155: Retired to an RV – and a Pulpit

Michael Turner thought retirement might be slower and simpler. Instead, one year after stepping away from his company – and after a five-year intentional wind-down – he found himself living in an RV at a Georgia campground, fixing trailers, launching boats, mentoring veterans, and eventually preaching weekly to a pop-up campground church. What unfolded was not a retirement plan, but a clear picture of how God repurposes decades of experience for unexpected ministry. 

In This Conversation 

  • Michael describes his five-year transition out of leadership, remaining chairman while gradually releasing day-to-day responsibility and why that helped retirement feel less abrupt. 

  • A move to Georgia for his daughter’s college recruitment led to an unusual living arrangement: 16 months full-time in an RV at a large campground with both long-term and transient residents. 

  • Michael’s daily prayer: “Lord, use me however You want today” has opened constant opportunities for hands-on service: repairs, transportation, conversations, and practical care. 

  • A request to fill in once for a small campground Sunday service slowly became a weekly preaching role. 

  • Michael reflects on how decades as an executive prepared him for ministry – clear communication, preparation under pressure, anticipating questions, and engaging people from every background. 

  • Realizing the depth of questions being asked, he enrolled at age 65 in a master’s program focused on Christian Apologetics to better serve those he teaches. 

  • The campground church removes barriers many feel toward traditional church spaces, welcoming people exactly as they are – camp clothes, hard stories, skepticism and all. 

  • Retirement rhythms that matter: staying connected to friends, caring for health, developing hobbies, and avoiding aimlessness by setting 3 daily priorities. 

Next Steps 

  • Impact Other Retirees Through the PWI Swipe Tool 
    You can support the ministry by rounding up the change from everyday purchases through the PWI (Project World Impact) Swipe tool. Your spare change helps fund the work of iWork4Him and iRetire4Him. Learn more and sign up at iwork4him.com/donate

FEATURING: Michael Turner

ORGANIZATION: Retired businessman, Lake Pastor

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