Retired? There’s no such thing!

Lyn Woods explores the opportunities for ministry that some officers find as they continue to serve in retirement.

Many Salvation Army officers find enjoyment in retirement through further education, travel and time with family. Some find themselves very much in need of rest and recuperation. Others continue to work, whether it be serving within their corps, a ministry role elsewhere or other avenues of mission in their community. Four of them share their experiences:

Major Sue Camp-Richards

How did serving in retirement come about?

I was asked by my corps officer at Exeter Temple to be the recruiting sergeant and part of a team responsible for our weekly Connect Club, as well as weekend community outreach with meals for people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness.

How does God use you in retirement?

Apart from my home corps activities, I am an Exeter city centre chaplain and cover meetings at nearby corps.

What has been the greatest challenge, joy or experience in your current service?

My calling – some 51 years ago! It did not cease when I retired: I was called to serve people in God’s name and to the best of my ability and with his help I shall continue to do so.

What sustains and motivates you?

My calling! As Scripture says in John 21:15: ‘Feed my lambs’ (New Living Translation).

What are you praying for most in your service?

To see God’s Kingdom grow in Exeter and beyond.

Major Ian Field

How did serving in retirement come about?

One week into retirement I received a request from Manchester airport, asking whether I would lead the chaplaincy team. I undertook this for 10 months having previously been a full-time chaplain for 5 years. I have worked a day a week within the team for the past 11 years.

How does God use you in retirement?

I am also involved in the finance team at Sale. On occasion I support the coffee morning and weekly drop-in and assist with a monthly online study group. My wife, Yvonne, and I regularly have a coffee at Ikea and listen to and support some staff members. This led to a continuing relationship with an amazing Filipino community, where we have shared in family celebrations and attended their church – quite an experience.

What has been the greatest challenge, joy or experience in your current service?

Helping to receive guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries. To hear of their resilience and strength is inspiring and often a challenge to my thinking and stereotypes.

What sustains and motivates you?

Time for myself is crucial and often involves walking. I regularly pop into the Anglican parish church in Liverpool to be still and aware of the Lord’s presence. Joshua 1:9 gives me confidence, reassurance and the will to keep going!

What are you praying for most in your service?

The ability to keep going! And to remain relevant in society today.

Major Rik Pears

How did serving in retirement come about?

Every role I have undertaken in retirement came about simply because I was asked and I responded in faith. My first role in the training principal’s office at William Booth College was to help for a couple of months – I stayed two years. Then I was invited to help International Emergency Services with an administrative backlog for a few months – I was privileged to serve for six years, which took me to disaster zones all over the world.

How does God use you in retirement?

I serve as the territory’s prison ministries officer with the privileged responsibility of managing and caring for 22 chaplains in as many prisons. It’s a daily humbling experience for me.

What has been your greatest challenge and greatest joy in your current service?

Every retirement role has required that I quickly assimilate new information, skills and relationships – always challenging and harder as I get older. Every role has brought considerable joy and rich memories that far outweigh any challenge or hardship.

What sustains and keeps you motivated?

I simply continue to respond to what I believe was God’s call to officer-ministry in the first place, as an almost-40-year-old new Christian. Nothing clever, complicated or sacrificial, just saying ‘yes’ when asked and walking through the door in the confidence that God goes before me – always.

What are you praying for most in your service?

Energy and good health in body, mind and spirit to fulfil what I have been asked to do.

Written by

Major Yvonne Dare

How did serving in retirement come about?

Five months after I retired, I was asked to help with corps leadership and stayed in that appointment for two years. I was then asked to assume leadership of another corps for three months, which resulted in a stay of three years.

How does God use you in retirement?

I have been the retired officers’ visitor for part of the North East Division for about 10 years. It’s always good to speak to retired officers and learn from their experiences, as well as pray with and support them through times of anxiety, loneliness, illness and bereavement. I have also been a critical incident support practitioner with the Well Being Department for more than 20 years, which is a privilege. In addition, I lead meetings in the division on an occasional basis.

What has been the greatest challenge, joy or experience in your current service?

The greatest challenge has been balancing home life and various roles. My husband and I hope to celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary next year, so hopefully the balance hasn’t been too skewed! The greatest joy has been the privilege of coming alongside people in personal and profound situations.

What sustains and motivates you?

The covenant I made with God doesn’t have an end date – I promised to love and serve him ‘all my days’. It’s not something I can achieve in my own strength. I prove daily that his ‘grace is sufficient’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).