SEASON 3
Back in 2003 we switched out a few pastors on my five-member Lead Team here in a regional association of 104 southwest Florida churches where I was gratefully serving. We would weave in some younger guys to stay fresh and creative across generational lines as we would offer consultation on everything from crisis intervention and transitional assistance to strategic networking and long-range planning in serving the Lord.
As with any new team, we had to allow ample time for the learning curve and getting acquainted, which I absolutely loved. During a wonderful time of mutual Q & A with our team, my 66-year-old brain at the time got caught a little bit off guard by a good, honest question from our youngest team member: “So, Dr. Mark, what is your 5-year plan for our association?”
At that moment, one of the many great scenes from “The Intern” with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, popped up in my mind. De Niro’s septuagenarian character was being interviewed for a senior adult internship at a hip, large company when suddenly, the young H.R. rep reflexively asked: “So, where do you see yourself in 10 years?” (Crickets.) “Oh, wait.” Loved that!!
Anyway, on this day, my reflexive response was to remind them that my predecessor had retired in his early seventies, that I would most likely do the same, and so recruiting them was part of my 5-year plan of passing the baton and making an easy on-ramp for whomever God would raise up to take my place. It sounded good to all of us at the time, but then Lindy, my very sweet and very smart wife, had a different view when I shared the story with her over dinner that night.
“Honey, are you sure about that? You are a young 66. You have great health and tons of wisdom and experience that is blessing so many pastors and churches. Why cut it short? Plus, I know you. I know how God designed you. You’ll go stir crazy around here if you retire that soon.” The next day, my administrative assistant totally agreed with my wife’s assessment and counsel when I shared the story with her.
Well, the whispers of God came through loud and clear as they gave me a fresh reminder that the Lord wants us to continue to be good stewards of all the things He designed and equipped us to do on this earth, till our dying day. And here’s the latest update in my journey with our creative God.
After a couple of years of laying the groundwork by subtly training those on my lead team for the day that I would be leaving, the Lord led me to pass the baton of regional ministry to them last August. That ended an 11-year Season 2 of my ministry career, which was preceded by a 33-year Season 1 of local church ministry as a pastor. Now, the Lord has opened the door to Season 3 for me at a global mission agency as the national director of soul care as of January, 2026. Apparently, He’s not finished with me yet, and I get to start a whole new era of ministry! What a privilege!
While our winter years are not like the earlier seasons of life in terms of a faster pace and largely finding our way, this is the season when we can offer guidance—gently—to the next couple of generations. We get to hopefully make their lives a little easier. A little wiser. And a little safer. That is a privilege. Maybe even a responsibility. So, let’s not quit on them. Let’s seize the season, wherever the Lord may put us, to share the things He’s given to us from above! And if you’re in a similar season as I am, be encouraged—you’ve still got game!
Still blessing others as I am able,
Pastor Mark
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