How to Use Your Retirement to Serve a Greater Purpose

November 21, 2024

As I approached retirement from federal service, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a weekend retreat that posed a question we’d never deeply considered before: how could we use our retirement to make a meaningful impact for God’s Kingdom?  


During one small group discussion, a real estate attorney shared his doubt that his skills could have any relevance in world missions. It was a perspective I couldn’t help but challenge, drawing on my experience rebuilding land tenure systems in Afghanistan. After all, the lack of expertise in areas like his has left 1.5 billion people worldwide grappling with issues like poverty, loss of cultural identity, and environmental degradation.  

With over 11,000 Americans celebrating their 65th birthday each day in 2024, including me, we’re witnessing an era nicknamed the “silver tsunami.” This unprecedented wave of retirees is breaking records, with over 4 million people turning 65 every year through 2027. Despite the growing potential for retired professionals to step into fulfilling second careers, retreats like the one I attended—focused on exploring missions as a post-career path—are no longer regularly offered due to “insufficient demand.”  


But the truth is, plenty of resources exist to help retirees leverage their unique skills for a greater purpose. Whether you’re interested in overseas missions, local ministry, or simply making a lasting impact in your community, there’s a path available.  


Two people are standing on a sidewalk with the words passion led us here written on the ground.


Why Your Former Career Skills Matter in Missions


Missions often require various talents to address complex challenges within communities. While traditional roles in missions are vital, your career experience can bring a unique perspective and much-needed expertise to diverse operations. Here’s why your skills matter:


Practical Solutions: Many mission initiatives involve solving pressing community issues, such as improving access to healthcare, education, or clean water. Specific technical or administrative skills can pave the way for sustainable, real-world solutions.


Bridge Gaps: Missions often involve cross-cultural communication and resource management. Your professional experience—whether it’s in sales, project coordination, or human resources—might be exactly what's needed to support those efforts.


Empower Local Communities: Sharing the knowledge you’ve gained through your experience may equip local individuals and teams with the tools and skills needed to continue development work long after you're gone, which is a lasting legacy.


Three older men are standing next to each other on a city street.

Questions to Explore with Your Trusted Community: 


  • "What do you see as my unique strengths?"
  • "How do you think my personality and skills are tied to a possible calling?"


Their perspectives may provide invaluable clarity.


Moving Forward 

Your skills represent a lifetime of unique experience and expertise that can be used in service to God’s Kingdom. By identifying your strengths, refining transferable skills, and seeking clarity from those who know you well, you’ll be better prepared to step into a fruitful second career post-retirement.


If you’ve been wondering how your talents could align with impactful opportunities, why not start by exploring your skillset today? You might just discover that the next chapter of your life holds your greatest purpose yet. 

Douglas Batson retired from the U.S. Department of Defense after 30 years. He is a National Certified Career Counselor and Senior Professional in Human Resources.


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