“Oh, the blissful state of long-anticipated retirement… sandy beaches or quiet mountaintop retreats with no deadlines, no deployments, and no decisions to make.” – Hah! Not in this life!
While retirement from the military does mean a regular monthly retirement check – and PT is now optional, it doesn’t mean nonproductive, less important ministry. Ministry after military retirement is a continuation of your endowed skills and talents, only in a different venue.
The Pentecostal Church of God has supported you and enabled you to care for the souls of America’s military members and their families for many, many years. Now it’s your turn to give back to the Kingdom of God and your denomination in a new and exciting way. The proven leadership skill sets you have developed over the years in service of your Nation can easily be passed on to the local parish, District projects, or even PCG National Programs. Your role as a mentor and servantleader continues!
Upon retirement, you should seek to transfer your ministerial credentials from the Chaplain Commission to the nearest geographic District in which you reside. Over the years of military service many Chaplains maintained close communication with the District that Ordained them. Though they often lived far from that district, they nonetheless considered it their ‘home.’ Attendance at Annual District training events and biennial National PCG Conventions are refreshing for the present and build relational opportunities for the future. Not to mention, PTDY funding is often available for attendance at these events. Other Chaplains sought fellowship whenever and wherever possible upon changing duty stations. These relationships may be the vehicle the Lord choses to open new doors of ministry and continued service. One thing is for certain: your military service will conclude, but your denominational affiliation should not. Plan now for that transition by building and maintaining relationships within the PCG.
A retired military chaplain is a seasoned professional. Churches and districts of all sizes would benefit greatly from your expertise and leadership. However, a newly planted work or small struggling work may benefit the most. The wisdom, experience and stability you bring cannot be duplicated by a younger pastor who is just getting started.
Finally, perhaps the greatest gift you could offer in retirement is to be a mentor to the next generation of leaders. Your insights and knowledge of “how the ministry, military, and move of the Spirit’ operate,” could strengthen and inspire the foundation of a young aspiring minister.
Retirement? You are not done yet!!! You’re just changing venues and roles.
