You never retire from ministry

My father-in-law just announced to First Assembly his plans to retire as lead pastor.
He said he is ready to visit his daughter in California, exercise more often, and relax with his wife. He will continue to work some part-time hours as a pharmacist, but as of December 31, he won't be on anyone's payroll for full-time pastoral ministry.

Here's the most interesting part of the story.
The same day he announced his retirement of full-time ministry, he also hosted the best relational evangelism event I have ever been a part of.

He threw a block party.
Now, you need to know his house is one of the few single-home houses left on the his street. Everything else has been chopped up into rental property that is a VERY affordable option for housing...if you know what I mean.

So... Sunday 4-20-08 came and the 1400 block of Lafayette Avenue were full of free hamburgers and hotdogs. Coolers full of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprint...no cheap generic stuff. Yard games. He even booked a live band.

He is investing in his neighborhood. He wants to be an influence in their lives. He cares about them.

Some say he retired from ministry. I say he got a complete salary reduction and will continue loving people, loving God and loving to serve others until he dies.

Pastor Van may not be lead pastor of First Assembly in 2009, but he will definitely be involved in full-time ministry to his neighborhood and the community for the next several years to come.


Pics and video from the block party:




My son being a "funky white boy." {video}