Thoughts on retirement

It was early 1975 and, with Bible college graduation over, time to visit our denominational offices. Sitting across the desk from my supervisor, I heard the words, “Sandy, we have only one church available at present. It might present quite a challenge. It’s a small work. . . .”

Five months later, with my wife seven months pregnant, we were launched into pastoral ministry in Quebec. It was a small work indeed, a church in Verdun of about 40 elderly folk – but our first congregation!

We were surrounded by two and three-storey row houses. I was soon knocking on doors and meeting parents and children in order to make friends for Jesus. This is exactly what I’d looked forward to doing and, in time, our little church grew.

During these first months, Muriel and I noticed an interesting document among our church papers. It read, “Alexander Young – Retirement date: October 1, 2006.” Here we were, fresh into ministry, and at the same time realizing that in 31 years it would all be over.

Now, 2006 is here, and that date of retirement, Oct. 1, has arrived.

An awesome privilege

I look back only to wonder how a career has come to an end so quickly. Retirement! Ministry in four churches (three Baptist and one Mennonite Brethren) has been challenging but infinitely rewarding. Muriel and I have met some of the “golden” people of God’s family, people we shall never forget.

There have been some hard, even despairing, moments in ministry, but often – and just in time – the Lord intervened for us, sending someone our way for encouragement. Among the great rewards of ministry have been the deep friendships formed over the years. Some people also found Christ in a personal way through our labours, which is more of a commentary on God’s goodness than our diligence.

It’s been a good run and an awesome privilege, but where from here? At 65, a couple in good health can still make a contribution to the kingdom and the community.

Our plan is to take some time off for a rest – to relax, ride our bikes, enjoy Tim Hortons, and attend church. No one will blame us for that, I hope.

“But Sandy, pastors don’t retire, do they?” I’m sometimes asked.

“Yes, they do,” I respond. “They can rest from running the ship, attending to a hundred details, and hoping things will come together for Sunday.” They can also take up relationships that may have suffered neglect during the busy years.

Hopes

One of my hopes for retirement is to be an encourager. There are pastors out there who are lonely, or feeling unappreciated or even alienated from their congregations for any number of reasons. They might appreciate a telephone call or a visit over lunch at a local restaurant. I recall what it’s like to be discouraged and needing a friend who could understand.

We also hope for the opportunity to do some personal evangelism, spending time with people who are searching for meaning in their lives. There might be some time for golf, writing, and curling up in a chair with a good book. Then, there is our family, which must always occupy the peak of our priority pyramid.

These are just a few of our ideas for the time known as “retirement.” God has been so very good to us over the years and we want to keep busy as long as we are able.

Sandy Young retired Oct. 1 from Port Rowan (Ont.) MB Church, after six-and-a-half years there. He first wrote these musings on retirement for the local newspaper.