iRetire4Him Podcast

135: What Do Two 58-year-olds Know About Retirement?

Jim and Martha Brangenberg are only 58 – so what do they really know about retirement? A lot more than you’d think! After living in a retirement community for over two decades, they’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to life after a paycheck.

In this episode, they challenge the American dream of retirement and explore the biblical perspective: Is retirement really about endless relaxation, or is there a greater purpose? They unpack what the Bible says, share stories of retirees who are thriving, and discuss how to prepare – mentally, spiritually, and practically – for a life of impact in your later years.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after work, this episode will shift your perspective. Because if you have a pulse, you have a purpose!

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FEATURING: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

134: The Best of iRetire4Him – Impact in Action

Part 2 in our “best of iRetire4Him” series highlights two powerful conversations that introduced and expanded on the concept of wraparound grandparenting. We first discussed this idea with Dr. Sharen Ford, encouraging retirees to step into roles as mentors and supporters for foster and adoptive families. Drawing from her 30-year career in child welfare and her mission at Focus on the Family, Dr. Ford reminds us that everyone can do something to support vulnerable children.

Cindy King of Keystone Family Alliance brings wraparound grandparenting to life, showing how this revolutionary idea provides love and stability to foster families. With over 400,000 children in the foster care system, she calls on the Church to step up and support families in practical ways—offering meals, childcare, mentorship, and encouragement.

Your retirement can be a season of impact. Whether through fostering, volunteering, or simply offering support, you can help change lives. Visit RetirementReformation.org to learn more about Legacy of Love and how you can get involved.

FEATURING: Dr. Sharen Ford & Cindy King

133: The Best of iRetire4Him – A Biblical “Retirement”

Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about stepping into a new purpose! In this special “best of” show, we revisit two powerful conversations with Dr. LD Buckingham and Phil Burks, two men who prove that God’s calling doesn’t come with an expiration date.

LD Buckingham, after 45 years of pastoring, didn’t retire—he redefined his mission. Now in his 80s, he mentors pastors and helps churches grow, proving that purpose fuels passion at any age. His advice? Stay curious, embrace change, and invest in the next generation. True joy comes from living with intentionality.

Phil Burks, a successful entrepreneur, doesn’t believe in retirement—he calls it reassignment. Instead of stepping away from work, he uses his experience to mentor young business leaders and missionaries. His message is simple: Pause if you need to but never stop. God still has work for you to do!

If you’re wondering what’s next in your life, this episode will challenge you to rethink retirement and step boldly into your calling. Listen now and discover how to say iRetire4Him every day!

FEATURING: LD Buckingham & Phil Burks

132: Your Local Impact

Part 2 of the 2-Part Series on Neighboring

In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma dive into the powerful impact retirees can have on their local communities. With the freedom that comes after leaving the workforce, retirement offers a unique opportunity to pour into others. From mentoring younger generations to supporting foster families, retirees have the chance to build connections and meet real needs. Bruce shares examples of simple yet meaningful actions, like mentoring someone at a church event or organizing groups to assist foster families with meals, chores, and encouragement.

The episode also features returning guest Amy Ford of Embrace Grace, who highlights how churches are changing lives by extending compassion and grace to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Through practical support like baby showers, mentoring, and prayer, they celebrate life while showing these women they’re not alone.

Jim and Bruce encourage listeners to look around and ask, “Who needs my help?” Whether it’s seniors, families, or neighbors, every community has unmet needs. Volunteer opportunities abound in schools, food banks, and other local organizations, and even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. Retirees are challenged to step up, serve their neighbors, and create lasting change. Listen for practical ideas of how to get involved and be a good neighbor!

SHOW GUESTS: Amy Ford

Ministry: Embrace Grace

131: Bloom Where You’re Planted

Part 1 of the 2-Part Series on Neighboring

Too often, retirees overlook the ministry opportunities right in their neighborhoods. In this episode, Bruce and Jim discuss practical ways to build connections with neighbors, like hosting dinner parties, neighborhood potlucks, or simply meeting for breakfast at a local spot. Small steps can lead to big relationships.

In the second segment, Amy Ford from Embrace Grace shares her inspiring journey of transforming her personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy into a nationwide ministry. Embrace Grace empowers churches to support women and couples facing unexpected pregnancies through 12-week support groups. Amy emphasizes the importance of older generations mentoring younger ones, offering authenticity and encouragement to a generation craving real connection.

Wrapping up, the show challenge retirees to consider moving into neighborhoods with younger families, offering wisdom, practical help, and mentorship. Whether it’s teaching basic life skills or just being a positive presence, retirees can bring transformation and joy. Retirement is a time to bloom where you’re planted and let your light shine!

SHOW GUESTS: Amy Ford

Ministry: Embrace Grace

130: Find Your “Something” in 2025

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Everyone Can Do Something

In the final episode of iRetire4Him for 2024, Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma invite listeners to reflect on the past year and embrace the opportunities of 2025. They explore how retirees can live intentionally, grow spiritually, and engage outwardly to make a meaningful impact on others. Bruce shares his approach to reflecting on life lessons from both the challenges and joys of 2024, emphasizing the importance of continual learning—even at 83! Together, they discuss how retirees can fight "the grumpies" by focusing less on themselves and more on serving others.

The episode also features Derek Carter from Focus on the Family, who sheds light on foster care and adoption. Derek shares personal stories about how a supportive community—especially seniors—can make a profound difference in the lives of foster families. He encourages listeners to explore ways to help, even if fostering isn’t their calling. Check out WaitNoMore.org for practical resources and ideas.

We conclude with actionable ideas for 2025: grow spiritually, reconnect with old friends, and embrace outward-focused opportunities. Whether you’re in the first or final stage of retirement, there’s always something you can do. Join us as we live intentionally and prepare for a fulfilling new year!

SHOW GUESTS: Derek Carter

Ministry: Focus on the Family – Wait No More

129: Your New Year’s Challenge

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Everyone Can Do Something

With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, this show challenges listeners to consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others. Bruce reflects on God’s systematic design for moments of reflection and action, encouraging listeners to look forward, step out in faith, and recognize the opportunities God presents.

Special guest Joel Werdell, president of the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring, shares powerful insights about mentoring’s transformative role in providing stability and love, particularly in foster care. From small acts like cooking a meal or playing a card game to teaching lifelong skills, Joel emphasizes how anyone can pour into the next generation.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, Jim and Bruce discuss practical ways to combat loneliness by reaching out to neighbors, inviting others into your home, or simply being transparent and intentional in relationships. The overarching message is clear: everyone has something to offer. By stepping out of passivity and embracing community, we can live out our faith and bring joy to others.

SHOW GUESTS: Joel Werdell

Ministry: Christian Association of Youth Mentoring

128: Find What You Can Do

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Everyone Can Do Something

Leading up to Christmas and the end of the year, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma inspire retirees to embrace the season with purpose and love. Reflecting on the Christmas spirit, they ask: What can you uniquely do to make a difference this year?

We’re reminded that even small, neighborly gestures can bring immense joy as the duo discusses practical ways to bless others, from making a thoughtful phone call to helping foster children gain a sense of belonging. Find a need and fill it—whether through time, resources, or simply a listening ear. Bruce is a big advocate of Wraparound Grandparenting, where retirees support foster and adoptive families with love and stability. The message is clear: while we all have different abilities, everyone can bring hope to someone else’s life, which is what the Church is called to do!

Above all, the episode emphasizes loving your neighbor, not just at Christmas but all year long. Whether you’re retired, working, or somewhere in between, there’s a unique way for you to spread joy. After all, the heart of the season is living out Christ’s love.

SHOW GUESTS: Bruce Bruinsma

Ministry: Retirement Reformation

127: A Retirement with Impact

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Kingdom Impact as a Senior

Wrap up this series exploring the vital role of retired believers in making a Kingdom impact. It emphasizes that retirees can still play a significant role in the church and broader community, actively using their time, life experience, and spiritual wisdom. Retirement Reformation founder Bruce Bruinsma encourages retirees to seek out churches that value multigenerational connections and to engage in activities that foster mentorship with younger individuals, noting the need for mentorship across all age groups.

Guest Joel Werdell, from the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM), shares his passion for connecting youth with caring adults. He describes a “crisis” in communities where young people lack supportive adults outside their families and echoes the call on retirees to provide guidance and connection to future generations. Bruce and Jim also discuss the challenges retirees might face, especially spiritual resistance, when living out their faith actively. Despite these obstacles, Bruce shares how caregiving for his wife has deepened their relationship, teaching him to serve with love and patience. Through stories and encouragement, the episode highlights purposeful living and the lasting impact retirees can have on their families, churches, and communities.

SHOW GUESTS: Joel Werdell

Ministry: Christian Association of Youth Mentoring