Hal Habecker of Finishing Well Ministries, joins Wayne Shepherd to talk about encouraging seniors to actively pursue and fulfill God's calling. (click for more)
Website: https://www.finishingwellministries.org
Interview notes:
Background & Faith Journey
- Born in Hershey, PA, one of six children in a farming family.
- Came to Christ at age 6 in an independent Bible church.
- Early fascination with older people, shaped by the death of his childhood pastor.
- Active Christian leader in youth (campus life, Bible study).
- Studied at Taylor University; initially interested in politics inspired by Mark Hatfield.
- Mission trip to Haiti → encouraged to attend Dallas Theological Seminary.
- Married while in seminary; mentored by Howard Hendricks, who redirected him from politics to pastoral ministry.
Ministry Career
- Ordained at First Baptist Dallas under W.A. Criswell.
- Worked with physicians/dentists, leading to involvement with the Christian Medical Society (served as national director for 15 years).
- Pastored a Dallas church for 21 years.
- Founded Finishing Well Ministries about 10 years ago to encourage seniors to live purposefully for Christ.
Calling & Focus on Aging
- In his 50s became aware of how seniors often feel alienated or insignificant in culture and church.
- Passion to affirm the value of aging people in God’s plan.
- Inspired by Psalm 90:12 (“teach us to number our days”) and Robert Browning’s poem “Grow Old Along with Me.”
- Believes every decade can be the most influential, especially the later years.
- Emphasis: last words are lasting words – the legacy of one’s final years matters deeply.
Key Teachings – Seven Essentials for Living & Finishing Well
- Never stop growing in knowledge of Christ.
- Never stop building friendships—combat isolation.
- Never stop loving others as Christ commands.
- Never stop pouring into younger generations (multi-generational discipleship).
- Never stop being available & eager for God’s next assignment.
- Plan ahead for when you’re gone (legal, family, spiritual legacy).
- Anticipate eternity with Christ; keep heaven in view.
Books/resources:
- What Does the Bible Teach About Growing Older
- Seven Essentials for Living Well and Finishing Well
- Aging with Purpose
Biblical Examples of Finishing Well (or Not)
- Joseph, Joshua, Daniel – faithful through hardship into old age.
- Hezekiah – strong early life but did not finish well after God extended his years.
Insights for Seniors & Churches
- Boomers = fastest-growing aging population; church must address their value.
- Current church culture often silos age groups, limiting multi-generational life.
- Seniors should dream, envision, and engage rather than assume they’re “done.”
- Legacy begins with personal growth and example, especially to children & grandchildren.
- Psalm 71:17–18 – call to declare God’s power to the next generations.
- Distance from family can be bridged through technology, but the example of life lived for Christ is the greatest gift to pass on.
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