Do retired workers ever really retire?

Retired workers, especially preachers, retire with either strong anticipation of happy times ahead or with discomfort and fear of the unknown. Without official status and position, they become conscious of a paucity of power and influence. They feel insecure, even miserable.

It is true that the change of position may bring to some a real change of power and influence. The president of a conference is the chief administrative officer of a large field of believers and workers one day, then the next day he finds himself without a power base—numbered among the retirees!

Years ago in central California I attended a conference session at which the nominating committee brought in the name of a minister to serve a two-year term as conference president. The current administrator sat in the audience and everyone wondered how he would react to being "retired." Would he accept the report graciously, or would he receive the news with pain, suffering, and remonstrance?

This gracious man stood up and cheerfully announced, "This report reminds me of a text in the book of Daniel which, pardon my faulty exegesis, refers in a special way to my situation. It reads like this, 'He shall come to his end and none shall help him'" (Daniel 11:45). This humble, humorous interpretation of Daniel delighted everyone—and there was hearty applause for the kind of Christian attitude expressed.

Serving as a supply pastor

Perhaps the best place for retired ministers is to serve as supply pastors in a local conference where they will still be able to utilize the experience that they have gained through their years of service. Many pas tors are so employed on a stipend basis by local conferences. There are a few who still conduct evangelistic meetings and Revelation Seminars. One pastor in his seventies held meetings in Hong Kong and baptized over 50; he then repeated the effort in the Caribbean where he baptized 36.

Not all maybe able to do evangelism. Retired ministers can strengthen the local congregation by volunteering to be Sabbath School teachers, local elders, or perhaps even deacons. Options vary ac cording to the person.

Workers who have served in prestigious positions may find it difficult to serve at the local church level. They tend to continue to act as if still in leadership. Such attitudes can create seriously awkward situations for the local pastor.

There is a young pastor with a two-church district in which two retired ministers are members. "Problems began almost immediately with these two retirees," he said, "because they both are very strong-minded men. I recognize that I'm a beginner, but I'd like the opportunity to experiment. Learning through my mistakes is a good way to learn. I would like to run my own show with the help of my head elder and my church board. But these two retirees are unable or unwilling to give up control. They want to control me and the rest of the membership. I can under stand how they feel since they have been in leadership positions all their years of service."

A proper balance

A solution is not easy. Obviously Christian love is the first essential. Emotions and misconceptions need to be explained. A young pastor may be overly sensitive about retired ministers joining the congregation and vying for leadership. Thus a pastor may fail to recognize the good intentions and profit to be gained by the experience of retired ministers. On the other hand, the retired persons may be unconsciously impatient with the modern methods advocated by the pastor and the "liberal" views of doctrine and lifestyle promoted. Both sides need to give and take. While the young pastor should be open to the counsel and experience of the retired minister, the retired minister needs to respect the space and position of the pastor.

Pastors need to be more open-minded and gain the friendship of the retired minister. In this way he can secure their confidence and assistance. The pastor may be grateful that he or she has an asset and not a liability. Pastors may, with some humility, listen to what retired ministers have to say. "Those who have served their Master when the work was hard," wrote Ellen White, "who endured poverty and remained faithful when there were few to stand for truth, are to be honored and respected. The Lord desires the younger laborers to gain wisdom, strength, and maturity by association with these faithful men. Let the younger men realize that in having such workers among them they are highly favored. Let them give them an honored place in their councils."¹

At the same time, the retired minister must not push too hard. He should make his suggestions, offer his ideas, state the reasons why, and then leave it at that. Forcing an issue may only cause resentment. He needs to remember that he's not the pastor.

I know of a retired minister who is still active. He was a member in a congregation with a young pastor who was confused over such issues as righteousness by faith. The retired minister could see through the young man's dilemma. He recognized his sincerity and complete dedication. On occasion he defended the young pastor before the congregation, but the young man had the impression that the retiree was a meddler and was eager to gain control of the church. This discouraged the older man.

This situation can, in many ways, reflect the general problem in every church where retirees are active. The key is finding the right balance, with each person aware of the sensitivities of the other. Re tired workers should remember that the pastor is in charge and that all the retiree can and should do is offer suggestions based on years of experience. Retirees should do everything they can to avoid the appearance of meddling. At the same time, pastors should be open to counsel and do all that is possible to capitalize on the gifts of someone who has a lot to offer.

Though each situation is different, open hearts, humility, and desire to serve can do wonders in alleviating what can otherwise be an uncomfortable situation. Such attitudes will go far in enhancing the work of the local pastor in shepherding the flock.