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Is It Biblical For Preachers Or Pastors To Retire?

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by tyndale1946, Jan 12, 2003.

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  1. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    First of all let me state right off the bat that the Primitive Baptist preachers do not have a retirement program?... There are some that get so off the beaten path that I feel only had a local call instead of a long distance one but then that is another thread and topic!... Show me a retirement plan for preachers in the scriptures if there is one?

    I'm not talking about someone who because of health reasons or other problems cannot preach!... I'm speaking of someone who has served the church for many years and is still is fairly good health... Can they retire?... When do they become a prior preacher or reach retirement age and is there a retirement age for a preacher or pastor?... Or is the retirement for a preacher death?... I saw one eighty years old die at his post in our stand... As soon as Elder Warren finished his sermon he dropped dead!... Since God called you he will retire you in death!... That is the way PBs see retirement for a preacher and you other PBs correct me if I am wrong... How do you other Baptist brethen see this... Is there or not tenure for men of the cloth?... Brother Glen [​IMG]

    [ January 12, 2003, 02:01 AM: Message edited by: tyndale1946 ]
     
    #1 tyndale1946, Jan 12, 2003
  2. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    There comes a time when a man is unable to keep up with the daily demands of the ministry. At that point, he either retires or runs the ministry into the ground. Both have happened. It seems better to retire.

    This does not mean that he never ministers. Retired pastors often keep a full schedule of ministry through interim speaking and special engagements.
     
    #2 Pastor Larry, Jan 12, 2003
  3. Sam

    Sam New Member

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    No, there is no reason for a pastor to retire. There may come a time when he is unable to preach and has to step down but he will always be a preacher.
     
    #3 Sam, Jan 12, 2003
  4. Angie Miller

    Angie Miller New Member

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    I don't think a Preacher ever real does retire. Them as well as us should always, until our death teach of God.
    As for a formal Retierment, I don't see any reason why not. I would much rather they retire if they do not feel called to Preach and have their own church, so to speak. They get weary too and will more then likely go on to do other needed things in the Ministry. I hope!
    Love in Christ, Angie
     
    #4 Angie Miller, Jan 12, 2003
  5. Thankful

    Thankful <img src=/BettyE.gif>

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    The pastor of a church may retire, but he will always be a preacher.
     
    #5 Thankful, Jan 12, 2003
  6. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I am gladly retired with a very healthy pension and benefits at the age of 76. I was initially retired because of a series of strokes, but that is beside the point.

    On average, I preach 3 or 4 times each month. Until two years ago, I took funerals, did weddings, but no baptisms (not physically able to handle them). I have done interim ministries, assisted young pastors, aid churches with internal problems and I spend time on the BaptistBoard,,,,everyday.

    I am retired, and sometimes I am just plain tired. Do I miss the rigors of daily pastoral work? Sometimes...then, I am quite please to enjoy time alone,,,time with wife and family, my grandchildren......not waiting for that next telephone call, that rap on the door at midnight, that family feud....Did I mention that I am retired?

    It is easy to say it is not in the Bible for a minister to retire. Well, many things are not in the Bible, my friends. This is the 21st century; things change. This does not mean that God's eternal truth changes, but the way we do things does. When I first started out in 1945 there were no retirement plans..one preached 'til he dropped because there was no alternative. The old age government pension amounted to $75.00 a month! With decent investment of just a few dollars each week and one to-day can retire quite comfortably. Things are different now. Thank God.

    Cheers,

    Jim

    Retired, and enjoying it to the full.
     
    #6 Jim1999, Jan 12, 2003
  7. Angie Miller

    Angie Miller New Member

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    God bless you Jim and all the work you have done for God throughout your lifetime! Enjoy "Retierment".
    In His love, Angie
     
    #7 Angie Miller, Jan 12, 2003
  8. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Preach, pray or die. Cannot envision "retirement" that means not ministering. Can see a time when I will not be able to pastor or preach "full time".

    Having gone thru a coupla years of serious health problems and very little ministry opportunity, I know what it is like to be partially "retired". And unless I am greatly infrmed, I don't EVER want that.
     
    #8 Dr. Bob, Jan 12, 2003
  9. mountainrun

    mountainrun New Member

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    Partial retirement is entirely scriptural and I'm sure God does not intend anyone to continue in his duties when he becomes infirm or senile.

    Numbers 8:23. The LORD said to Moses,
    24. "This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the Tent of Meeting,
    25. but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer.
    26. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites."

    MR
     
    #9 mountainrun, Jan 12, 2003
  10. Artimaeus

    Artimaeus Active Member

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    A pastor, preacher, minister is a unique individual with both a vocation (how he pays the bills) and an avocation (a calling). The Bible doesn't say that you are the pastor of the first church that calls you for the rest of your life. Many men hold various positions throughout their lives but there comes a time (not necessarily a certain age) when full time positions are more than they can handle. they can change their vocation to part time or none at all but their avocation for for life. I have never heard of a preacher "retiring" from a full time position and then never participating in activities that are considered ministry type activities (funerals, weddings, preaching at various places, being active in his local church) So, to answer the question, Yes, he can retire from his vocation and No, he can't retire from his avocation.

    [ January 12, 2003, 11:24 PM: Message edited by: Artimaeus ]
     
    #10 Artimaeus, Jan 12, 2003
  11. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Old preachers never die.

    The just go on...

    and on...

    and on...

    and on...
     
    #11 Johnv, Jan 13, 2003
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