By Darrel D. Malcom
This is a personal story that could possibly spur many churches to similar activity. Every month for the rest of my life I will receive $1,000 from the budget of Poplar Creek Church, Bartlett, Illinois, as a “legacy” of my years in Christian ministry. Those who have heard of this arrangement say it is an idea whose time has come.
In July 1950, I began preaching weekly for two small churches in Pike County, Illinois. With other students from Lincoln Bible Institute (now Lincoln Christian College), we made the 100-mile trip each weekend to serve these congregations.
I have now spent more than 54 years in ministry to Christian churches in various parts of Illinois, mostly in moderate-sized churches with matching salaries. Rarely have I received as much as the average income for the communities in which my wife and I ministered. Last May I participated in a 50-year reunion of my graduating class from Lincoln and I was reminded that my salary experience was similar to that of many classmates, but my “Legacy Retirement Plan” is not a common experience. Our investments were more in kingdom activities than financial savings plans.
Senior pastor Mike Pierce was part of the team that started Poplar Creek Church in 1990. His grandfather, father, and two uncles have all served Christian churches in lifetime ministries. He understands the joys, disappointments, and concerns of ministerial life. I became a part-time member of the pastoral leadership of the church in 1992 and have been blessed with good health and mental clarity that permits me to continue that role.
In 2000 Mike led the way in persuading church leaders to offer me a lifetime income of $1,000 per month as “a legacy for my years of service.” I preach occasionally, offer prayers and help with other parts of the weekend worship celebrations, lead Bible studies, provide Christian counsel, make calls on those in need, and have input in the weekly staff planning sessions. I am not required to do any of these things to receive my “legacy” income, but I choose to stay involved.
I have been a director of TCM International Inc. since 1972. The above arrangement allows my wife, Karen, and me to periodically serve in mission activities and to give Sunday programs on behalf of the TCM Institute in other churches without jeopardizing our income. I occasionally provide supply preaching in other congregations. This “legacy plan” helps give us peace of mind in facing whatever the future holds.
There are hundreds of churches who could do something similar for older ministers in their midst who are struggling with aging bodies and limited income. This may be a very neglected mission field. Our prayer is that the blessings we have received in this “legacy retirement plan” will be duplicated in many places.
Darrel D. Malcom lives in Carol Stream, Illinois.
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