Does ministry have a retirement age?

We live in a time where the norm is working until the age of 65, then retiring and spending the rest of our lives relaxing in leisure and fun, reaping the benefits of our savings from years of hard work.

But what about in the realm of ministry? Last post, I discussed how God can call and certify people at a young age. But once we're called into ministry, does there come a time while we're on Earth when God says, "You've worked enough years, so you can retire"?

God can use anyone to further His kingdom, regardless of age.

In Numbers 8:23-25, God commands Levites of 25 years to work in the Tabernacle until the age of 50. When they reach 50, "they must cease performing this work, and shall work no more."  At first glance, this appears to be God telling the Levites to retire. But is this really a command to cease ministry, or is it a command to change the way of service?

The answer is found in the next verse. In Numbers 8:26, God makes it clear that the Levites are no longer to perform physical labor, perhaps because their bodies became less capable of the physical demands necessary to maintain the Tabernacle. However, instead of allowing them to step out of ministry completely, God commands them to take on a role of advisement and guidance, continuing to do what they could to meet the needs of the people: "They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs." So, it was not retirement from ministry but a change in how they serve.

Older generations filling roles of guidance and advice can be seen in the New Testament as well, as with Jesus's disciple John. John wrote his gospel and letters to the believers nearly 50-60 years after his service by Jesus's side. Some sources suggest John was anywhere between 15 and 30 years old when he began his service, which means he was between 60 and 90 when he advised the Christians in John 20:31: "But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in his name." John is actually the only disciple to live to see old age, as all the others became martyrs. If anyone deserved a break from ministry, he did, because of working by Jesus side, and because of what he and his fellow disciples had to face. And yet, here is evidence of him still doing what he could to teach and serve others for Christ.

Even today we can find evidence of God still calling those along in years to serve. In the last post, I mentioned that one of Awana's founders, Art Rorheim, began in children's ministry at the age of 17. This year, 2013, he turns 95. And yet, according to his bio on the Awana website,  he still "works at Awana headquarters two days a week to inspire and motivate staff. He also travels worldwide to speak at conferences and meet with ministry leaders and partners."

God is able to use anyone to further His kingdom. I remember one year at West Coast Honor Camp, our speaker taught on the power of God, pointing out three main points: my God is able, my God is able to use me, and my God is able to use me as I am. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that when Christ gives me strength, I can do all things — there is no age limit. When I am no longer able to lift the game equipment boxes at club or perform my flute at church or in a band, I can still teach and guide. I can still help children learn about love, about morals and values, about respect, and about God.

Take note, however, that though there is no retirement from ministry as we breathe, there will indeed come a time when our work will be done and we can rest. In Matthew 25:20-23, Jesus shares the parable of the talents. Those that were faithful servants without knowing when the master would return were put in charge of greater things. But along with receiving responsibility, they received another blessing: "Enter into the joy of your lord."

We too have a blessing, a retirement awaiting us when we finally leave this world. John discusses this spiritual retirement in Revelation 21 and 22. But until such time as we are called home, there is no retirement age to ministry.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.