5 Ways Retirees Can Serve the Church

“Retirement at last! Now I can sleep as late as I want to. Now I get to do nothing all day.” Such is a popular description of how retirement looks to many people. I know some who would even add, “Now I get to play golf every day.”

Obviously, this does not reflect the Christian perspective of someone who understands that his chief end is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (see Westminster Shorter Catechism 1; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36). This is not to say that sleeping later and playing golf are anti-Christian. However, there are some significant ways that retirees can still serve the church.

1. Be a volunteer.

Retirees have valuable practical and professional experience that can be used in service to others. For example, some of you may have skill sets and expertise that enable you to erect a building or a cabin at a camp from the ground up in very little time. One organization I’m familiar with travels to camps and other locations, bringing their own living accommodations, tools, and know-how to be a blessing to other ministries. Some may volunteer in maintenance of a church’s lawns and gardens to keep them looking tidy. Volunteers can save churches and various ministries a great deal of money and provide much encouragement to them.

The church where I attend has many volunteers (both retired and pre-retired) who help at the annual church youth camps. They serve in the kitchen and dining hall, as cabin staff and counselors, as camp nurses and in technical positions, and pay their own way to camp.

While not everyone can serve in such physical ways, everyone can volunteer in some way according to their abilities and gifts: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another . . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:10–11).

2. Show the younger generations a model of an older person who still walks with the Lord.

The youth in our churches need models of older believers who are faithful in their daily walk with the Lord. What might this example look like? We can show that we have not waned in faithfulness in our older years, that we are active and unashamed to belong to God’s people, and that we continue to radiate joy in our relationship with the Lord. We can model what it looks like to have no hesitation to speak about Christ in the doctor’s office, store, or when traveling, and that we are not reluctant to share Scripture with other people.

Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). Note these words from the psalmist:

O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation. (Ps. 71:17–18)

3. Regularly attend worship services and wholeheartedly participate.

Not only should retirees maintain a faithful walk with the Lord, but they ought to remain consistent in their attendance at the regular worship services of the church. It is a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness when they are seen in the pews, not just taking up space or putting in their time, but wholeheartedly and enthusiastically singing, listening, and note-taking.

This is important because it seems that many young people today view church as optional rather than a joyful habit. Granted, this should begin with the influence of godly parents, but it is reinforced and aided when the testimony of the older generation displays undiminished love for corporate worship, viewing it not as drudgery but delight.

Hebrews 10:23–25 instructs us in this way:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

4. Teach or assist those who are teaching.

Some retirees are no doubt former teachers. They might have a knack for teaching and still love to teach. A good way of utilizing their skills would be to teach a class (Sunday school, youth ministry, etc.) or assist someone who is already teaching. There always seems to be a shortage of teachers in church. If this is the case in your church, and you have the ability to fill that role, then contact an elder or staff person and express your willingness to help. You may need some additional training, but you already have a head start.

5. Pray.

Although this is listed last, it is a matter of first importance. Prayer is not a last resort when all else fails. It is the God-ordained way to move mountains and shape hearts. True, this is largely an unseen ministry, but it is valuable and reaps a great reward: “Finally, brothers, pray . . . that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you” (2 Thess. 3:1).

Before my retirement I heard some retired friends say, “I’m busier now than I ever was!” Now I understand.