Tim Richards
Looking back, it is easy to identify mistakes I made, especially in my first two churches. Thankfully, both congregations were generally kind and patient, allowing me to mature as a young pastor. I have made more mistakes since, but as I learned more about the blessings and challenges of leading a church, the mistakes were less frequent.
Being a pastor, like every other profession, has its share of ups and downs, but I consider myself very blessed. I have preached over 3,000 sermons and taught 1,000 classes. I have made innumerable hospital visits and have had hundreds of counseling sessions. I have been with numerous friends when they took their final breath, have conducted hundreds of funerals, done many weddings, baptized more people than I can remember, and conducted more than a few baby dedications. In addition, I have written around 1,500 devotional columns over the last 30 years.
I conclude my full-time ministry with a sense of fulfillment, believing I have invested my life in things that have eternal significance. God has allowed me to impact many people in ways I may never know.
What is next for me? While I have some ideas of what is coming next, I do not fully know how to answer that question. I plan to continue writing my weekly devotional columns, to write a fourth book by the end of this year, and to publish more in coming years. I will likely still conduct many funerals. I want to work a day or perhaps two each week as a chaplain or interim pastor serving churches that are between pastors. In addition, I want to spend extra time with my grandchildren and my mother, read more for fun, exercise, travel with my wife, and spend a lot more time pursuing my favorite hobby, photography.
Still, I do not want to forget that life is short. As I get older, I am increasingly aware that life on earth is extremely temporary. I am reminded of the Apostle James’ words, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:14-15, NLT)
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to reflect on my retirement and what I hope lies ahead. I also want to thank Concord Church, where I have served recently. This loving congregation helped me celebrate my retirement with extraordinary affection and kindness.
