REMAINING FRUITFUL, MOVING FORWARD: LIVING THE EMERITUS SEASON WITH FAITH AND PURPOSE
The emeritus season is not the end of God’s calling, but a new season to continue bearing fruit, sharing wisdom, and strengthening the next generation.
As of 2026, IFGF Global has 26 emeritus pastors. The IFGF Emeritus Pastor Fellowship, led by Ps. Em. Hanna Kristanto, provides a space to build fellowship while helping emeritus pastors walk through this new season of life with faith and purpose.
From June to July 2026, three online gatherings were held, covering various topics relevant to the life and ministry of emeritus pastors.
On June 12, 2026, Ps. Em. Agus Prihardjo and Mrs. Yudhi Roostanty led a session titled “Embracing the Emeritus Season.” Through this session, participants were reminded that a position may come to an end, but God’s calling never retires. The emeritus season can instead become an opportunity to guide, pray for, and equip the next generation.
On June 19, 2026, Ps. Jonathan Kasmin and Ps. Sam Hartanto shared a session titled “SRPF EMERITUS PASTOR (Spiritual, Relationship, Physical & Financial).” The session highlighted the importance of maintaining spiritual, relational, physical, and financial well-being so that emeritus pastors can continue living healthy, balanced, and impactful lives.
Then, on July 29, 2026, Ps. Jimmy Oentoro delivered a session titled “Reaching Forward.” Through the message of Ebenezer—“Thus far the Lord has helped us”—emeritus pastors were encouraged to look at God’s faithfulness in the past as a foundation for continuing to move forward in faith, holding on to His promises, carrying on the vision and mission, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.
The form of ministry may change. The pulpit may no longer be the primary place of service, and structural responsibilities may be entrusted to the next generation. Yet prayer, wisdom, experience, life testimonies, mentoring, and a faith that has been tested through many seasons remain valuable legacies that the church needs today.
Emeritus pastors are not simply those who have completed one part of their ministry journey. They are a generation who have witnessed God’s help and walked with Him through many seasons. Today, those experiences can become a guide and a source of strength for the generations that follow.
As part of its commitment to continue equipping emeritus pastors, IFGF Global also provides scholarships for a BNSP-certified Counseling Education program in partnership with Lembaga Konseling Keluarga Kreatif (LK3). As the new academic year began in September 2026, two IFGF emeritus pastors had enrolled and begun the program.
This initiative is one tangible expression of the belief that the emeritus season can still be a time to learn, grow, and expand one’s capacity to serve and walk alongside others.
As long as God continues to give life, there will always be an opportunity to bear fruit. There will always be someone to guide, a generation to strengthen, and another step to take with God in faith.
Calling does not retire. Faith does not retire. And in God, every season of life still has a purpose.
Align in Promise,
Ps. Em. Hanna Kristanto
Director of Welfare and Emeritus, IFGF
