Dear Sir,
This is just a note to say how blessed I was to read your article, ‘Why doesn’t he just go?’ in the July en.
As you know, Pilgrims’ Friend Society (PFS) has a presence at many different events and Christian conferences, as well as holding our own. And we have conversations with hundreds of people during the year.
I can’t tell you how many times we have heard of instances where former pastors have been abandoned by their church – often a church they helped to build up. Interestingly, it’s their wives who often articulate it most powerfully. It’s absolutely disgraceful, and I’ve yet to work out how it can be justified by confessing Christians. And churches who insist that their pastor retires at a specific age are losing years of experience and wisdom.
In contrast, the New Testament Church of God in the UK is a shining example of honouring their retired pastors. A bishop is specifically tasked with keeping in touch and looking after their welfare. I was a speaker at one of the special days the Church organises once a year for its retired pastors, and found the whole day a delight.
The only time retirement is mentioned in the Bible was for the Levites who, when they step down at the age of 55, were encouraged to stay on and help the others in the work. The retirees were relieved of the heavy lifting, but their experience was welcomed and honoured by the others.
With a little age adjustment (as people are living longer and better than ever these days) this is a model the church could adopt.
Instead, many have absorbed ageist attitudes and are bound by the ‘perfection of youth’ ideal. But, as Jesus said to the Pharisees, God is able to create sons of Abraham even from the very stones.
Yours sincerely,
