Mike Wolanin | The Republic Pastor Steve Yeaton poses for a photo at First Christian Church in Columbus, Ind., Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. The church is hosting the Never Too Old retirement conference.
Sometimes, perspective can be nearly everything when it comes to retirement. First Christian Church Senior Minister Steve Yeaton will tell you as much.
He’s among organizers of the church’s Never Too Old conference scheduled Feb. 2-3 to be held at First Christian in d0wntwn Columbus. The gathering is meant to help seniors planning to retire or those who already have done so make the most of their faith-filled later years — all while keeping everything from their bodies to their finances as sound as possible.
“There’s an old saying out there that you don’t retire until you’re retiring to something, not from something,” Yeaton said.
More than 40 people were registered earlier this week, but organizers would love to see as many as 200 at the event open to all. The keynote speaker is former seminary leader and current pastor and author David Faust of East 91st Christian Church in Indianapolis. Faust is beyond traditional retirement age, but remains in full-time ministry.
“Retirement is not a Biblical concept,” Yeaton said. “It’s a different season.
“And so as I think about myself as I get older — a few short years away from 60 and looking beyond this role — I look forward to a season of life where I’m still doing ministry, but maybe I can focus on those areas of ministry that I’m extremely passionate about and maybe let some of those things go that I’m not as strong at or as passionate about.”
The conference is anchored on Scripture from Psalm 92:14: “They shall bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing.”
One conference presenter is Steve Brown, 65, retired from the Columbus Police Department and recently retired instructor with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where he was physical fitness instructor. Brown issued two disclaimers about his speaking on staying fit: that he is hardly a fitness expert, and that anyone beginning an exercise regimen should first check with their doctor.
“I think the big thing for people to remember is to be doing something, if they’re able, just to keep moving,” Brown said.
For those whose movement might be limited, Brown will demonstrate using resistance bands for strength training and also sets of chair exercises that can be done.
“If people haven’t exercised, they have to be careful to start out slow and work in moderation,” Brown said.
Lisa Newton, a licensed mental health counselor with the counseling ministry of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, will speak of grieving loss, which will include far more than a loved one’s death. Her presentation will cover losses such as that of a career, or a parenting role and more.
Other conference topics include grandparenting, estate planning, and preparing for life after work.
First Christian Church Communications Director Christy Farrell mentioned that even the most limited older person can remain invaluable to a church or ministry, especially as one praying for others.
“All of this is just about showing that everyone is still valuable no matter what age they are, and that you still have something to offer no matter what,” Farrell said. “I know that sometimes older people might say, ‘Well, I served my time. I’m not needed anymore. I’m past that.’
“Well, they’re still valuable. They can still bring something to the table because they can help the younger person, or teach the younger person something just by example. Even if someone can’t physically work in children’s department, they I can pray.
“We have several of our older volunteers work work in children’s ministry. I call them senior saints, and they’re amazing.”
About the event
What: Never Too Old retirement conference
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2. And 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 3. Registration deadline is Jan. 26.
Where: First Christian Church, 531 Fifth St. in Columbus
Cost: Both days – $20 (includes 2 meals). Feb. 2 only – $10 (includes dinner). Feb. 3 only – $15 (includes lunch)
Information: fccoc.org
