any retired pastor might take to reconnect with some of the “roads not taken,” that are now open for exploration.
CLOSER TO GOD
Perhaps as I draw closer to the end of my life, I can draw closer to the God who has been so faithful to me throughout my life. It may be one more ministry that I can experience.
