Particularly in this time of economic stress among mainline churches, the presbytery wastes a powerful resource in not availing themselves of the talents of retired ministers. Here is a wealth of experiences and talent that may be available if the request is made.
Often retired pastors are asked to help out by providing pulpit supply when another pastor is away or the pulpit is empty. In recent years, the role of interim minister that helps a church move through the transition between called pastors has made use of retired pastors. Both of these are very valid uses of the talents of a retired pastor. However, at a time when presbyteries are having to cut back on their staff and the demands on active pastors is increasing, it may be time to creatively explore how retired pastors can help the presbytery in ministering to the churches under their care.
Drawing upon the already demonstrated gifts of some retired pastors could both ease the burden on overworked presbytery staff and reaffirm the identity of the retired pastor with a renewed sense of call. Some pastors might have a natural ability to assist a church deal with conflict, renew their sense of outreach to prospective new members, heal after having experienced a scandal, explore their sense of God’s call as a church, etc. A seasoned pastor might be able to provide spiritual direction to a clergy support group, or spiritual direction to individual pastors. Some pastors are gifted in administration and might be able to relieve presbytery staff of certain clerical burdens. Presbytery staff are often charged with offering pastoral care for other clergy but have no one to turn to for their own pastoral care. Sometimes a retired pastor, who is familiar with the work of the presbytery, can offer spiritual nurture to their presbytery’s staff.
