Finishing Strong/Ending Well: Leaving Congregational Ministry at the Top of Your Game

* Finishing Well: From Microscopic To Macroscopic * Pastoral Resources From the Alban Institute

By Roy M. Oswald

Pastors nearing retirement often find themselves living the paradox of possessing a rich reservoir of accumulated wisdom and yet feeling constrained by a depleted spirit. But the 5 to 7 years prior to retirement should be a pastor’s most productive and creative years of ministry. He has increased knowledge and experience, which makes him more effective in ministry. He knows how to work smarter, not harder.

Many pastors might be asking themselves How can I remain vital in the years leading up to retirement? While there are various personal and ministry issues that must be addressed, there are ways to finish strong and leave a lasting legacy.

Most pastors are motivated to finish strong because they want to move into retirement feeling good about their ministry. The worst thing a pastor can do during his last 5 years of ministry is coast into retirement. The congregation may love him and therefore not fire him because of the great things he has done in the past, but they will wring their hands while they wait for him to retire. In a situation like this, most pastors probably sense they are letting their people down. People know their pastor is not offering his best, so they are being patient with him until he retires.