So you’ve been reading PERSPECTIVE, the weekly blog on living, learning, and leading in life’s second half, for awhile. You’ve even subscribed. Or at least you’ve thought about it. The link is www.wardtanneberg.com/blog/. Share it with your pastor and your Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter friends. They’ll be glad you did. And so will I.

PERSPECTIVE FOR CHRISTIANS OVER 50

FOR 60+ YEARS

I have been in Christian ministry, beginning as a young evangelist, serving as a denominational youth director, college public relations director, senior pastor in two churches, executive pastor in a third, survivor of seven building projects, guest lecturer, writer, novelist, and nonprofit organization executive director.

A MICROCOSM

of my world for the last twelve years consists of leading a Wednesday morning C3 Leaders Forum, investing in nurturing relationships with active businessmen and retirees, educators and elders, pastors and professionals, successful leaders in their own right, varied in their spiritual journeys. We listen, we watch, we share, we pray. We keep it simple. We learn a lot from one another about triumphs and disappointments, love and other relationships, calm and crises, the “why” of us, and how to live and work and play a little more like Jesus than we used to.

WRITING

has always been an important expression of God’s Calling. It will be my final pulpit. I have authored several novels, a spiritual allegory, and most recently, the book, Sacred Journey, a thoughtful and uplifting memoir, framed in my wife’s final 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

I also write this weekly Internet blog, PERSPECTIVE, about living, learning and leading in life’s second half. Moments with the real person, the inner life, the spouse, the children still at home, the adult children of aging parents, the everyday spiritual journey we are all on, clergy or laity. The not so simple life.

“I’VE FOLLOWED YOU FOR A WHILE NOW”

writes David D, a denominational leader in Indiana, “first connecting with you in a post on Facebook. The thing that got my attention is you are a widower. My wife died six years ago. The other thing that drew me to you is your age.  

“Time passed, eventually I remarried, and we began seeking God for our future. I resigned my job and we are now newly appointed missionaries, focused on developing Christian leaders on the continent of Africa.

“I am only 58 years old—but I want to be an old guy like you! I hope you don’t take offense at the way I put that! Perhaps someday we can connect while trying to figure out the successive next steps in my life. For now, I just wanted to let you know, you encouraged someone.”

SO HERE’S MY INVITATION TO YOU

to do what David did. If you’ve not already, subscribe to PERSPECTIVE and pass it on.

The link again to my blog is www.wardtanneberg.com/blog/. On the home page touch the green “Get Insider Access” button and subscribe for a fresh look at 50+ living, reasons why we are still here, servant leader related topics, inspirational musings and spiritual value add for life’s second half. PERSPECTIVE will appear in your email each week.

PERSPECTIVE is not just for clergy. It’s for all of us who are now in life’s second half. So do us all a favor. Pass my blog site to your friends.

Ward earned a BA in Bible at Northwest University, completed graduate studies at Western Evangelical Seminary/George Fox and Seattle Pacific University, and earned a PhD from California Graduate School of Theology. He is trained in coach/mentoring and is an alumnus of the Seattle FBI Citizens Academy. A widower with 2 married children, 3 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 2 great grandsons, he enjoys quiet evenings, being with family and friends, good books and movies, sports, swimming, golf, travel, and long walks with his wonder dog GAGE.