Chuck Swindoll is 90 years old and he has decided to retire as pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, the church he founded. In an announcement, he announced that although he is retiring as a pastor, he is not done with ministry work just yet:
As I stand before you today, I find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude and bittersweet reflection. After 26 incredible years as your senior pastor at Stonebriar Community Church, the time has come for me to retire from Stonebriar—and embrace a new chapter in my life.
Next month, I will joyfully celebrate the remarkable milestone of turning 90! Now, I have been told that I carry my years with a certain youthful spirit, and you know what? I believe it. With this invigorating perspective, I am excited to shift my singular focus to Insight for Living. This has been a vibrant part of Cynthia’s and my life for more than 45 years, and I could not be more thrilled at the prospect of continuing this work.
At Insight for Living, I’ll be diving into weekly meetings, encouraging passionate young pastors, recording podcasts, and even writing a few books. Yes, you heard that right—just your average activities for a 90-year-old, right? But I’ve always believed that age is merely a number; what truly matters is our commitment to fulfilling the divine purpose laid out before us. I want to embrace every day, every challenge, and every opportunity to impact lives, because one never retires from the work of God’s kingdom.
This decision was not made lightly. Each moment spent with you has shaped me, taught me, and filled my heart with joy. Together, we have built a vibrant community grounded in faith, hope, and love. We have shared countless memories, celebrated milestones, and faced challenges hand in hand.
I am endlessly grateful for the privilege of serving this church and witnessing the transformative power of God in our lives. While my role may be changing, my commitment to the mission and vision we uphold will never fade. Cynthia and I intend to worship with you from one Sunday to the next; this will always be our church family. And we look forward to attending Pastor Jonathan’s sermons each week, cherishing the humor and timeless teaching he brings to our beloved church.
I encourage you to continue living out the values we cherish, to support one another, and to love your neighbors as Christ loves us. Remember, the church is not a building but a community of believers, and I have faith that you will continue to shine brightly in this world. Thank you for the honor of being your pastor. I will carry each one of you in my heart as I move forward.
May God bless you abundantly with His grace and peace.
