By Ward Tanneberg
As a young lad growing up on the family farm, my nearest playmate was a cousin who lived three miles away. On days when our mothers (sisters) got together to visit and we could be together at play, it was special. So when my mother would call for me while we were having such a good time, I would answer and keep on playing. Or sometimes just ignore her altogether. But when she called a second time, with that certain tone every boy who has ever survived to adulthood recognizes, and used my first, middle, and last names, “Ward Milton Tanneberg, get in here right this minute!” I knew it was time to answer the call.
Procrastination. Excuses. Tuning out. When it is God who calls, we all too often revert back to “first half of life” habits and thinking, without acknowledging that we’re grown-ups now, and the second half of life is different. At least it should be. When one attempts to live the first half over again in life’s second half, time and years are wasted before we rediscover the “why” of our years. It doesn’t matter that we are living longer or better than those who preceded us, if we don’t know why.
Life is good when the call comes. The “second-half” call. You’ve invested the first half in education, friends, family, job, and accumulating stuff. And, now, standing at the crest of the hill, you can’t quite see the end of the trail, but you are thinking about it. Now and again, you wonder, what does it mean to “finish well?” But you’ve worked hard to be where you are now. You deserve this life stage. It’s your time. You are busy. You are having fun. You are blest. You are inundated with culture’s relentless focus on first-half “reliving.” And you ignore “the call.”
Until you hear it again. This time it comes with a sense of urgency. Like other 21st century followers of Jesus, deep down you know. You recognize the Voice and you know. You’ve been given this “extra” time for a reason. You are living longer, living better than others who’ve come before you for a reason. The extra days, months, years are a gift, not to be squandered, but to be filled with joyful purpose. Rediscover your WHY. You are a valued part of God’s divine plan!
In the book Radical, David Platt states, “The plan of Christ is not dependent on having the right programs or hiring the right professionals but on building and being the right people…a community of people…who realize that we are all enabled and equipped to carry out the purpose of God for our lives.”
This is The CASA mission. To inspire…equip…mobilize pastors and lay leaders and adults in life’s second half. So how do we do it? By recognizing the second half is very different than the first. By equipping people to meet the challenges of a life filled with holy adventure. By preparing others for a “further journey.” We get it that disciples are not mass produced. They are not made overnight. It is not easy work. It’s about relationship. The Church (this would be us) must “rediscover the WHY!” of “investing” in the few who are willing to invest in a few more.
The CASA Network inspires relationships with 50+ age Christ followers. We offer fresh insights and confidence. We equip for powerful interGen coach/mentoring. We challenge young (midlife-69) and master (70+) elders to actively engage with other church leaders, multiplying the gospel by going, teaching, baptizing in their own communities and around the world. The “second half” is different in the life of the Church!
Jesus gave himself primarily to twelve guys. One of them blew away his opportunity. But eleven did not. An almost 92% return on his “investment.” They set about following his example, answering his call. Teach. Baptize. Make disciples. It was not a call to a select few. His voice still calls across the pages of Scripture. Still rings clear to the ears of ancient holy men. Still touches the hearts of compassionate women. Still stirs the restless souls of men today.
No, good friend, the question is not, “Have you been called?”
The question is, “What will your answer be”?
Ward Tanneberg served as a pastor for 35 of his more than 55 ministry years. He became president/executive director of CASA 50+ Network in 2008. He speaks and writes to 50+ and intergenerational ministry leaders and is the author of several inspirational novels.
Dear Pastor T, God has touched my heart and caused it to stir thru your message.
I sat under your teaching while at the Dublin High school and then on the hill.
Yes I have been contemplating the why. Blessing, Sheri Long
Ward, thanks for reminding us that when God calls we’d better listen! To me the answer to God’s call should be that of Isaiah, “here I am, send me.” In the second half of life we can be mightily used by God. Moses tried to do it in his prime but God waited until he was in his second half of life. I’m excited that in a culture where youth is worshipped we serve a God who values white hair, age and wisdom. My passion is to help people understand how God wired them so they can answer the call fully according to their God-given design.