Community Church of the Verdes
October 1, 2019
“An Uncommon Guide to Retirement” by Jeff Haanen
Facilitator: Michael Northrup
1. Introduction:
A. Overview of 10 chapters to cover in four weeks
B. Purpose of this material in an adult community
C. History and demographics of the Verdes, why this class now?
D. Personal goals to set, objectives, questions to answer
2. Chapter One: The Culture
A. Retirement is a social construct
B. How the world predominately views the purpose of retirement years
C. A biblical response to the world view: Ephesians 2:2, Romans 12:2
D. A godly mindset in approaching retirement
3. Significance and Purpose in Life:
A. Lifelong questions are still the same
B. Finding purpose and significance of life from God’s perspective (Colossians 3:1-4)
C. God’s direction for priorities – examples of David (Psalm 27:4), and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)
4. Chapter Two: Sabbath
A. Discussion: (p. 35) “Retirement as a life of Vacation has an initial appeal, but eventually it leaves many with a sense of needing to fill a ‘hole in my life’.”
B. Purpose of Sabbath and Rest from God’s perspective
C. Work, career, identity (p. 40)
D. Planning a Sabbatical: elements and intent (p. 44)
E. Recreation as ‘Re-creation’, means to renewal, not an end in itself
F. Redeeming the time vs. occupying the time – what is the difference?
5. Conclusions for Session One:
A. The counter-cultural wisdom of Christian faith for retirement (p. 51)
B. Discussion: “God, what are you calling me to do in retirement?”
C. How has this session helped in your evaluation of your current lifestyle?