Jeff Lucas has announced that he’s retiring this summer, after 23 years at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Christian author, broadcaster and pastor shared the news with his congregation during his sermon on 10th March.
“I've shared with the deacon board, the pastors and our wider staff team that it is time now for me to step aside from Timberline and from our wider from our pastoral ministry here,” he said. “So my last weekend will be July 20th-21st.
The 67-year-old said the decision was a difficult one to make, but that his wife’s recent health scare and the need to be more present for their grandchildren made him come to the conclusion to “step aside from Timberline” and their “wider pastoral ministry” there.
“When we went through that three-week initial period when I wasn't sure she [his wife, Kay] was going to make it, I realised that I didn't want to go to the office. I wanted to not leave her at home.
“Our grandsons are getting older. Stanley was 15 this week, and he was in and national athletics thing yesterday, and grandma and granddad should have been there. Kay’s parents need our help and support.”
Lucas, who has been part of the Timberline Church staff for 23 years, and took on the role as senior executive pastor three years ago, said he will continue writing, broadcasting and coaching.
The bestselling Christian author and has written 32 books. International sales of his products have exceeded 1 million copies and have been translated into seven different languages.
Lucas is a regular broadcaster on Premier Christian Radio and a columnist for Premier Christianity.
