Retirement Should not Extinguish Your Lamps, ECWA President tells Prospective Retirees

…As ECWA Holds Pre-retirement Seminar for Staff

Retirement is an intricate stage in life that requires adequate planning. It is an inevitable phase where an individual gradually disengages from active public service. While some view it as a cause for concern, others perceive it positively and anticipate it with joy, yet some dread it. There are even those who see retirement as a stressful experience due to the attendant challenges. For those who plan well, it is a period of rest, while for those who failed to adequately prepare for it, they are bound to face problems in retirement. Planning towards retirement is, therefore, a necessity as well as an important part of everyday life, reports Ralph Madugu.

“Retirement should never be viewed as the end of usefulness, but rather the beginning of another season of purpose, impact, reflection, and service. Retirement from active employment does not mean the extinguishing of your lamp. Rather, it is a transition into another phase of Kingdom relevance where your light must continue to shine through godly influence, prayer, mentorship, wisdom, encouragement, and continued service to humanity and the body of Christ. The Lord still desires that your lamps remain burning brightly even in retirement.”

Above were the words of the ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, at the opening of the ongoing pre-retirement seminar for prospective retirees from the various institutions, departments, and units in ECWA.

Addressing the participants who converged on the ECWA headquarters in Jos for the 5-day event organized by the ECWA leadership, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat said the seminar is coming at a very significant moment when ECWA is reflecting on the 2026 theme “Keep your lamps Burning,” stating that the theme is a reminder for every believer that the Christian life is a lifelong journey of vigilance, readiness, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to God’s purpose.

The cleric added that the seminar is not merely an administrative exercise, but a “thoughtful and deliberate” effort by the Church to prepare “our faithful workers for smooth, dignified, productive, and fulfilling transition into retirement.”

He said, “Retirement should never be viewed as the end of usefulness, but rather the beginning of another season of purpose, impact, reflection, and service.

“Permit me also to emphasise that while retirement may mark the conclusion of official service, it does not signify retirement from God’s Kingdom work.”

While commending the prospective retirees, the ECWA President said, “Many of you seated here today have devoted the prime years of your lives to the growth and advancement of the Church through sacrificial service, dedication, integrity, perseverance, and steadfast faith.

“Through your contributions in various departments, institutions, mission fields, schools, hospitals, and administrative units, the Lord has used you mightily to strengthen the ministry and testimony of ECWA across Nigeria and beyond.”

He reminded them that the Church and society still need their wisdom, prayers, counsel, experience, and mentorship, adding that the younger generations are looking up to them for guidance and spiritual example.

The ECWA President also reminded them that their lives remain valuable instruments in God’s hands, hence their “lamps must continue to burn as testimonies of faithfulness and devotion to Christ.”

Speaking on the 2026 ECWA theme, Rev. Dr. Bagat said, “In many ways, this theme speaks directly to the season you are approaching. Retirement from active employment does not mean the extinguishing of your lamp.

“Rather, it is a transition into another phase of Kingdom relevance where your light must continue to shine through godly influence, prayer, mentorship, wisdom, encouragement, and continued service to humanity and the body of Christ. The Lord still desires that your lamps remain burning brightly even in retirement, he stated.

The 5-day seminar will feature presentations by resource persons on topics such as securing the future after retirement, estate planning and will writing, psychological well-being, investment in financial securities, lifestyle change and healthy living, among other issues.

At the end of the seminar, certificates are expected to be presented to the participants.

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