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May/June 2006 |
| Body, Mind & Spirit |
On retirement
By Todd Outcalt
In more recent years it has become apparent that the clergy ranks in most annual conferences, including North and South Indiana, have swelled with retirees. In fact, we probably have more retired clergy than "active" - although, as everyone knows, pastors never really retire, they're just put out to pastor. No doubt, retirees can often feel like second class citizens among their fellow brothers and sisters, and as the ageing game takes its toll, clergy relationships and years of service can often be forgotten, or worse, ignored.
But if the faithful readers will permit me, I'd like to wax a bit thoughtful and emotional this time around and honor our retired clergy with some heartfelt words. There are several reasons for this, I suppose. First, given my age and station in life, I'm closer to retirement myself than to the beginning of my ministry. Also, because of my years of service in the South Indiana Conference, I think I know more of our retired clergy now than I do our active members. And finally, I think that our retired pastors represent one of our greatest assets as a church.
Let me explain.
In every congregation I have served, there have been other pastors, some retired, others who were colleagues, who taught me the art of being a pastor, who offered friendship, support, or help. Some pastors - now retired - helped me during my seminary years. I doubt Jeff Davis is alive today, but back in 1983 he told me that the secret to longevity in the ministry is to rise four hours before sun up, then take a one hour nap in the afternoon after forcing down a large meal.
I have yet to follow his advice, but it worked for him. He served 50+ years in North Carolina. I have to thank John Cheesman and Paul Kern for great years in Terre Haute and Noblesville. And I'm grateful to now-retired district superintendents like Lloyd Wright, Dick Armstrong, and Jim Gentry, who always gave me the benefit of the doubt.
Likewise, I've so often called on retired clergy in every place I've served to lead groups, visit the sick, or fill the pulpit, or sometimes just listen to my woes. Thank you Wilma Allen, Gene Gilbreath and a host of many.
Where would we be without the foundations laid by our retired brothers and sisters? No one inherits a congregation in a vacuum. Others have ministered before us. I've always been appreciative of the work accomplished by those who have come before me, whose faithful service makes my (and your) ministry possible. I'm grateful for Lou Reynolds and Harold Leininger whose many years of service at Calvary now makes my years some of the most exciting in the congregation's 176 year history. And I'm thankful to clergy like Dan Stone and Brian Palmer-Smith who keep the fires burning and are always eager to help. And there are countless others who could fill pages.
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our retired colleagues who have labored long in the vineyard - and are still laboring! Let's cherish their wisdom, commitment, and service. And let's rejoice in their ministry among us.
Todd Outcalt serves as senior pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Ind.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008