The concept of retirement in the West and particularly in the church is due for serious review and reform. Sure, it's fun to save some coins and to look forward to the gold watch but that event should only open up more time and opportunities to serve the saints and the lost, too.
What if the scriptural term "elder" really was to be taken literally and the older ones in the church were actually ordained to perform the shepherding function? I believe they are indeed appointed to such a work. They, without exception, are also ordained to manifest the character requirements becoming of a Christian mentor, teacher, friend, and guide. None of these things is beyond the man who will simply apply to God to receive them. None require certificates, callings, or outside training.
Interestingly, in several quarters of the Body, "Titus 2" clubs are being formed which emphasize how older women are to train the younger females. Good. But it is high time for the concept of older men training the younger men to be recognized, encouraged, and practiced, as well.
In the institutional church world, too many "pastoral search teams" are looking for the energetic, young guy to be their new CEO or "Senior Pastor." The problem with that is that ALL Christian seniors are already appointed by their Maker to serve as pastors. But let's not be too judgmental - many house churches don't know much better.
I'm just noticing today that all but one of our Supreme Court Justices is over 65 years of age and still busy. (A little too busy, if you ask me.) Could not the church learn a lesson from them instead of continually putting her seniors "out to pasture?" Programming them to be essentially useless "laymen" - then regarding them as such. Failing to tap into their experience, their wisdom. And failing to teach the younger men in the church - every one of them - that they will assuredly be the elders of tomorrow.
Could we not learn something from the radio ads I hear each day featuring our Secretary of State Colin Powell as he promotes his non-profit organization, americaspromise.org? Seeking to get everyone involved, he boldly declares: "Whether they are our children or not - we are all parents." Furthermore, he proclaims that the problems with youth are far less in magnitude than those of the careless and uncaring generation of older ones who have seemingly lost all interest in the next generation.
David Anderson
1 Peter 5:1-2 The elders (not an office) which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder...: Feed the flock of God (shepherding/pastoring in a caring and unofficial manner) which is among you...
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger (also not an office), submit yourselves unto the elder (same word as above, contrasted with younger ones as it frequently is in the NT).
PS: Are you looking for a detailed book which exposes the great eldership identity cover-up? "The Elders, Seniority within Earliest Christianity" R. Alastair Campbell, T.T Clark 1994. It's a high dollar book (50-70 dollars US) but could be obtained via Library Loan. How about a book that highlights the equality of all elders who serve the church as a team, without rank? "Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch. 1988.
I whole heartedly agree with you that is far better to burn out for serving Jesus that just rust out or die/peter out...if you're gonna go, go with your last breath praying, praising, serving the Master faithfully with the last breath He gives you! We certainly don't see the aged first disciples of Jesus "retiring": Look at the active aged Peter and old faithful and loving Apostle John still admonishing the church to "love one another!" and getting a Wonderful revelation of Christ at the twilight of his life!
I knew an old faithful pastor James Tian who spent the last years of his life at 80 plus actively pastoring, inspiring the younger (like me!), writing and teaching to the end. He drove to church on his own and even picked up others. He passed away quietly and unknown in his senior home having finished leading a bible study in his complex just the night before!
That's the way to go -- serving Him and His own as he always had in his life.
Another active 80+ English teacher in China's motto was: To stay youthful, stay useful.
Let's talk soon my active HC elder and dear friend Big D! (any new developments with your JOB, UPS?)
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