Posts tagged wraparound grandparents
141: A Mission Trip You Can Take From Home

What if retirement wasn’t about slowing down, but stepping into something more purposeful? 

In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha Brangenberg sit down with Mike Henry, the founder of Follower of One. Now in his 60s, Mike shares how God stirred his heart not to retire from something, but to lean into a new mission: helping everyday Christians live their faith right where they are—whether that’s at work, at home, or even in line at the coffee shop. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Now what?”—this conversation is full of encouragement and practical next steps. 

What You’ll Learn: 

  • Why retirement is a chance to choose how you serve, not just stop working. 

  • What the Follower of One community is all about, and how it equips believers to live out their faith. 

  • How “Marketplace Mission Trips” work, and why you don’t need a suitcase or passport to take one – or even a marketplace! 

  • Why your life experience matters more than ever—and how to share it with others who need it. 

  • How simple daily choices, like being present and available, can become powerful acts of ministry. 

How You Can Get Involved: 

  1. Join a Marketplace Mission Trip 
    Experience a weeklong “trip” that teaches you how to see your daily life as your mission field. No travel required—just a willingness to be intentional where you already are. 

  1. Join the Online Community 
    Meet others who are choosing to live their faith with purpose—retirees, working professionals, students, and everyone in between.  

  1. Lead a Small Group at Your Church 
    Use Follower of One’s six-week discussion guide to start a faith-at-work group. It's simple to lead and a great way to pour into other generations. 

  1. Support the Ministry Financially 
    Follower of One is donor-supported. Your contributions help equip more believers to live on mission every day. 

  1. Bring the Mission Trip Experience to Your Church 
    Help your church expand its impact by offering a Marketplace Mission Trip alongside traditional mission opportunities. Follower of One makes it easy to implement and customize your church’s needs. 

Why It’s Worth Your Time: 

Retirement doesn’t mean your influence stops. In fact, it may just be the beginning of your most impactful season yet. You’ve got wisdom, experience, and time—three powerful tools for Kingdom work. Whether you’re 55 or 85, Follower of One offers a simple, practical way to keep making a difference. 

Connect with iRetire4Him: 

FEATURING: Mike Henry, Sr. 

MINISTRY: Follower of One

140: You Only Have Today

Joan Farley shares her remarkable journey of saying “yes” to God throughout her life—including in retirement. From her childhood as a missionary kid to global ministry with her husband Charles, Joan’s story is marked by trust, resilience, and purpose. 

Now at 70, Joan is a published author of the Christian fiction novel Letters to Cassie, written to encourage and mentor young women. She also shares about caregiving for her 99-year-old mother, missionary trips with her husband, and even discovering and developing new skills later in life. 

Highlights: 

  • A life of global service and flexibility in following God’s lead 

  • The power of mentoring and writing fiction with spiritual depth 

  • Facing health challenges in retirement with faith and purpose 

  • Why investing in people is the only legacy that lasts 

Takeaway: 
Retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new season for impact. Whether through mentoring, writing, caregiving, or creative pursuits, God still has more for you

Get the Book: 
Letters to Cassie is available on Amazon—perfect for a granddaughter, a young woman in your church, or a teen who needs encouragement! 

Connect with iRetire4Him: 

FEATURING: Joan Farley

MINISTRY: Letters to Cassie

139: “You’re Free”

This episode, host Jim Brangenberg takes us to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to meet Paul Nichols, who discovered that retirement isn't about having a rigid plan but about being obedient to God's daily calling. After 30 years with the United Auto Workers, Paul has spent the last 20+ years in retirement serving as a chaplain to workers and retirees—conducting funerals, weddings, hospital visits, and providing spiritual guidance. His story shows what happens when you stay available to serve where God has already planted you. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOU 

  • Your retirement years can be even more purposeful and fulfilling than your working years when you remain available to serve others. 

  • Meeting people "right where they're at" without judgment creates opportunities for genuine ministry and meaningful connections. 

  • Staying physically and mentally active through community involvement, recreation, and service is vital for a vibrant retirement. 

  • The workplace relationships, skills, and industry knowledge you've built over decades can become your most effective ministry platform. 

YOUR NEXT STEP 

Consider providing chaplaincy-like support in your former workplace or community. You don't need an official title to be present during others' celebrations or crises. Check if your industry has chaplaincy programs you could join, or simply be available to those who already know and trust you. 

CONNECT WITH US 

Ready for your retirement years to become 30+ years of purpose-driven, fully-funded ministry? Your next chapter awaits! 

FEATURING: Paul Nichols

MINISTRY: Retired United Auto Workers Chaplain

138: Shifting Gears, Not Goals

In this inspiring episode, Jim sits down with Jeff Wilson—longtime friend, brother-in-law, and faithful servant-leader—to explore how retirement can be a season of joyful purpose and ministry. Jeff reflects on his first year of retirement and how he's rediscovering meaning through family, church involvement, and a soon-to-begin part-time job in transit driving. If you're contemplating retirement or wondering what comes next, Jeff’s story is a testament to the idea that retirement is not the end—it’s a new beginning. 

Key Highlights: 

  • Serving Through Simplicity 
    Jeff shares how he's embraced roles like leading a small group at church and preparing to drive a community transit bus—all with a heart to serve. 

  • Family and Faith Connections 
    In a fun twist, listeners learn that Jeff is Jim’s brother-in-law—and has known him since age 11! They reflect on the examples set by their parents and the different ways retirees are embracing (or avoiding) purposeful living. 

  • A Call to Engage 
    Jeff urges retirees to plug into their local church and community, offering themselves for whatever is needed—whether sweeping floors or leading Bible studies. 

GIVEAWAY ALERT: 

Win a FREE autographed copy of iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement! Here’s how: 

  1. Subscribe to the iRetire4Him YouTube channel

  1. Email your YouTube username to Jim@iWork4Him.com

  2. Be one of 3 lucky winners! 

Final Word: 

“Seek, and God will provide.” — Jeff Wilson 

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already in it, this episode will encourage you to see this life stage as one full of Kingdom potential. 

FEATURING: Jeff Wilson 

MINISTRY: Former iWork4Him Ministries Board Chairman

137: Jim’s Plea to Retirees

In this powerful episode, Jim Brangenberg shares a heartfelt message about the real purpose of retirement. Many retirees have been led to believe that retirement is solely about relaxation and pleasure, but Jim challenges this idea, revealing it’s a lie that sidelines some of the most valuable members of God's kingdom. 

Instead of stepping back, retirees have an incredible opportunity to step forward—mentoring, serving, and influencing the next generation. Whether through volunteering, mentoring younger believers, or simply loving neighbors well, every retiree has a role to play in restoring faith and culture in our communities. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Retirement isn't the end of your calling. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. 

  • Faith in action transforms culture. Engage with those around you, share wisdom, and serve others. 

  • You are needed. The next generation is searching for guidance, and your experience and faith can help shape the future. 

  • Find your new mission. Whether through politics, community service, mentoring, or local outreach, there is work to be done. 

Get Involved: 

  • Check out the book iRetire4Him for inspiring stories and practical guidance. 

  • Have a story about living out your faith in retirement? Email Jim at Jim@iWork4Him.com - he’d love to hear from you! 

FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg

MINISTRY: iRetire4Him

136: Retirement – The Best is Yet to Come!

Retirement is often seen as the finish line, but what if it’s actually a new starting point? In this episode, Jim and Martha Brangenberg sit down with Ross Harrop, whose so-called "retirement" has been anything but restful! After 33 years with the Boy Scouts of America and time as an executive pastor, Ross found himself searching for purpose in his next chapter. Instead of slowing down, he leaned into God’s plan and discovered a new calling as a C12 chair, mentoring Christian business leaders. 

Join us as Ross shares how faith, business, and retirement intersect, and how God can use every season of our lives for His glory. 

What You’ll Learn: 

  • The role of C12 in transforming Christian business leaders 

  • How God has been preparing you for your “retirement” years 

  • How to recognize and step into God’s plan for your next chapter 

  • The power of mentorship and discipleship in the workplace 

Thinking About Your Next Season? 
Whether you’re approaching retirement or just wondering what’s next, this conversation will inspire you to keep pursuing God’s purpose for your life.

Resources & Links: 

  • Learn more about C12 

Connect with Us: 

Enjoyed this episode? 
Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review to help more people integrate faith and work! 

Let’s redefine retirement – together

FEATURING: Ross Harrop 

MINISTRY: C12 

135: What Do Two 58-year-olds Know About Retirement?

Jim and Martha Brangenberg are only 58 – so what do they really know about retirement? A lot more than you’d think! After living in a retirement community for over two decades, they’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to life after a paycheck. 

In this episode, they challenge the American dream of retirement and explore the biblical perspective: Is retirement really about endless relaxation, or is there a greater purpose? They unpack what the Bible says, share stories of retirees who are thriving, and discuss how to prepare – mentally, spiritually, and practically – for a life of impact in your later years. 

If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after work, this episode will shift your perspective. Because if you have a pulse, you have a purpose! 

  • Share your retirement story: 866-713-9675 

Let’s redefine retirement – together

FEATURING: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

134: The Best of iRetire4Him – Impact in Action

Part 2 in our “best of iRetire4Him” series highlights two powerful conversations that introduced and expanded on the concept of wraparound grandparenting. We first discussed this idea with Dr. Sharen Ford, encouraging retirees to step into roles as mentors and supporters for foster and adoptive families. Drawing from her 30-year career in child welfare and her mission at Focus on the Family, Dr. Ford reminds us that everyone can do something to support vulnerable children. 

Cindy King of Keystone Family Alliance brings wraparound grandparenting to life, showing how this revolutionary idea provides love and stability to foster families. With over 400,000 children in the foster care system, she calls on the Church to step up and support families in practical ways—offering meals, childcare, mentorship, and encouragement. 

Your retirement can be a season of impact. Whether through fostering, volunteering, or simply offering support, you can help change lives. Visit RetirementReformation.org to learn more about Legacy of Love and how you can get involved. 

www.RetirementReformation.org 

FEATURING: Dr. Sharen Ford & Cindy King

133: The Best of iRetire4Him – A Biblical “Retirement”

Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about stepping into a new purpose! In this special “best ofshow, we revisit two powerful conversations with Dr. LD Buckingham and Phil Burks, two men who prove that God’s calling doesn’t come with an expiration date. 

LD Buckingham, after 45 years of pastoring, didn’t retire—he redefined his mission. Now in his 80s, he mentors pastors and helps churches grow, proving that purpose fuels passion at any age. His advice? Stay curious, embrace change, and invest in the next generation. True joy comes from living with intentionality. 

Phil Burks, a successful entrepreneur, doesn’t believe in retirement—he calls it reassignment. Instead of stepping away from work, he uses his experience to mentor young business leaders and missionaries. His message is simple: Pause if you need to but never stop. God still has work for you to do! 

If you’re wondering what’s next in your life, this episode will challenge you to rethink retirement and step boldly into your calling. Listen now and discover how to say iRetire4Him every day! 

www.RetirementReformation.org 

FEATURING: LD Buckingham & Phil Burks 

132: Your Local Impact

Part 2 of the 2-Part Series on Neighboring 

In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma dive into the powerful impact retirees can have on their local communities. With the freedom that comes after leaving the workforce, retirement offers a unique opportunity to pour into others. From mentoring younger generations to supporting foster families, retirees have the chance to build connections and meet real needs. Bruce shares examples of simple yet meaningful actions, like mentoring someone at a church event or organizing groups to assist foster families with meals, chores, and encouragement. 

The episode also features returning guest Amy Ford of Embrace Grace, who highlights how churches are changing lives by extending compassion and grace to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Through practical support like baby showers, mentoring, and prayer, they celebrate life while showing these women they’re not alone. 

Jim and Bruce encourage listeners to look around and ask, “Who needs my help?” Whether it’s seniors, families, or neighbors, every community has unmet needs. Volunteer opportunities abound in schools, food banks, and other local organizations, and even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. Retirees are challenged to step up, serve their neighbors, and create lasting change. Listen for practical ideas of how to get involved and be a good neighbor!

www.RetirementReformation.org

SHOW GUESTS: Amy Ford

Ministry: Embrace Grace