Reflections of a retired minister

Although I officially retired only three weeks ago, now already people ask me, “How is it going?” Well, let me say the reality of it still has to set in, though my wife and I enjoy it that during a time which was often hectic in the ministry (December) we now can relax and have more time for the family and for each other.

At present there is still a lot of reminisce on what has been. When doing so, I stand in awe of God’s amazing grace that I was allowed to work in the ministry for 37 years. It was a humbling experience each Sunday again to be allowed to pass on the riches of the gospel, often feeling weak, knowing – as the apostle Paul writes it in 2 Cor. 4, 7 – that we carry this treasure in an earthen vessel. Looking back today,  things that come to mind are more often than not the shortcomings, failures and sins, visits that should have been brought, yet were forgotten or missed; times when the message could have been passed on more correctly. As ministers, we are in need of God’s grace as much as each member of the congregations.  Thus, looking back upon 37 years of ministry, I can cling to God’s grace only!

Although often humbling, nevertheless it was a joy to do the work of a minister, a wonderful task. If I had to make the choice again, I would not choose anything else, even though at times it was also difficult work, especially when I think back of those beginning years; years during which consistories were less considerate as far as exchanges are concerned than today. Less considerate at times also were it concerned off-loading the work. You were a minister, you had been called and so you had to it. It surely was a learning curve. Yet the LORD in His grace gave strength.

Reflecting upon the work I was allowed, next to the preaching I also think of the pastoral work in visiting the members of the congregation in joy and in sadness, in days of struggle and turmoil. In all those circumstances, it was a privilege to pass on the Word of God, a privilege to be a tool in God’s hand to comfort and to encourage, but also when there was need to warn and admonish.

I think of the many baptism visits, always a joy to bring; the pre-marital sessions with young couples preparing themselves for marriages – always great evenings! I also think of many a visit in which I had to warn – often feeling helpless, but again there was the power of the Word God. To Him be glory!

When I think of the young people of the church, I think of the joy of teaching catechism, trying to give them practical guidance. Drawing the circle a bit wider, I also think of the many congresses, where I was invited to speak. I vividly remember the congress with the theme “Living Holy Lives” as well as the National Youth Convention earlier this year. Yet I think also back of the earlier Bible Study Camps, organized by the youth of Albany each year around Australia Day, the Bible Study Camps at Camp Quaranup, where later on also the first marriage enrichments camp were held.

Reflecting on all these things, all thanks goes to God alone, who in His grace gave me the strength and the wisdom to do all this.

When thanking God, I also want to thank Him for all that He gave me in my wife as a wonderful support. She was always there, never thinking of herself, but trying to be there for me. To be there for the children, when Dad had to go on yet another trip be it to PNG or Tasmania, or during the days in Albany for another trip to Perth, often from Friday to Monday. She never complained.

So what will retirement be like?  First, I hope to get better. It’s our fervent prayer that the LORD will give energy back and then I hope to be able to preach again and also do some writing. Hopefully during the course of 2013 the book “Learning the alphabet of faith” will be published with the sermons I delivered on the ABC of faith. If the LORD gives health and strength, I also hope to write some meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism. Perhaps I can run a few more marriage enrichment’s camps. I would love to do this. Yet it’s all the Lord willing. My wife and I also hope to have more time now for children and grandchildren. We pray that we may still be there for them for a long time.

As the festive season draws near and we come close to the end of another year, I wish all of you a joyful Christmas; joyful, when we reflect upon the peace given to us in the coming of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. As for the year to come, we pray that this wonderful peace may fill your hearts each day, whatever may lay ahead.