In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha Brangenberg take a surprising trip across the pond—to Downton Abbey! While it may sound like a lighthearted detour, the grand finale of the beloved British series offers powerful lessons for every retired believer navigating life’s next transition. 

Retirement isn’t the end of purpose—it’s a new beginning. Drawing inspiration from characters like Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore, and Lady Mary, Jim and Martha unpack timeless truths about passing the baton, mentoring the next generation, and embracing change with grace. 

From the butler who wonders if his life’s work still matters, to the cook who lifts her apprentice into leadership, Downton Abbey becomes a mirror of what God calls us to in this season: to keep serving, teaching, and investing in others. Because as Jim reminds us, if you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose. 

Key Takeaways for Retirees 

• Retirement is not a 30-year vacation—it’s a calling to a new mission field. 

• Your wisdom and experience are needed now more than ever in your community and church. 

• Passing the baton well means mentoring others and celebrating their success. 

• Transition done with grace honors God and strengthens relationships. 

• As Downton Abbey reminds us: we move “forward into the future, not back into the past.” 

For Those Near or In Retirement 

Whether you’ve already stepped away from full-time work or are preparing to, this episode will encourage you to see this next chapter as a divinely appointed opportunity. God still has plans for you—to disciple, to serve, to pour into others—and to live fully in His purpose for your later years. 

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Two incredible sponsors that made this show possible: 

• SaferNet VPN, more than just a sponsor – it's how Jim and Martha protect their devices at both work and home. With internet filters and controls along with antivirus, make sure you get SaferNet on your phones and computers! 

• Instead of giving money to businesses that don’t stand on biblical principles (far from it), take your wallet to Patriot Mobile, where you can get the same great cell service at an affordable rate, supporting faith, family, and freedom. Make the switch

FEATURING: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

ORGANIZATION: iWork4Him Ministries

Is retirement really the end of your impact—or the perfect time to “refire” your purpose? In this powerful conversation, Jim Brangenberg talks with John McCarthy, founder of Purpose Promise, about how believers over 55 can turn retirement into a season of legacy, wisdom transfer, and renewed calling. 

Jim and John discuss how the American dream of retirement has trapped many Christians in a “retirement prison,” when God’s design is for older generations to invest their wisdom and experience into the body of Christ. Instead of losing identity and drifting into boredom, John explains how retirees can reshape their later years around biblical principles of vocation, discipleship, and intentional living. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why retirement as it’s been done isn’t the answer 

• How Scripture shows that God’s people thrive when wisdom is passed down to the next generation 

• Why John calls it “refirement” instead of retirement—and how it leads to joy and purpose 

• Practical retreat tools that help retirees remap beliefs, habits, and rhythms around God’s design 

• How staying rooted in your city and community can transform culture, instead of “moving away” and leaving a wisdom gap 

Explore and discover resources at PurposePromise.org. And for a limited time, get a free copy of iRetire4Him with a donation of any amount to iWork4Him Ministries. Give at iWork4Him.com/donate and let us know in the “notes” section of the donation page where to send your book.  

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 Make the switch to Patriot Mobile, America’s only Christian conservative cell service provider! You can get great, affordable cell service while supporting causes that promote faith, family, and freedom. Signing up is a breeze: www.PatriotMobile.com/iWork4Him

FEATURING: John McCarthy

ORGANIZATION: Purpose Promise

After 37 years of teaching in St. Paul, returning iRetire4Him Podcast guest Sheila Arrington thought retirement meant slowing down. Instead, God led her to Arizona and into a new season of ministry. From founding the Purposely Designed Conference to mentoring women through her ministry, Sheila shows that retirement isn’t an ending—it’s an opportunity to glorify God in fresh ways. 

In this episode, Sheila shares how: 

• Leaving her Minnesota roots opened the door to God’s new assignments 

• God is using her to empower and equip women 

• A sabbatical taught her the importance of sitting with God before doing for God 

• Retirement is not about checking out but stepping into deeper purpose 

If you’ve ever wondered what God might have in store for your retirement years, Sheila’s story will inspire you to see this season as a powerful new beginning! 

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Special iRetire4Him book offer: 

When you give to iWork4Him Ministries, we’ll send you a copy of the iRetire4Him book! Just make a donation and in the “notes” let us know your mailing address.  

FEATURING: Sheila Arrington

ORGANIZATION: Sheila Arrington Ministries

Too often, our culture paints the later chapters of life as a time to slow down and focus on personal leisure. But what if this season is when you can live out your Christian legacy most fully—mentoring younger generations, sharing your faith, and showing the world what a vibrant life looks like? 

In this episode, Father Greg McBrayer—Anglican priest, aviation chaplain, and 46-year veteran of American Airlines—shares how God is using his decades of experience to make an eternal impact. From leading one of the largest airport chaplaincy programs in the world to investing in the lives of coworkers and ministry leaders, Greg shows how post-career years can be your most fruitful season yet. 

You’ll hear how to: 

• Find greater purpose beyond your career by serving God in the marketplace and your community 

• Use your experience to mentor younger generations and strengthen the next wave of leaders 

• Identify opportunities for post-retirement ministry that bring joy, meaning, and impact 

• Embrace your unique calling and keep serving in faith and work environments, even in highly secular spaces 

• Build a Christian legacy that inspires others long after the workday ends 

Whether you’re still working, recently retired, or in a new season of volunteering and ministry, this conversation will encourage you to see your life as a lifelong calling from God—one that doesn’t end with a job title. 

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Links and resources mentioned in this show: 

• SaferNet.com - protect yourself from digital delinquency with an amazing app from a Kingdom business 

• US Christian Chamber of Commerce – a network of marketplace influencers for the Kingdom; grab your mentees and register for the SWC 2026 Business Expo in Orlando, April 22-24 (use code IWORK4HIM) 

• Get your copy – in print, digital, or audio – of the iRetire4Him book for tons of examples and resources to live out your “retired” years with purpose and impact! 

FEATURING: Greg McBrayer

ORGANIZATION: American Airlines