Biblical retirement book update

I am long overdue (almost a year since my last post) on giving you all an update on my book on biblical retirement. As those of you who’ve spent time with me over the past year are painfully aware, this book is something I have been thinking (and talking) about incessantly. Before authoritatively writing such a book, however, I became convinced that I needed to increase my knowledge of the Bible and earn some credentials. I decided the best way to do so was to attend a local seminary (Shepherds Theological Seminary). I recently finished my first year (of two) with the goal of getting a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. So far, I’ve taken two semesters of courses on the New Testament and theology as well as ones on writing biblical research papers and developing a mature spiritual life.

Pausing from writing the book and this blog entry

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience, though it did take some time to get used to being a student again. It’s been a while! In my first class, the professor asked how many years it had been since each of us had been an undergraduate. I won with a gap of 45 years, though I did attend Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary about 25 years ago before work made continuing impossible. Fortunately, I was able to apply a couple of those courses to my current degree. 

I learned a lot, both biblically and theologically, over the past year. I also have a better understanding of what I need to do to write a book that is not simply my opinions, but one that is truly biblically based. Along the way, I did my best to turn class papers into raw material for the book whenever I could. For example, I had to do a biblical research paper on a topic of my choosing, so I tackled the topic of leisure versus rest and the sabbath. I plan to use much of that for a chapter on leisure in retirement.

I’m off from school over the summer and hoping to make solid progress writing the book. I’m still plenty busy enjoying my grandchildren, working with the youth group at my church, and serving at a local food pantry (With Love From Jesus). Both of those ministries have also given me the opportunity to rekindle my love of public speaking by giving talks. I need to write one for Wednesday morning once I finish this blog! I’ve also joined a local writers’ group in Wilmington.

I’m planning to try an experiment by writing the book in front of you all. My goal is to do a weekly blog that will include material from the book as well as some behind-the-scenes looks at what writing this book is like. My hope is to get your feedback and insights, whether you are retired or are still in the planning or preparation stages.

Much of the book will need to be about what the Bible says about retirement, both directly (very little) and indirectly by applying general biblical principles to retirement. Seminary is helping me do that. I also feel it would be good to include other people’s experiences about retirement and preparing for it. That is another area where I would like your help. I'd love your thoughts on questions like, what surprised you about retirement? What has been difficult? What do you wish you had known before retiring? What are you worried/scared about when you retire? What would you find useful to read about? Please send me any thoughts or anecdotes as well as how anonymous you would like to remain if I use what you send.

Next week, I plan to share an early draft of a section of the book.