I am living in my favorite season of life so far. Last November I turned 60 years old and found myself pleasantly surprised by that reality.
Years ago, I read a book by Bob Buford called Half Time that focused on the second half of one’s life and the call to make the most of the days the Lord gives us. That book, along with insights from Pete Scazzero and others, helped me move into my 60s with excitement and anticipation.
While many leaders face aging with fear and anxiety, that does not need to be the case for Christian leaders. Here are five age-based potentialities pastors, elders and ministry leaders can embrace:
1. Embrace growth in self-awareness: Wisdom may come with age, though it is not certain. One well-known pastor is credited for saying, “Gray hair may accompany wisdom, but it does not guarantee it.” One benefit for many aging leaders is that they have learned who they are and have become comfortable with themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses. John Calvin, in Institutes of the Christian Religion wrote, “Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and sound wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” Aging allows more time and opportunity for self-awareness. That is a good thing for ministry leaders.
2. Embrace a greater sense of urgency: Psalm 39:4 is a prayer for leaders of all ages but especially those who are in their final season of ministry. The psalmist prayed, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” The clear message of this prayer, and for ministry leadership in the fourth quarter, is that whatever you’re going to do, you need to do it now. Time is fleeting and we want to make the most of our days. This sense of urgency should not send us into a harried fit of random activity — but instead it can compel us toward greater focus on how God might use us to advance His kingdom.
3. Embrace potential for fruit bearing: One of my memory verses for this season in life is Psalm 92:14: “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” This verse reflects the heart of every aging ministry leader — the desire to remain faithful and fruitful in our final years on earth. One of the highlights of my life these days is spending time regularly with leaders in their late 60s, 70s and 80s. I am learning from them the lessons they have discovered as they age in ministry leadership. They have much to teach.
4. Embrace investment in key relationships: Getting older should result in prioritizing the most important relationships in one’s life. I sat with a leader recently who is not yet in his 60s but already possessed a strong desire to make sure his wife and aging parents are enjoying their life. His plans to care for those he loves are an inspiration for me. Ministry leadership can be all consuming if we let it, but each of us would do well to remember that whatever we do — we are an interim in that position. The key people in our lives always need our love and focused care but especially as we move into later years.
5. Greater love for and knowledge of God: In a recent Leadership Lessons interview I hosted a good and faithful brother who continues to lead well into his late 70s. In the conversation he reflected that what was most important to him in this season of life was not what he is learning about leadership, but what he is learning about God. He said in essence, “I am closer to God than I have ever been.” His experience is one I want for myself.
I am thrilled about the life the Lord has given me and look forward to what He has in store for the future. However much time I have left on this earth I want my days to count for the glory of God and the good of people and I, like my 77-year-old friend, want to walk closer with God and know Him better each day. May that be true for us all.
Dr. Todd Gray 