Why the Church Needs Seasoned Pastors to Mentor the Next Generation
By Larry Riley
In every generation, God raises up men to shepherd His people. Yet, the challenges of pastoral ministry today are uniquely heavy. Younger pastors face cultural headwinds, congregational pressures, and the personal weight of carrying the gospel into increasingly complex contexts. Too often, they step into ministry without the guidance of an older, wiser voice walking with them. This is where seasoned pastors—men who have faithfully labored for decades—are desperately needed. This will be a such a helpful ministry, in that it will provide a place for younger, less experienced ministers to have a connection point.
Practical Shepherding exists to help pastors thrive, and part of that mission is launching a ministry specifically designed to connect seasoned pastors (60 years and older) with younger men in ministry who need encouragement, perspective, and wisdom.
Why Seasoned Pastors Matter
1. They Carry the Weight of Experience.
No seminary classroom can fully prepare a pastor for late-night hospital visits, difficult counseling sessions, or seasons of congregational conflict. A seasoned pastor has lived through these realities and can help younger pastors navigate them with grace and faith.
2. They Provide Gospel-Centered Perspective.
Practical Shepherding emphasizes that the gospel is not only the power that saves but also the power that sanctifies and sustains (1 Cor. 15:1–4; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Thess. 4:1–5). Seasoned pastors embody this truth. They have witnessed God’s faithfulness through trials and joys, and their testimonies anchor younger pastors in gospel hope.
3. They Model Longevity in Ministry.
In an era where pastoral burnout is rising, younger pastors need examples of men who have endured. Mentorship allows seasoned pastors to demonstrate what it means to finish well, caring not only for the flock but also for their own souls.
Building a Bridge Between Generations
The goal of the Seasoned Pastor Ministry within Practical Shepherding is to provide the structure and opportunity for older pastors to invest intentionally in younger pastors. This involves:
• Leading monthly cohorts of seasoned pastors for training and soul care.
• Pairing seasoned pastors with younger pastors for mentoring relationships.
• Creating resources—articles, podcasts, and videos—aimed at pastors in the final years of ministry.
• Offering cross-cultural and global perspectives to ensure younger pastors can serve effectively in diverse contexts.
A Calling Beyond Retirement
For many pastors, stepping away from full-time church leadership feels like the end of their ministry influence. In reality, it may be the beginning of their most impactful season. Seasoned pastors carry a treasure chest of wisdom, forged through decades of gospel labor. The church cannot afford to let that wisdom sit idle.
By mentoring the next generation, seasoned pastors extend their legacy of faithfulness, ensuring that the truths they have preached and lived out continue to shape the church for decades to come.
Our seasoned pastors will want to listen well to the concerns and needs of those they are connecting with, learning their stories and minister to these needs at a deeper level. Sometimes it will be hearing about family needs or their own soul care needs. The good thing about our seasoned pastor, is they have much experience to draw from and will be able to provide helpful resources to fit the needs that they are discovering.
How You Can Be Involved
If you are a seasoned pastor, we would love for you to join us in this important work. Getting started is simple: just complete the application here. From there, we will walk with you through the process and provide training and resources through Practical Shepherding.
There is no financial cost to participate. Nor, is there a financial gain that our seasoned pastors will be receiving. Our mentoring and cohort gatherings are offered at no charge to pastors and churches, made possible through the generous gifts of those who support this ministry.
We believe you have a wealth of wisdom, experience, and encouragement to offer the next generation of pastors. By stepping into this role, you can make a lasting impact—helping younger pastors not just survive, but thrive in ministry.
Conclusion
Younger pastors need guides, not just resources. They need seasoned voices who understand the weight of ministry and can speak with the authority of experience and the gentleness of grace. Through Practical Shepherding’s Seasoned Pastor Ministry, older pastors now have a clear pathway to invest in the future of the church. These are exciting days for great potential of ministry and days that are causing concern for many. Let’s work together to see a great advancement of the Gospel by continuing to build strong, healthy leaders.
When seasoned pastors step into the role of mentor, everyone benefits—the younger pastor, the congregation, and the global church.
Editors Note:
If you’ve served in ministry, are 60+ years old, and long to be a mentor to the next generation of pastors please take time to explore the Seasoned Pastor Collective and Apply to be a mentor below.