Retirement is an unavoidable and necessary phase in a person’s life. It is also one of the biggest transitions in the life cycle of a human being. Emeritus of the Apostolic Faith Mission of S.A. (AFM) have positive and negative feelings regarding their retirement. In the light of this fact the research question was posed: How can the AFM, from a pastoral perspective, understand the situation of, prepare and assist its emeritus in coping effectively with retirement - in the process addressing their holistic needs - maintaining a meaningful life in the service of God as integral members of His community? With reference to the abovementioned question it is the overall aim of this study to research the holistic needs of the pastors of the AFM, with the objective to create a pastoral model for retirement preparation. In so doing they can remain integral members of God`s community whose holistic needs are taken care of, in a Christian way. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Osmer as starting point which comprises the following: * the normative task, where Scriptural perspectives on the topic have been researched; * the interpretative task, according to which material from other disciplines are studied; * an empirical research by way of interviews with emeritus; * and a practice theory to design a model for pre-retirement planning for pastors of the AFM. The normative task part of the research indicates that although the Bible does not say much regarding emeritus, definite direction is found regarding old age. God speaks through, and gives direction in his Word concerning the elderly. In the interpretative task part of the study very little literature is found regarding the retirement of clergy. Information exists, however, on the subject of the elderly. Numerous guidelines are also found in Scripture a propos the pastors as a holistic person in connection with body, soul and spirit. Research indicated that preparation for retirement is of cardinal importance. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the normative and interpretative theoretical research. Subsequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different elements of the research in the format of a model for pre-retirement planning. A model where the strategy for planning has been explained has been compiled finally. Matters related to the problems and fears of emeritus were addressed in creating a model. The intention of the pre-retirement education is to reduce the effect of negative stereotypes of retirement. It will further assist pastors to develop realistic goals for their retirement. With reference to the research question, central theoretical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 to 5, the final conclusion states that pre-retirement planning for pastors of the AFM is very important. / PhD (Pastoral studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Retirement is an unavoidable and necessary phase in a person’s life. It is also one of the biggest transitions in the life cycle of a human being. Emeritus of the Apostolic Faith Mission of S.A. (AFM) have positive and negative feelings regarding their retirement. In the light of this fact the research question was posed: How can the AFM, from a pastoral perspective, understand the situation of, prepare and assist its emeritus in coping effectively with retirement - in the process addressing their holistic needs - maintaining a meaningful life in the service of God as integral members of His community? With reference to the abovementioned question it is the overall aim of this study to research the holistic needs of the pastors of the AFM, with the objective to create a pastoral model for retirement preparation. In so doing they can remain integral members of God`s community whose holistic needs are taken care of, in a Christian way. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Osmer as starting point which comprises the following: * the normative task, where Scriptural perspectives on the topic have been researched; * the interpretative task, according to which material from other disciplines are studied; * an empirical research by way of interviews with emeritus; * and a practice theory to design a model for pre-retirement planning for pastors of the AFM. The normative task part of the research indicates that although the Bible does not say much regarding emeritus, definite direction is found regarding old age. God speaks through, and gives direction in his Word concerning the elderly. In the interpretative task part of the study very little literature is found regarding the retirement of clergy. Information exists, however, on the subject of the elderly. Numerous guidelines are also found in Scripture a propos the pastors as a holistic person in connection with body, soul and spirit. Research indicated that preparation for retirement is of cardinal importance. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the normative and interpretative theoretical research. Subsequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different elements of the research in the format of a model for pre-retirement planning. A model where the strategy for planning has been explained has been compiled finally. Matters related to the problems and fears of emeritus were addressed in creating a model. The intention of the pre-retirement education is to reduce the effect of negative stereotypes of retirement. It will further assist pastors to develop realistic goals for their retirement. With reference to the research question, central theoretical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 to 5, the final conclusion states that pre-retirement planning for pastors of the AFM is very important. / PhD (Pastoral studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014