"I would rather burn out than rust out."

Have you ever heard that statement before?

Some retort, "Does it really matter how you get out? If you're out, you're out."

But it does matter.  The idea of burning the candle at both ends certainly includes the concepts of intensity and productivity.  Contrariwise, rusting out (at least in this context) implies sitting; doing nothing; contributing nothing.

I want to contribute; to do my part.  Until the very end, I want to be used of God.

The topic for this episode is difficult (to me) because it’s hard to imagine ever stepping away from active, full time ministry. What I really want to gauge here is the reality of retired life (especially in ministry) as opposed to career life (or active, vocational ministry).

Joining Patrick and I for this conversation is a friend and semi-retired pastor by the name of Jim Johnson.