PODCAST
Unlocking God’s Purpose for the Christian Retiree
Welcome to the iRetire4Him Podcast where you’ll get practical, tactical, factual, and biblical advice on living out your retirement years with purpose.
Delivered by your hosts Jim & Martha Brangenberg, let’s plan your retirement journey together so you can say, “I Retire 4 Him!”
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111: Live the Fruitful Life
Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy
This episode of the iRetire4Him Podcast wraps up the “grumpy” series by going over a few more reasons retirees might be grumpy. As Bruce always notes, we must be aware of these issues to prepare for and combat them. Some challenges that make us grumpy? It could be transitioning to different living accommodations due to aging, frustrations with technology, and even disputes over church music preferences.
Sheila Arrington, the second segment guest, shares her journey of finding purpose and ministry in retirement, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to fulfilling God's call. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding new avenues for service and contribution, even in retirement. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with aging, the message is clear: as Christians, there's no room for grumpiness. Instead, retirees are encouraged to embrace the fruitful life offered by Jesus, living out the fruit of the Spirit to overcome grumpiness.
You’re invited to connect with resources like Bruce's new book, Living the Fruitful Life, and Sheila Arrington Ministries for support and guidance in navigating the retirement journey with faith and purpose.
110: Surprises Bring Grumpiness
Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy
The last episode explored how declining health might make seniors grumpy, especially since it’s a life change that nobody signs up for. This second episode in our “grumpy series” highlights how simple things like less sleep and side effects of medications can seriously affect our moods. How do we combat normal reactions to these common issues?
Bruce Bruinsma, founder of the Retirement Reformation, has the solution and has presented it in his new book Living the Fruitful Life. Producing spiritual fruit helps retirees to be proactive in their daily attitude when facing the problems aging might bring. Leaning into the Holy Spirit is key! Keep listening to hear more advice about Bruce’s book.
And along with this spiritual advice, Brad Watt joins to share some practical guidance on making the most of your assets. He and his company help seniors to walk through something called 1031 DST investment strategies, which essentially can set you up with a passive income stream using an asset you already own but don’t use (like property). If this is something you might be interested in, contact Brad for more information.
109: Why are Old People Grumpy?
Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy
In episode 109 of the iRetire4Him Podcast, Jim and Bruce explore the seemingly simple question - “why are old people grumpy?” As you’ll hear in the show, grumpiness in retirees can be attributed to all sorts of things, including resistance to change, aches and pains, and the occasional memory slip. Bruce comically shares his own back pain ailments, turning him into a less-than-enthusiastic retiree.
The middle segment features a lively chat with Jennifer Mann, who shares her unexpected journey from finance to starting seminary (at age 58!), finding newfound purpose through caregiving. Amidst the grumpy conversation, Bruce introduces his upcoming book, Living the Fruitful Life, a guide to combat grumpiness with the Holy Spirit's help and apply the fruits of the Spirit to life's challenges. If you find yourself feeling grumpy these days, be sure to give this episode a listen and join us for the rest of the series!
108: Explore Your Next Steps
Part 3 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series
Retirement doesn't diminish one's calling – it enhances it! The episode features Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, discussing events like the Retirement Voices afternoon and evening events, aiming to guide retirees through their transitions with practical insights.
The conversation delves into the upcoming mission trips Bruce is leading, highlighting the collaboration with Compel Global for the Belize trip, scheduled April 14-20. Father-son duo, Steve and JJ Harling hop on in the second segment to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what Compel is helping with in Belize, inviting you to be a part of it this April!
The Serengeti Safari, set for May 10-21, promises a transformative experience in the vast landscapes of Tanzania, fostering community discussions on retirement transitions. Bruce underlines the value of these trips, not merely as travel experiences but as pivotal moments shaping the next chapters of retirees' lives. To learn more about these opportunities and how Compel Global is making a global impact, visit www.retirementreformation.org/compelled and www.retirementreformation.org/safari
107: Breathe Life into Your Retirement
Part 2 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series
In the latest iRetire4Him episode, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma delve into the purpose-filled world of retirement through the Oxygen for Life weekend events by Retirement Reformation. Rejecting the stereotype that retirement signals the end of one's calling, the event celebrates retirees, combats their silent departure from churches, and sparks conversations on finding meaning despite the world’s message of “do nothing.”
Special guest Hal Habecker of Finishing Well ministries joins us again to discuss what he’s noticed in Christian retirees and about what Finishing Well is doing to propel these “chronologically superior” folk from despondency to purpose. We also extend the invitation of two upcoming transformative trips: a hands-on mission in Belize and a captivating safari – both literal and spiritual – in Tanzania. Designed for those aged 50-80, these experiences promise to be life changing. Find more information on each trip at the links below:
Belize, April 14-20, 2024: https://retirementreformation.org/compelled
Tanzania, May 10-21, 2024: https://retirementreformation.org/safari
106: Invited to Impact
Part 1 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series
Learn more about Retirement Reformation’s Recreating Retirement Small Group Study, a unique curriculum designed to help retirees discover purpose and meaning at different stages of retirement. Bruce emphasizes its flexibility for small groups in churches, community centers, or even living rooms.
In way of taking action, special guest Cindy King joins the conversation, highlighting the crucial need for wraparound grandparenting in the foster care system. She gives practical ideas for helping foster care families, so you can start supporting your own local foster and adoption families today.
We’re also excited to share details about upcoming trips to Belize and Tanzania this spring – and you’re invited! Tune in to the third segment to hear about Bruce’s vision for those trips, and find more information at www.RetirementReformation.org/compelled (Belize trip) and www.RetirementReformation.org/safari (Tanzania trip).
105: Wraparound Grandparenting Action Steps
Part 3 in the 3-Part Wraparound Grandparenting Series
It’s time to recognize the dilemma of foster care in America and realize the support that retirees can offer! According to Retirement Reformation founder Bruce Bruinsma, that’s the first step – awareness. Well, then it’s time to take action! This episode shares so many practical examples of what “wraparound grandparenting” might look like for retirees.
Focus on the Family’s VP of Advocacy for Children, Robyn Chambers, promotes wraparound grandparenting as an easy “on ramp” for Christian seniors to serve in the area of fostering/adoption. Everyone has a gift to give. Here are a few simple support ideas Bruce, Jim, and Robyn discussed:
Mentoring teens that will soon leave the foster care system, teaching them basic life skills and lessons
Giving foster/adoptive parents a break or night off
Helping with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting groceries
More ideas and information can be found in the downloadable Legacy of Love ebook. Robyn also mentions the resource WaitNoMore.org that encourages and equips “family allies” to take a more hands-on support approach.
Bring this idea to your pastor and church family. Let’s show the world how much the Church values children, foster/adoptive families, and retirees. Reformation in the foster care system in this country can start with YOU!
104: A Solution to the Foster Care Crisis
Part 2 in the 3-Part Wraparound Grandparenting Series
The iRetire4Him Podcast continues in its discussion of wraparound grandparenting, giving listeners more details, examples, and reasons to participate. Host Jim Brangenberg and Retirement Reformation founder Bruce Bruinsma delve into this concept, a solution to the crisis in foster care and adoption.
With 115,000 kids in need of homes and a lack of long-term support for foster parents, wraparound grandparenting involves engaging seniors aged 55 and older to provide a supportive network for fostering and adopting families. Bruce shares insights from his personal experience and highlights the positive impact of wraparound grandparenting.
Special guest Shayne Baker discusses Every Child Arkansas, an initiative addressing the foster care dilemma through collaboration. As the episode unfolds, Bruce emphasizes the importance of seniors engaging in meaningful ways to combat loneliness in their own lives while making a lasting impact on children and families. Learn more about wraparound grandparenting and how you can get involved at RetirementReformation.org/wraparound Look for the pop out bar to download the booklet "Legacy of Love."
103: Wraparound Grandparenting
Part 1 in the 3-Part Wraparound Grandparenting Series
Explore the revolutionary concept of wraparound grandparenting in this episode of iRetire4Him. Jim and Bruce delve into the crisis in the U.S. foster care system, introducing a solution that involves a support network of seniors for foster parents. Sharing a personal fostering story, Bruce emphasizes the impact of community support and discusses challenges in the foster care system.
During the second segment, we see how wraparound grandparenting can breathe life into your marriage. Brad Rhoads shares about helping married couples find meaning, purpose, and growth. When an older couple takes on a project like wraparound grandparenting – to come alongside a younger family that is fostering or adopting – they will inevitably grow and become stronger. Not to mention how significant a senior support network can be in the lives of couples that are fostering/adopting.
Discover the potential of wraparound grandparenting, providing relief for foster parents and a sense of community for seniors. Learn more about this "Legacy of Love" initiative on the Retirement Reformation website.
102: Intentionality, Focus, Service, & Advocacy
Part 3 in the 3-Part Retirement Reformation Manifesto Series
As we wrap up this series on the Retirement Reformation Manifesto, this episode reviews the final four principles and teaches us how we can put them together to represent the power of Jesus in our lives.
Intentionality and focus challenge the “American Dream” of retirement because they steer us toward Kingdom building activities and away from solely self-gratification. These two principles lead us to action steps like service and advocacy. Taking purpose-driven action contributes to our revitalization and shows the world that new opportunities exist, even during retirement.
Jon Hirst was someone who supported the idea of Retirement Reformation from the start, and he hops on in the second segment to talk with Jim and Bruce. Jon talks about the importance of putting all of the Manifesto principles together in Christ, not just looking at them separately. This helps each of us to grow and live out the Manifesto’s key verse, John 15:16: you’re chosen to bear fruit! At the end of the day, it’s about the balance of faithfulness and fruitfulness.
A couple of “action steps’ are coming soon through Retirement Reformation! You’ll be able to participate in a Legacy of Love (wraparound grandparenting) and intergenerational prayer ministry. Sign up to receive the bi-weekly iRetire4Him newsletter email, and we’ll make sure to announce when these ministries are ready for your involvement.