Maybe it’s just the circles I move in, but I often hear Christians claim, “You don’t find retirement in the Bible.” This statement is usually used to argue that, when it comes to ministry, you never stop. The idea is that you don’t hit 68, collect your pension, and then stop serving God. But I think this comes from a misunderstanding of what retirement is.

Retirement Is in the Bible

First of all, let’s clear this up: retirement is in the Bible. Numbers 8 gives instructions for the Levites who served in the Tabernacle. In Numbers 8:25-26, it says:

"From the age of fifty years they shall retire from the duty of the service and serve no more. They may assist their brothers in the tent of meeting in carrying out their duties, but they shall perform no service."

So, there it is. Retirement is biblical. But let’s look deeper at this passage and its context.

A New Role in Ministry

Numbers 8:26 specifically says that after the age of 50, Levites could continue to assist their brothers in carrying out their duties. They didn’t stop doing ministry altogether. Instead, their role shifted. They moved from being the primary workers to supporting others with the wisdom they had gained over 25 years of service.

There are likely several reasons for this change. First, as the Levites aged, they might not have had the same energy or strength to serve in the physically demanding roles they held earlier in life. Second, stepping back created space for the next generation to step up and fill those roles.

Numbers 8:24 notes that Levites had to be at least 25 years old to begin serving in the Tabernacle. Additionally, Numbers 4:3 says that Levites could work in the Tabernacle only between the ages of 30 and 50. This has led some to interpret the age of 25 as the start of a training or apprenticeship phase.

A Model for the Church

The Tabernacle’s structure relied on three key groups:

• Those who were training and learning.
• Those who were actively doing the work.
• Those who were passing down wisdom and training others.

The church today needs the same balance. Retirement isn’t about stepping away from ministry or becoming irrelevant. It’s about transitioning into a new phase of life where you can focus on mentoring and empowering the next generation. It’s an opportunity to pass on the wisdom you’ve gained while allowing others to take the reins.

Retirement as a Blessing, Not a Shame

Retirement in ministry shouldn’t be seen as a point of shame or failure. It’s a natural and healthy progression that allows the church to thrive across generations. When seasoned leaders step into mentoring roles, they create a legacy that continues to shape and strengthen the community of faith.