I have been doing a lot of “last things” lately as my retirement approaches. For example, this is the last “Christ’s Mission, Our Mission” column I will write as president of Community of Christ. As I reflected on topics, I decided to answer some personal questions I frequently am asked.

What are you going to do when you retire?

Several months ago, I participated in a church-sponsored retirement seminar. One recommendation to participants was not to finalize everything we planned to do in retirement. This approach allows space for new opportunities to emerge. At the same time, seminar leaders encouraged us to have some ideas about what we wanted to do so the transition would be less abrupt.

Following that guidance, I have some activities in mind that will leave space for other possibilities. My retirement plan includes completing my oral history, traveling with Cathi, self-sustaining ministry, community volunteering, and fly-fishing in the mountains, not necessarily in that order. I also understand that household chores await my full attention.

What was your favorite part of being church president?

The opportunity to be with church members and friends from many nations and cultures. Recently, I looked through my passports and discovered I had visited forty-six nations during my World Church employment; many while I was president. Experiencing the hospitality, love, testimonies, and faithfulness of the diverse peoples of the worldwide church has been a blessing beyond compare. Each culture has important gifts to bring to our understanding of God’s reign as envisioned by Jesus Christ.

What was your least favorite part of being president?

Being in leadership groups that had to make decisions to reduce World Church budgets, which resulted in the loss of employees. I cannot overstate how much we agonized each time reductions were necessary. I was heartbroken whenever we had to downsize staff because of the severe effect I knew it had on people’s lives. I also knew that because of employment separations, the church’s capacity to pursue its mission was diminished.

What will you miss most after you retire?

I already sense that I will miss day-to-day interactions with church leaders. Also, I will miss opportunities to visit many congregations to become better acquainted with members and friends. Additionally, as noted above, I will miss traveling to various areas of the world to learn about cultures and support the church’s mission.

What do you think was your greatest achievement as president?

Everything achieved during my tenure was a team effort. With that said, I am glad that the concept of “sharing the peace of Jesus Christ” has become deeply rooted in the church. I am delighted with the major steps we took to further internationalize the World Church Leadership Council. Also, I am pleased with the emergence of the Enduring Principles. The Enduring Principles are shaping Community of Christ’s culture and mission in powerful ways.

As a reminder, the original version of the principles had the following introduction:

God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed by scripture, is the foundation of our faith, identity, mission, message, and beliefs.

I hope we will emphasize this foundation more when presenting the Enduring Principles.

What ministry experience made you laugh?

When Apostle Alex Kahtava and I were in Africa, each congregation we visited formally introduced us. As we were introduced, I saw people grin and cover their mouths. I asked an African staff member what was going on. He said the people had heard Apostle Kahtava as Apostle “Cassava” (a starchy root vegetable) and that my last name in Swahili meant “potato.” So, in essence, the people heard us introduced as Apostle Cassava and Apostle Potato. That is hilarious!

What ministry experience made you cry?

While visiting villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we interacted with impoverished people of all ages. When we were departing one village, a small, malnourished child ran up and grabbed my hand. I knew he wanted to escape his circumstances by leaving with us. I looked into his pleading eyes and saw the gaze of millions of impoverished, malnourished children around the world. I knew I could not legally take him with us.

When it was time to go, I had to pry his grasping fingers off my hand. As we left, I watched as he faded into the distance. I wept inwardly because I was told that in Africa when a man cries, all hope is lost.

Will we see you at World Conference after this year?

Yes, I certainly hope so!

Any last words as president?

There still is much to understand and experience about being Community of Christ. Trust in the continued guidance of God’s Spirit to define and refine our vision as a faith community. As I write this, I am drawn to Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a:

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve Christ through the church in ways that have profoundly blessed my life and expanded my understanding of the gospel of Christ.