Description

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

1. Never stop growing in knowledge of Christ.
2. Never stop building friendships—combat isolation.
3. Never stop loving others as Christ commands.
4. Never stop pouring into younger generations (multi-generational discipleship).
5. Never stop being available & eager for God’s next assignment.
6. Plan ahead for when you’re gone (legal, family, spiritual legacy).
7. 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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