Mission in the Third Third of Life

I’ve just finished reading a fascinating book, Silver & Bold: Age as an Asset in Global Missions by Steve Richardson with Maxine McDonald. Richardson is President of Pioneers-USA, a missions sending organization. His theme is a simple one. There are things older people can do in the missions world that younger folks can’t do, because of our experience, training, and age. The book is a series of stories about folks who went into mission work overseas or here in the US after they retired from careers in teaching, business, raising children, etc.

Who do you picture as the ideal missionary? Probably not someone like you, but don’t be so quick to write yourself off Richardson says. Your experience as a grandparent, businessperson, hostess, IT wizard, etc. may be just the thing that a missions’ team needs. Plus, the time many of you have spent working or traveling overseas may have prepared you to live in a different culture.

This probably sounds crazy to most of you, but maybe not to all of you. If this piques your interest, get a copy of Silver & Bold and see how God might guide you. If overseas mission isn’t in your future, please join us on mission here in Dallas feeding the hungry, welcoming the foreigner, or sharing the gospel. Check out our Serve the City webpage for opportunities.

This month’s Third Thursday Luncheon will feature our old friend, Larry Coulter, talking about “Making the Most of the Seasons of Life.”  Larry preached several times and was a great help to the staff during our transition. He’s thought deeply about the third third of life. Click HEREto register for the November Third Thursday luncheon.

On mission with you in the third third of life,

Steve McLean

Pastoral Fellow – Discipleship