Preparing Your Heart & Your Head for Retirement

Retirement and Legacy Planning
Written By Ministry Forum

This webinar presentation was prepared and hosted by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

“Preparing Your Heart & Your Head for Retirement” is a video in the Healthy Pastors, Healthy Families series, hosted by Annie Rose and Roy Yankee, with guest Fred Lien of the EPC. The session explores how leaders can approach retirement with spiritual clarity, emotional health, and practical preparation.

Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry and counseling experience, Fred reflects on the internal work required before stepping out of a long-term call. The conversation centers on identity, grief, expectations, and the importance of preparing both relationally and financially.

Key themes include:

  • Rooting identity in being a child of God rather than in the pastoral role

  • Recognizing and processing grief in its various forms

  • Communicating early and clearly with congregations and presbyteries

  • Attending to the impact of retirement on a spouse and family

  • Clarifying expectations around celebration, continued relationships, and boundaries

  • Planning financially and practically for a sustainable next season

  • Establishing rhythms, relationships, and activities that support a healthy transition

The webinar also addresses the importance of trusted friendships, counseling, and denominational support in navigating this shift well. Throughout, the tone is reflective and pastoral, offering space for honest self-examination alongside practical guidance.

For those approaching retirement(or already in a new season and seeking to recalibrate) this conversation provides insight into how to move forward with integrity and peace.

Ministry Forum
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A Fond Farewell, Navigating a Healthy Pastoral Transition