iRetire4Him

FEATURING: Barak Strickland 

ORGANIZATION: Refire Nation 

What happens when you change one letter in a word? You get Barak Strickland’s “retire to refire” God-given mission.  

After retiring from a 40-year career in the Air Force, Barak thought he was entering a quieter season of life. Instead, God used unexpected transitions to spark something entirely new: Refire Nation – a community helping retirees rediscover meaning, service, and spiritual flourishing. 

Barak shares how retirees at his local church went from uncertainty and frustration to renewed joy and clarity through the “Flourish” experience, rooted in Psalm 92 and focused on helping people bear fruit in every season of life. The conversation is filled with encouragement for anyone wondering if their most impactful years may still be ahead. 

What you’ll hear in this episode: 

• Why Barak believes “retirement is temporary, but refirement is forevermore” 

• How God used unexpected life changes to open new ministry opportunities 

• The powerful transformation happening through the Flourish groups 

• Why retirees are wired for purpose, not perpetual leisure 

• How Refire Nation is helping people connect, learn, and serve 

• Details about the national neighborhood picnic challenge 

• Opportunities to get involved with Refire Nation 

You’ll also hear Jim launch the iRetire4Him Summer Picnic Initiative: a simple but powerful challenge to invite neighbors over, build real relationships, and create community right where you live. Listeners are encouraged to host a neighborhood picnic this summer, take a picture, and send it to [email protected] for a chance to win the grand prize. 

Whether you’re retired, approaching retirement, or simply asking God what’s next, this episode is a reminder that if you still have breath, you still have purpose! 

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FEATURING: Peter & Tini Lawry 

ORGANIZATION: Business as Mission 

We love watching God take couples on new adventures – even in retirement. In this encouraging episode, Jim and Martha sit down with Peter and Tini Lawry to talk about faith, retirement, mentoring, and learning to minister together again. 

Peter shares how, after years in business leadership, God told him he would never receive another regular paycheck, launching him into a new season of mentoring business owners, leading prayer ministry, discipling younger believers, and speaking prophetically into businesses and churches around the world. Tini shares how retirement opened opportunities to build meaningful relationships through hiking groups, biking clubs, the Lions Club, and intentional investment in her grandchildren’s lives. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode 

• Why Peter believes retirement was never meant to be “couch potato” living 

• How God led Peter from business into unpaid full-time ministry 

• The role mentoring plays in Peter’s life today – from business leaders to young adults in Bangladesh and Denmark 

• How Tini ministers to “pre-believers” through hiking, biking, and Lions Club relationships 

• Why grandparents have unique opportunities to disciple the next generation 

• How Peter and Tini discovered new ministry synergy while praying for people together during their US trip 

• The freedom Tini found when she realized everyday believers can pray, minister, and encourage others without formal ordination 

• Why loving your neighbors may be one of the Church’s greatest missed opportunities 

Jim and Martha also introduce the iRetire4Him summer picnic challenge, encouraging listeners to intentionally gather their neighbors for simple potluck-style hospitality as a practical way to love others and build meaningful relationships in their communities. Snap a picture of your picnic and send to [email protected] to be entered into our grand summer giveaway! 

Be sure to also hear more from Peter and Tini in their coinciding conversation on the iWork4Him Podcast, where they share more about bringing Kingdom impact into everyday work and leadership. 

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FEATURING: Ron ‘3-Putt’ Potter & Wes Kliner 

ORGANIZATION: Challenge Golf 

What if your next round of golf wasn’t just a game but a God-given opportunity? In this episode, Jim and Martha talk with Ron “3-Putt” Potter and Wes Kliner of Challenge Golf, who are using the fairway as a place for eternal impact – especially in the season of retirement. 

Ron, a former sales professional, stepped away from business to pursue a vision of reaching one million golfers with the Gospel. Wes, a retired attorney and judge, thought he’d keep working into his mid-70s, but instead answered the call to help lead this growing ministry. Together, they’re showing that retirement isn’t about slowing down; it’s about stepping into purpose. 

Through free monthly golf events, Challenge Golf creates space for real relationships with unbelieving and unchurched players. The Gospel is shared through serving participants, banquets, and intentional conversations, centered on the idea of a “mulligan”: a second chance we didn’t earn, pointing to the grace of Jesus. 

What you’ll hear in this episode: 

• How free golf events are drawing in unbelieving and unchurched golfers 

• Why relationships – not programs – lead to lasting impact 

• A powerful story of a man who came to faith years after attending an event  

• Their new 18-week discipleship journey modeled after 18 holes on the course 

• Why retirees are uniquely positioned to mentor and disciple others 

• The impact so far: 260+ decisions for Christ in recent events  

With new chapters launching across the Southeast, the opportunity is wide open to get involved, whether by inviting a friend, mentoring as a “caddie,” or helping start something new. If you’re a golfer, see how you can get involved with the mission of Challenge Golf!

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FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg 

ORGANIZATION: iRetire4Him 

Spring brings new life – and new opportunities to connect with the people around us. In this short solo episode, Jim Brangenberg challenges listeners to take a simple step toward loving their neighbors: host a picnic. Instead of complicated programs or formal outreach, Jim encourages something far more relational: inviting people into your space, sharing a meal, and simply spending time together. 

Jim reminds us that real transformation often begins with ordinary moments. A backyard picnic, a potluck dish, and an open invitation can create space for friendships to grow and conversations about faith to happen naturally. As the weather warms up, this episode offers a practical way to live out Jesus’ command to love your neighbor – one picnic at a time! 

P.S. – Don't forget that if you take a picture of your picnic and send it to Jim ([email protected]), he’ll send you a copy of the iRetire4Him book.

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FEATURING: Ken & Patti Sandel 

ORGANIZATION: Apartment Life 

What does it look like to turn an apartment complex into a mission field?  

Meet Ken and Patti Sandel, a couple in their 70s and 80s who are living on purpose inside a Tennessee apartment community where they host gatherings, build trust, and show up daily for neighbors who need a listening ear or steady presence.  

Instead of choosing typical comfort in retirement, Ken and Patti followed a different calling – one that placed them in a community many would overlook. Through simple, consistent presence, they’re creating connection, offering care, and demonstrating what it means to truly love your neighbor right where you live. 

What you’ll hear in the episode: 

• Why Ken and Patti chose mission over leisure in retirement 

• How Apartment Life creates opportunities to build community and share faith 

• What it practically looks like to love and serve neighbors in an apartment setting 

• The challenges of building trust in a hurting and skeptical community 

• Simple, relational ways to make a lasting impact (from events to everyday presence) 

• The unexpected moments where ministry becomes deeply personal 
• Why living among people changes everything 

Ken and Patti’s story is a reminder that purpose isn’t tied to a season of life. It’s rooted in obedience. Whether in an apartment complex, neighborhood, or workplace, there’s an invitation to live with intention and bring Jesus into everyday spaces and moments.  

If you’re wondering what your next season could look like, consider exploring Apartment Life and how you might step into a mission field right where people are already living. 

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FEATURING: Roy Goble 

ORGANIZATION: Junkyard Wisdom 

Seven years after first appearing on iWork4Him, author, business leader, and “junkyard philosopher” Roy Goble joins Jim and Martha Brangenberg on iRetire4Him to talk about life in what many people would call the retirement years. But Roy says he never got the memo about slowing down. Now closer to 70 than 60, he’s still running Goble Properties, writing Junkyard Wisdom devotionals, and finding joy in serving others through his work and generosity. 

Drawing from lessons learned growing up in his father’s junkyard, Roy shares how faith, purpose, and generosity continue to shape the way he approaches this season of life – and why retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from meaningful impact. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode 

• The deeper joy he finds in serving people through his work today 

• Why Roy’s motivation has shifted from ambition to impact 

• The role generosity plays in Roy’s family foundation and legacy planning 

• How writing Junkyard Wisdom devotionals opens doors for ministry 

• What Roy hopes the “final quarter” of life will be known for 

If you’d like to receive Roy’s daily encouragement, you can sign up for his “Junkyard Wisdom” devotional emails, where he shares short reflections on faith, leadership, generosity, and everyday life. 

For Roy, retirement isn’t about stepping away from purpose. It’s about continuing to live out your calling – faithfully, generously, and with love – right up to the very end.

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FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg 

ORGANIZATION: iWork4Him Ministries 

Our culture often treats retirement as the finish line, but Scripture never describes it that way. Followers of Jesus never retire from their calling to serve, lead, and love their communities. 

In this episode, Jim shares why he’s stepping into an unexpected new role: running for mayor of his small Missouri town. After decades of ministry encouraging believers in the workplace, Jim realized that the same calling applies long after traditional careers end. 

God had placed him in a community, given him relationships and influence, and opened the door to serve. The question became simple: Would he step forward or stay on the sidelines? 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• Why retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from purpose 

• How God used a move to a small town to open unexpected doors for influence 

• The biblical idea that everyone around us should benefit from our faith in Jesus 

• Why Christians withdrawing from civic life has left a leadership gap 

• How retirees often have the experience, wisdom, and time their communities desperately need 

• A challenge to consider serving locally, from school boards to city councils to community leadership 

Jim reminds listeners that the greatest enemy isn’t another candidate or political party. It’s the spiritual battle for the hearts and well-being of our communities. And that means believers are needed now more than ever. 

Instead of simply watching what happens in our cities, counties, and neighborhoods, what if we asked God where He wants us to serve next? Your career may have ended, but your mission hasn’t. Your experience, wisdom, and faith might be exactly what your community needs right now.  

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FEATURING: Bob Tiede 

ORGANIZATION: Leading with Questions 

At 77, Bob Tiede isn’t slowing down – he’s doubling down on purpose. In this episode of iRetire4Him, he explains why retirement isn’t about stepping away, but stepping into your most strategic years of influence (just like Moses, Joshua, and Caleb).  

Bob admits he once led as a “benevolent dictator:” kind but convinced a leader’s job was to figure it out and tell others what to do. Everything changed when he discovered a better model: lead with questions. 

Here’s what that might look like: 

• In leadership roles, ask: “What do you think we should do?” 

• Let others talk 80% of the time. 

• Follow up with: “Tell me more.” 

• In mentoring, ask deeper questions like: “What three or four events most shaped who you are today?” 

Why? Because when people answer their own questions, they own the outcome. And when they feel heard, they trust you. 

Bob also shares how this approach bridges generations. Younger leaders don’t want lectures. They want someone genuinely curious about their story. Ask well, listen carefully, and watch how influence grows naturally. 

His newest book, Success Unlocked, features 39 of the most impactful blog posts from over 1,300 blog articles on question-based leadership. 

Interested in putting your experience to work? Bob invites retirees to coach emerging leaders through Cru, just one hour every other week for two years (training provided). Just reach out to Bob at [email protected]. 

Retirement isn’t about having all the answers. 
It’s about asking better questions! 

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FEATURING: Rhonda Stoppe 

ORGANIZATION: No Regrets Woman 

Rhonda Stoppe joins Jim & Martha Brangenberg on iRetire4Him to talk honestly about marriage, mentoring, and purpose in the retirement years. Drawing from her own story, Rhonda explains why “old ladies know stuff” isn’t about having it all together but about sharing wisdom shaped by both faithfulness and failure. 

She addresses the rise of “gray divorce,” the lie that happiness comes after leaving a long-term marriage, and why retirement requires couples to intentionally create new rhythms. Rhonda shares practical insights on staying connected in marriage, setting healthy boundaries in mentoring relationships, and avoiding the trap of becoming roommates in this season of life. 

Rhonda also gives a glimpse into life after her husband Steve’s retirement, from ranch life and caring for family to cheering each other on as callings shift but don’t disappear. She encourages retirees to step into mentoring roles, build new and deep community, and stay spiritually engaged rather than checking out. 

The conversation highlights Rhonda’s podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff, along with several of her books, including The Marriage Mentor (co-written with her husband Steve), Moms Raising Sons to Be Men, A Christian Woman’s Guide to Great Sex and Marriage, and her upcoming release Moms of the Bible. Check them out! 

Other episode mentions: 

• Past interview with Rhonda and her husband Steve from iWork4Him: “Marriage Mentoring Saves Marriages” 

• iRetire4Him Podcast episode featuring Cynthia Ruchti, discussing her book Spouse in the House 

• Rhonda is speaking at the Legacy Grandparenting Summit in Dallas, March 19–21, and invites you to come, too.  

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FEATURING: Victor Dawson 

ORGANIZATION: Summit Group International  

What would change if you saw every day as an opportunity to live on mission? 

In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha Brangenberg sit down with Victor Dawson, author of As You Go, to reframe how believers view retirement through the lens of the Great Commission. Victor challenges the cultural idea of “being done” and invites listeners into a purposeful, faith-filled way of living that continues well beyond a paycheck. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode 

• Why Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19 are better understood as “as you go,” not “go somewhere” 

• How retirement creates new freedom to live out faith in daily, ordinary moments 

• Victor’s lifelong purpose statement and how it guides his daily decisions 

• The role prayer plays in noticing divine opportunities 

• Why sharing your faith doesn’t carry the pressure to “save” anyone 

• How mentoring and discipleship often become mutual, life-giving relationships 

• A powerful mentoring story that shows how God’s Word truly does not return void 

• Simple ways to spark meaningful faith conversations anywhere life takes you 

Victor Dawson brings the “as you go” message to life through a long-term mentoring relationship with Brett, a younger man navigating faith, career pressure, and personal crisis. What began as intentional discipleship over coffee became a relationship marked by deep trust, spiritual growth, and mutual encouragement. 

Throughout their time together, Victor consistently reminded Brett of three foundational truths:  

1. God loves you more than you can imagine 

1. God has a plan and purpose for your life 

1. Trusting God means He will take care of you  

Years later, during Victor’s own difficult moment, Brett was prompted by God to reach out and repeat those same words back to him – powerfully illustrating how discipleship often flows both ways and how faithfulness bears fruit over time. 

“As you go” doesn’t require a platform or program, but prayerful attentiveness and a willingness to engage. Sometimes it starts with a simple, courageous question: “Are you the reason I’m here today?” In ordinary moments God opens doors for conversations that can impact eternity. 

Resources Mentioned 

• As You Go by Victor Dawson – a practical guide to sparking conversations that impact eternity 

• Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) – a global ministry focused on evangelism and discipleship 

• iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement – your field guide for living your retirement years with more significance than you ever imagined 

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