Because of the nature of ministry, and the different way of serving as a religious professional, retirement can look different depending on the individual.

• For most ministers, retirement means ceasing from remunerative work in one’s later years, and beginning to draw upon Social Security benefits, retirement plan assets, and other savings.
• For some ministers, retirement means departing a particular (usually longer) ministry in one’s later years, with plans to continue with something shorter-term—usually interim or targeted ministry—or perhaps consulting or related work.
• For other ministers, retirement means leaving the ministry entirely in one’s middle years, with plans to make a living in some other way.

The UUA’s Definition of Retirement

Since retirement takes a variety of forms, the Ministries and Faith Development Staff Group offers the following definition of retirement as an aid to decision-making:

Retired status is available to ministers who are at least 65 years of age who wish to indicate that they have completed their careers, although not necessarily their ministries. Ministers may retire and still work professionally, usually in interim ministries or other ministries. Ministers planning to continue full-time ministry in other settings are asked to hold off declaring themselves retired until they more nearly fit the description of “ceasing remunerative work in one’s later years.” To be considered retired, the minister must declare his or her intention to retire to Ministries and Faith Development.

Retirement does not affect fellowship status.

The following articles are meant to help you through the retirement discernment and planning.