Distinctively Christian Retirement: A Biblical Call to Serve Jesus Well in Older Age

Finalist in the Christian Indie Awards 2023.

Most of us assume that when we reach a certain age, we will retire from work and spend the rest of our lives doing whatever we want. While the idea of an endless holiday sounds wonderful, the reality often ends up being very different. Retirement often brings with it relationship challenges, mental health problems, and lack of motivation or purpose. It is often not the paradise we have imagined.

Christians should live in a very different way to those who don’t trust Jesus, no matter what their age. While some older Christians may feel less important or that they have less to offer, the Bible teaches that our worth is not based on our work. This book aims to give Christians a Biblical vision for how our later years might be used to serve Jesus.

While the concept of retirement is not found in the Bible, God’s word remains very helpful for us as we prepare for our later years. The Bible is full of teaching about age and maturity, purpose, identity and death.  We can learn from a range of examples of older believers who have gone before us and discover what God’s word has to say about health limitations, nostalgia, money, and many other relevant issues.

228 pages.

View excerpt here.

"With the wisdom of the Bible and the love of an astute and observant pastor, Simon has given us a timely gift regarding the much longed for or equally forbidden, R word. Retirement can see dreams of freedom dashed into nightmares of boredom. But by thoughtfully reflecting on retirement, he helpfully shows how, approached under God it can bring freedom through service. 

As an active and reluctant retiree of 5 years I found encouragement as Scriptural reminders of our worth in Christ and God’s design of us for freedom in service rather than self-indulgence, a tonic.

The challenges of the book come from an experienced and loving pastor, whose intent to help his readers catch, or re-discover, the joys of trusting and serving Christ clearly shines through. We are not being got at, but lovingly reminded, in very practical ways, that there is real life to be enjoyed in retirement. 

Simon’s book will be of great value to workers, their families, those approaching and already retired. With expectations vital to any life change, the encouragement to godly and realistic expectations is a great boon. Saving us from unhealthy cul-de-sacs by opening up new vistas for the last lap, is a gift worthy of personal reading and small group attention. 

I am very happy to commend Simon’s book and thank him for the work he has put in to helping us in this very practical way." - Rt. Rev Dr Peter Brain