Retirees
Psalm 92:14 (NIV)
“They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green.”
Introduction
In March 2023, we were asked by the BUC Executive Committee to serve as chaplains to the BUC retired workers, which includes not only pastors, but also teachers, administrators, support staff, caretakers, and so on.
We commenced our roles as part-time co-chaplains in the summer of 2023. We acknowledge with gratitude our predecessor, Pastor Paul Lockham, and the many others who have held the position over many years.
Our retirees’ community comprises almost 500 retired church workers dispersed across the UK. Regrettably, some are no longer with us, while a good number have joined the ranks of the retirees.
Pilgrim Newsletter
We have edited more than 33 monthly editions of the Pilgrim newsletter since taking on the role. The Pilgrim is the primary vehicle for keeping in touch with the retirees, and it is sent out digitally and in hard copy (as needed). It has been much appreciated. We also use it to publicise our biannual get-together.
Get-Togethers
After the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting together via retreats had stopped, but we were able to restart them and have deliberately held them in different geographical locations across the BUC to ease access and include as many as possible by enabling them to travel to a nearer location. Our gatherings have proven popular for bringing together friends and colleagues and making new acquaintances. We have regional groups for meetings, which we call clusters. Here are the areas where we have been able to gather as clusters. We have established seven clusters for the purpose of a better and easier way of getting together
Programme Structure
Area 7 pastors have, for the past three years, made provisions to invite those of our colleagues who could make it to their end-of-year dinner. We have had between 24 and 30 taking advantage of the privilege of the invite and fellowship with the present ministerial workforce and their families.
Retirees Survey
In 2024, the BUC Executive Committee gave its approval for us to conduct a survey. The purpose of the survey was to find out how our retirees were faring as they transitioned into a new life. What are the life and times of retired church workers like? What areas do they need support in; and, in following through from the results, how best can the BUC support them? ‘Preparedness for Retirement’, ‘Family Support’, ‘Living’, ‘Finance’, ‘Connectivity’, ‘Health’, ‘Church’ and ‘Lifestyle’ are some of the areas covered in the survey.
To our knowledge, this survey is the first ever completed among retired church workers in the UK. We launched it in September 2024 and submitted the results for analysis by a company competent in analysing data, Driving Impact Consultancy. The findings from the analysis were then reported to the BUC Executive in December 2025. Following the presentation to the BUC Executive Committee, an article was published in the Messenger this year. Also, a two-page initial report was published in the Pilgrim (December 2025).
Plans for the Future
The challenges for the church and the future ministry to our retired church workers are immense. They are not like a local church; they are a very scattered community, with most from all over the UK and a few residing abroad. With many now entering the phase of life with mobility issues and other healthcare challenges, it is a difficult task for two part-time retired pastors to meet all the needs shown in the survey. Over time, additional manpower will be needed to care for and minister effectively to those who, in most cases, have given their lives in service to our church community.
But these are critical concerns for which the church administration at all levels must give time, attention and financial support, so that we can continue to affirm the value our church workers have added and the contributions they have made to our church body.
As faithful stewards of the retiree community, we are called to walk alongside our retirees with compassion, wisdom and hope, ensuring that they remain valued members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
For more information regarding the findings of the survey, or to read the full report, please visit the BUC website.
