Community Church of the Verdes
October 15, 2019
“An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God’s Purpose for the Next Season of Life” by Jeff Haanen – (Chapters 5, 6, and 7)
Facilitator: Michael Northrup
1. Introduction:
A. Recap of chapters 3 and 4 on Calling and Work
B. Pages 48 and 53 of “Defined” on calling
C. Overcoming the obstacles to fulfilling ones calling
D. Discussion: What thoughts did you have over the last week regarding how you fit in, what work you are called to do in these retirement years in the Body of Christ?
2. Chapter Five: Time
A. Page 103: “Retirement is a contemporary social construct”
B. Redeeming the time: Psalm 90:12
C. Page 108 – shut off the TV
3. Chapter Six: Health
A. Attitude regarding aging and health: stay positive
B. The body as a temple of the holy spirit – how to care for it properly
C. I Corinthians 6:20 – what it means to honor God with our bodies
D. Discuss: How to overcome the retirement and adult community temptations of excesses in food and alcohol
4. Chapter Seven: Learning
A. Proverbs 4:7 – “Though it cost all you have, gain understanding”
B. Page 130 – “Brain Rules for Aging Well” by John Medina
C. Page 135 – “Who we become is more important than what we know”
D. Discussion: What are all the options that retirees have available to them, and how does one choose to pursue godly learning?
5. Conclusions:
A. Discuss: How has reading this book thus far, changed some of your attitudes toward retirement, if at all?
B. Would you recommend this book to others you know in other communities around the same age? Why or why not?
C. What questions do you have about a godly retirement that we have not yet addressed?
D. Next Week: Final Session – Mentoring, Family, and Hope (Chapters 8-10)