Retirement as Mission: A New Chapter of Kingdom Impact
Rethinking Retirement for Kingdom Purpose
With apologies to George Jones, let’s trade the rocking chair for a Kingdom chair. In a culture where retirement often signals rest and withdrawal, the Bible offers a radical alternative: retirement is a season of redirection, not resignation.
When my wife and I planted a church in a popular retirement hub, we saw the harsh reality—many retirees quickly lost their sense of purpose and declined rapidly. It was a wake-up call. We resolved then: we would never retire from God’s call. Decades later, in our 70s, we’re still living that out.
So how should believers approach retirement? Here’s a Kingdom-centered blueprint.
1. Retirement Is Not the End—It’s a New Assignment
Culture tells us retirement is a reward: time to relax, travel, and focus on self. But biblical retirement is about reassessment, not retreat.
“You may stop collecting a paycheck, but your Kingdom purpose continues.”
Moses was called at 80. Caleb asked for more land at 85 (Joshua 14:12). My dad retired at 65—then started a business on Monday.
Key insight:
The world defines retirement as consumption.
God defines it as contribution.
2. Shift the Focus: Who Are You Called to Serve Now?
Don’t just ask, “What will I do in retirement?” Ask instead:
“Who am I called to serve in this next season?”
Retirement gives you:
- Time freedom
- Geographic flexibility
- Financial and wisdom capital
- Lived experience that others desperately need
Use this season for Business as Mission (BAM) or mentoring emerging leaders. You may travel less or slow down—but your impact can grow deeper.
3. Don’t Waste the Harvest: Multiply Your Fruit
This is your season of multiplication.
You now have:
- Battle-tested faith
- A library of real-life lessons
- Resources that can fund Kingdom business
- A story that can inspire the next generation
Don’t let your fruit rot on the tree. Share it.
4. Embrace Your New Role: Senior Kingdom Advisor
You’re not retired—you’re redeployed.
Here’s what this new role could look like:
- Mentor younger BAM entrepreneurs
- Invest in national startups that lack capital
- Teach business skills online or overseas
- Join a BAM investment group
- Serve on nonprofit boards with more than just your money
You’re not unemployed—you’ve been promoted.
5. Start Pouring into People, Not Just Projects
You’ve poured into performance for decades. Now? Pour into people.
Start with three:
- A younger couple to mentor
- A BAM leader overseas who needs encouragement
- A local ministry or cause where you can serve consistently
This is relational discipleship in the second half of life.
6. Refuse to Coast: Stay on Mission Until the End
The real danger now isn’t aging—it’s apathy.
Comfort is a cruel idol.
The Kingdom has no room for coasting.
Romans 12:1–2 reminds us: your whole life is a living sacrifice.
Like Paul, may we say:
“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
7. Practical Ways to Make Retirement Missional
Ready to take the next step? Here are ideas:
- Join the Business as Mission network at businessasmission.com or bamglobal.org
- Volunteer with BAM incubators or mentoring groups
- Turn your wisdom into an online course, YouTube channel, or Substack blog
- Go on a Kingdom Sabbatical: travel with purpose, speak, train, or serve
Your life’s greatest influence may still be ahead.
Final Word: Don’t Retire from Your Calling
You’re not being put out to pasture.
You’re being reassigned to the frontlines in a new uniform.
Don’t settle for a traditional retirement.
Make this your most fruitful season yet—for the glory of God and the good of the nations.
📌 For more insights and resources on Business as Mission, visit Third Path Initiative.