Jude 2

Last night I was in the meeting of a dear friend. He has ministered in more than 80 nations and has been in some countries 40+ times. I have been honored to be able to minister with him here in the states and overseas. He has written more than 40 books and manuals and has sold more than 12 million copies of his works. He has just completed building a beautiful recording studio, placing all his teachings on DVD's and in several language.
Currently he is building a center in Indonesia beautiful accomidations as a Apostolic training center for all of Asia area. Dr. Gill is 73

Another friend has planted more than 50 bible schools around the world, just returned from the mission fields. He is 75 still active in full time ministry.

Dr. Mary Ann Swoop who served as Dean of a state University, served as professor for more than 30 years. Told me yesterday she was getting ready to start a a new business. She is 85. All these individuals are in great health.

At 63 this November I feel like the kid on the block.

It begged me to ask the question, do you see retirement in your future? if so at what age ? and If you do retire, how much time do you still plan to devote to the active work of the ministry?

My dad once said "When God called me He told me my retirement will be out of this world".

I have an exit strategy in place as far as my pastorate is concerned. I will turn the Sr, Pastor over to my Assoc. Pastor in 2020. We have a plan called Vision 2020. In it are all the goals and milestones we plan to reach by then. Iam mentoring him as my replacement. I will be "Pastor Emeritus". I will not stop preaching until I can't move. I am developing my school....Institute of Counselor Development. I will teach till I drop.

I guess you would say NO ....I don't see retirement as a possibility for me....just never thought it was appealing.

I will take some extended vacations, do some seminars, some of what you are refering to with your friends. I am working on a couple of books right now. But retire.....????? Heavens no.

Paul, with those you spoke of it would almost condem us if we retired and sat on pews. I remember reading this scripture....

Matthew 24:
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

beckrl wrote:Paul, with those you spoke of it would almost condem us if we retired and sat on pews. I remember reading this scripture....

Matthew 24:
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

when I am with them, sometime i feel like. When will I start working. But they are wonderful friends.

For me, I quess I echo Dr. Rons statements. I don't see my self retiring. my prayer is that I will be able to be active in ministry till my time to go or the Return of the Lord.

I so much enjoy what God is allowing me to do, I can't see myself not doing it. As long as this body can travel and preach, them retirement is out of the question.

Well, then there is the fact that I have no savings, no investments, no IRAs, no 401ks, and no hope of having any other than the lottery.....lol

My hope is that I can successfully identify, equip and release leaders allowing me to finish well and pass the torch of leadership here when the Lord so directs. Afterward, I really believe I have a few books in me that I would love to write/publish, and make myself available as a guest speaker/teacher to those who might benefit from my leadership education and experience.

Lofty goals Gary....I too am hoping for the same thing....

I want to teach till I die.

I would love to be able to retire from my job so I would then be able to do more for my church.