PRESENTED TO ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY-
EXPOSITORY PREACHING
BY
ST. PS. FELIX NANA BOAKYE
TEXT: NUMBERS 8:22-26
SUBJECT: RETIREMENT
THEME: TRANSITIONING TO RETIREMENT
I.EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALIGNS WITH GOD'S COMMAND (V.22–25).
Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;
A.It demonstrates the principles of divine order in ministry, (v. 22-24).
Secondly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;
B.It protects the health of the minister, ensuring proper functioning of the Ministry (v. 25)
ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: Numbers 27: 18-23 [NIV]
II. EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS HIM/HER TO TAKE NEW OPPORTUNITIES (V. 26)
Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement allows the minister to take up new opportunities because;
A.It affords them the chance to mentor the next generation (v. 26a)
Secondly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;
B.It protects the health of the minister, ensuring proper functioning of the Ministry (v. 25)
ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV
TEXT: NUMBERS 8:22-26
22 After that, the Levites came to do their work at the tent of meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses.
23 The Lord said to Moses, 24 “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, 25 but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. 26 They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.” Numbers 8:22-26 NIV
SUBJECT: RETIREMENT
THEME: TRANSITIONING TO RETIREMENT
INTRODUCTION
“Story of a Happy Retired Man of God”
Once upon a time, there was a hardworking man of God named Rev. John Duah who had spent his entire life dedicated to his Ministry. He had climbed the corporate ladder, earned numerous accolades, and built a comfortable life for himself and his family. But as he approached retirement age, John began to feel a sense of uneasiness. The thought of leaving behind the routine and structure of his job filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As the day of his retirement drew near, Rev. John Duah found himself reflecting on all the years he had spent working tirelessly. He realized that while his career had brought him success and financial stability, it had also consumed much of his time and energy. With a newfound sense of freedom on the horizon, Rev. Duah began to envision all the possibilities that retirement could bring. He dreamed of traveling the around world, pursuing his hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.
And so, when the day finally arrived for Rev. Duah to bid farewell to his colleagues and embark on this new chapter of his life, he did so with a heart full of gratitude and excitement. As he walked out of the office for the last time, he felt a sense of liberation wash over him. Retirement was not an end, but a new beginning - a chance to rediscover himself, explore new passions, and embrace the joys of a slower pace of life. And as he drove off into the sunset, John knew that the best was yet to come.
SERMONIC EXPRESSION:
Church, just as John felt a sense of liberation and retired, similarly, every Minister should graciously transition to retirement with a sense of excitement.
SERMONIC PURPOSE:
It is my sincere prayer that by the end of this sermon, every Minister will:
I. Appreciate God's purpose and order in ministry.
ll . Misunderstand how crucial it is to approach various service seasons with discernment
iii.Be inspired to understand the important role in advancing God's kingdom, regardless of age or ability.
PROPOSITION:
In view of the above, I propose to you that Every Minister should transition to retirement
BACKGROUND
The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, recounts the Israelites' 40-year journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. Traditionally attributed to Moses and written around 1400–1440 B.C. it addresses the Israelites' transition from slavery in Egypt to becoming a covenant nation prepared to inherit God's promises.
Thematically, the book highlights God's faithfulness, Moses' leadership, and the preparation of a new generation for Canaan. It emphasizes worship, obedience, faith, and community organization while illustrating the balance between divine guidance and human responsibility.
The book begins with the organization of the Israelite community through censuses, laws on holiness, and the dedication of the Tabernacle. Chapter 8 focuses on the consecration of the Levites, who served in sacred roles, transitioning to mentorship as they aged. The remainder of the book chronicles Israel’s struggles, including rebellion and faithlessness, which led to the first generation’s demise. Ultimately, the second generation is prepared to enter Canaan, demonstrating their readiness to fulfill God’s promises.
The Book of Numbers serves as both a historical record and theological reflection, offering enduring lessons in faith, obedience, leadership, and community.
TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE:
Let us journey into the passage to ascertain two reasons why every Minister should transition to retirement.
I.EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALIGNS WITH GOD'S COMMAND (V.22–25).
22 After that, the Levites came to do their work at the tent of meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses.
23 The Lord said to Moses, 24 “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, 25 but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer.
“Levites” were people designated as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). They performed religious duties, offered sacrifices, and maintained the sacred space. Examples were Moses and Aaron. In our modern context, Ministers of God play roles akin to those of Levites.
According to Cambridge English dictionary, the word, “Transition” refers to the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.
According to the Financial Times “Retirement” refers to withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from one’s active working life.
Aligning with God's Command: In this context, means faithfully obeying God’s instructions with firm devotion and commitment.
The Levites' service and the regulations surrounding it reflect a broader principle of faithfulness to divine instruction. Each member of the community had a role, and fulfilling that role was a form of obedience. The Levites serve as a model of dedication and commitment to God’s service.
God’s instructions to the Levites provide clear principles for retirement. The Levites were to serve actively from the age of 25 to 50, and after 50, they were to retire from active service or active pulpit ministry.
Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;
A.It demonstrates the principles of divine order in ministry, (v. 22-24).
The organizational structure of the Levites, with age requirements ranging from 25 to 50, is designed to uphold a divine mandate ensuring that only physically capable individuals are entrusted with the rigorous tasks within the Tabernacle. The Hebrew term, (avodah), which is "service" , labor or or work, particularly in the context of worship, where the Levites were responsible for upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle, supporting the priests, and overseeing various duties. This system underscores the significance of both physical competence and wisdom in leadership roles. The transition at age 50 acknowledges the inevitability of aging and human limitations, allowing older Levites to gracefully retire from active service in order to maintain the divine order established by God within the ministry.
Secondly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;
B.It protects the health of the minister, ensuring proper functioning of the Ministry (v. 25)
The establishment of a retirement age for active service is a testament to God's profound understanding of human limitations and the significance of maintaining good health in the execution of ministry. The Levites were entrusted with physically demanding responsibilities, such as the construction and deconstruction of the Tabernacle, tasks that demanded considerable strength and endurance. As individuals age, their physical capabilities naturally diminish, prompting God to set a retirement age to prevent His servants from overexerting themselves and risking harm.
This thoughtful consideration for the well-being of the Levites guaranteed that those engaged in sacred duties did so with vigor, a crucial element in upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the efficacy of worship. By implementing a retirement age, God not only safeguarded the health of the Levites but also ensured the efficient execution of the ministry.
ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: Numbers 27: 18-23 [NIV]
18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership,[a] and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”
22 Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.
APPLICATION:
Beloved Ministers of God, transitioning to retirement is not a curse but a fulfillment of God’s divine order, allowing for a shift to a supportive role that continues to enrich the ministry. Just as the Levites were instructed to retire at a specific age to preserve their health and ensure ministry continuity (Numbers 8:22-25), ministers today must recognize that retirement is a new season of service, not an end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 affirms that “For everything there is a season,” including a time for retirement, which is part of God’s plan.
Some ministers view retirement as punishment, but that should not be case; indeed, it is a blessing in disguise as it maintains our health and ensures God’s divine order in ministry. This text outlines a structured transition, encouraging ministers to engage young leaders and ensure a smooth succession. Ministers must discern when to step back and trust God's plan for their next season of life, ensuring the continuity of God's work. Remember, “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of a new open highway.” “Beloved, we retire from work but not from life”,
TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE:
Not only should every minister transition to retirement because it aligns with God's command but also;
II. EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS HIM/HER TO TAKE NEW OPPORTUNITIES (V. 26)
26 They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.”
For a retiring minister to “take up new opportunities” means embracing fresh possibilities for service, growth, and impact in different areas of life and ministry after transitioning from full-time pastoral or leadership roles. This can involve a variety of avenues through which the retiring minister continues to contribute to the church, community, and kingdom of God.
Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement allows the minister to take up new opportunities because;
A.It affords them the chance to mentor the next generation (v. 26a)
In this context, the retirement of the Levites at the age of 50 was not seen as an end to their service but as a transition to a different role. The older Levites, though no longer involved in physically demanding tasks, were still responsible for maintaining the sanctity of worship by guiding younger Levites. The concept of mentoring the next generation is emphasized in the Bible as a critical aspect of leadership and service. For instance, Moses transferred leadership to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8, illustrating the importance of ensuring that ministry and God’s work continue through the next generation. Likewise, ministers in retirement are called to invest their time and wisdom in mentoring younger leaders, preparing them to carry the torch of ministry.
Craig S. Keener, "The IVP Bible Background Commentary:" affirms the importance of mentorship in ministry, explaining how older leaders in the church should pour their experience into the next generation to ensure continuity in ministry.
Secondly, Transition to retirement allows the minister to take up new opportunities because:
B. It allows them to enjoy rest (v.26b)
The concept of rest in Scripture is not merely about physical relaxation but also about rejuvenating the spirit. In Numbers 8:26, when the Levites retire, they transition to roles that are less physically demanding, enabling them to rest. For example, in Mark 6:31, Jesus invites His disciples to rest: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Ministers, like the Levites, after years of active service, need to experience this kind of rest—both physical and mental—to recharge and continue contributing in other ways, such as mentoring, teaching, or engaging in personal reflection and prayer.
Gordon Fee, in his book titled, "Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God" discusses the importance of rest and renewal in ministry, particularly as it relates to spiritual rejuvenation. Fee explains that ministers are called not only to work but also to periodically withdraw for rest and reflection in order to continue serving effectively. In the same way that Jesus invited His disciples to rest in Mark 6:31, ministers are encouraged to take time for rejuvenation (Fee, G. Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God. Hendrickson Publishers, 1996).
ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others
APPLICATION:
Beloved Pastors, in addition to offering encouragement and insights from their own experiences, Older and experienced Ministers ought to guide and assist younger ministers.
Ministers must resist the urge to stay involved in leadership roles when they retire. They ought to give younger leaders more authority instead.
Considering Paul mentoring Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul transitioned from active missionary work to equipping Timothy for leadership.
Think of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah passed on his prophetic mantle to Elisha, allowing him to lead the next phase of ministry. (2 Kings 2: 9-14).
Some notable figures within the Assemblies of God organization include Reverend Ernest Adjei (Retired), who currently holds the position of Head of Protocol to the General Superintendent, and Reverend Professor Kyereko (Retired), who serves as the chair of the Doctrinal Purity Committee. Additionally, there are several retired ministers who play vital roles in alternative dispute resolution at various courts.
It is crucial to recognize that retirement marks a transition to new and fulfilling opportunities, rather than the end of one's career. It is essential to have a purposeful and meaningful retirement plan in place. Let us strive to make the most of this phase of life by embracing new challenges and opportunities for personal growth and contribution.
CONCLUSION
Beloved Ministers, Retirement is a God-ordained process that marks the beginning of a new chapter of service in a different role rather than the end of ministry.
Every minister should transition to retirement with grace and leave a legacy of fidelity and continuity in God's ministry because it aligns with God’s command and allows the minister to take new opportunities.
PRAYER:
May the Lord grant us the grace to transition and have a befitting retirement. Amen
