into the congregation
Raymond, also retired. “Now that I’m no longer a ‘pastor’ per se, what do I have to give as a disciple of Jesus Christ? As a pastor, so much of that role is assigned—as in a letter of call—but now what? How do I answer the call to be a disciple with the absence of that title, and with the freedom that retirement gives me?” Coming to grips with that takes
time. “Some retired clergy may want and need a rest, and not have high expectations placed on them,” Berg added. • Discover their gifts. Talk to them. Get to know them, listen to their stories of ministry and life, said Dee Pederson, a pastor of Bethlehem. What is each retired pastor best at? • Ask how they would like to be engaged in congregational life. What do they want to do? Preach during pastoral vacations? Assist? Read Scripture? Bethlehem has found retired pastors drawn to outreach, music, ministries of the church in society, teaching Bible studies and visitation. Or, as Raymond said, “I realize
some pastors have been up to their ears in ministry for so long, they want no part of it aſter they retire.” • Provide a strong spiritual envi- ronment. “Because we have had to wrestle with how to proclaim the word effectively, we can pretty well identify and appreciate a good, solid interpretation and application of the gospel when we hear it,” Raymond said. “I think Bethlehem has been fortunate to hear good, clear exposi- tion of the Scriptures. Tat’s what drew us and that’s what keeps us coming back.” • Allow them the freedom to be themselves, as people (not pastors).
“I’m no longer hemmed in by a job description or by everyone’s expecta- tions of what I should or should not be doing. Tat’s very refreshing as well as challenging,” Raymond said. Retired pastor Al Bjorklund
added, “Bethlehem becomes a welcoming place for retiring pastors because of the strength of the con- gregation’s life, and the openness and freedom for us to participate where and when we wish.” • Encourage setting up a retired pastor’s group. “I’ve always enjoyed our group,” said Leatrice Teigen, a retired pastor. “We have theological discussions, and just kind of connect with each other.” • View them as supportive part- ners. “Retired pastors understand the challenges of ministry and of being in the church,” Pederson said. “Tey can be your best cheerleaders and listeners. Tey are in a position to scan the ministries and congre- gational systems and provide honest feedback. Tey can give encourage- ment and hope. So view them as treasures in your midst.” Raymond added, “Tere are
some for whom parish ministry has been a real blessing and who might consider it a privilege to be asked to
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do some form of ministry—occa- sionally preaching, leading worship, leading a Bible study or occasional visitation. It’s sometimes a delicate matter. One does not want to under- mine the ministry of the current staff or give the impression that in agreeing to do so, the staff might be presumed to be shirking some of their responsibility.” Steer clear of:
• Asking retired pastors to do too much. “If too much is asked of retired clergy,” Berg said, “they may stay away.” • Viewing them as a threat. Tis can be alleviated, Raymond said, if current pastors recognize that most retired clergy “are well aware of the challenges of parish ministry and tend to be more sympathetic or empathetic than critical.” Far from viewing them as a
threat, Pederson said she’s encour- aged and inspired by the presence of retired pastors as she recalls all the ministry situations in which they’ve lived and their perseverance over the years.
Author bio: Vossler is a freelance writer in St. Cloud, Minn.
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