Man of a Certain Age

I think I’ve handled growing older fairly well. I look in the mirror and take note of the silver hair . . . silver sounds so much better than gray. The wrinkles and sags . . . I take it all in and tell myself, “You’re only as old as you feel!” Then I remember how terrible I feel! But, all in all, I’ve been fairly calm about my approaching 61st birthday.

I was calm, that is, until Friday. Someone asked to use the phone at the parole office.

“I can’t let you use the phone,” I replied, “but I will make a call for you. Write down the number.”

Having the number in hand I asked, “Whom should I ask for, and what should I tell them?”

I dialed the number. A female answered the phone and I asked for John.

“OK,” she said. She must have turned to hand the phone to John, but I clearly heard her say, “It’s an older gentleman.”

John said “Hello?” and I said, “Did she say ‘older gentleman’?” He paused, and said sheepishly, “Yeah . . .”

Gathering my composure, I delivered the message, and ended the call.

OLDER gentleman! I was not the least bit impressed with the thought that she called me a gentleman . . .

I called my son . . . “Hey, Son . . . do I sound old?” He was kind, but I was not reassured.

I called my wife . . . “Sandra . . . do I sound old?” She said . . . well never mind what she said!

Age. As a state employee, we are regularly reminded that we must be sensitive in our dealings with people when it comes to issues like gender, ethnicity, national origin, physical handicap, age, and other factors. When it comes to employment issues, I am protected. That’s my job with the state . . . the work I do to support my pastoral ministry.

When it comes to the church, we handle things differently. Age IS an issue. Those hiring pastors and staff members need not be apologetic . . .

“You’re 61 years old? There’s no way I’m hiring you to be my Jr. High pastor!”

“Well, we’re looking for a pastor in the mid 30’s with 20 years of experience . . .”

“We really need someone who will reach the young people.” This is frequently the position taken by a church that is full of old people . . . like a “young” guy can turn it all around over night!

As a pastor, I see two attitudes in Churchdom that make me uncomfortable.

First, I see pastors who are looking forward to retirement.

Second, I see churches that think they need a “young” pastor.

Maybe the first attitude is fed by the reality of trying to find a viable opportunity to serve when you have “gone over the hill!”

I don’t understand retirement from ministry. I’ll retire when Jesus comes or when I die. Heaven will be my retirement. I want to serve Jesus Christ as long as I live. Maybe I’ll slow down a bit or assume a ministry with limited responsibility, but retire? Never!

I also believe the premium placed on youth by many pastoral search committees and others hiring ministers is regrettable. Someone has to wake up and realize that enthusiasm and energy are not necessarily lost with age. An “older gentleman” may not work harder or faster . . . but he may work smarter!

So, next time you talk to me on the phone, humor me . . . tell me how young I sound!