Not so, in the field of clergy. Many pastors and ministers, when they retire after a quarter of a century or more of service in a single church, or from a career in several locations, tend to become restless. They have gone through so many experiences and still have so much to offer spiritually that it seems almost a shame to “turn off the spigot” abruptly.
That’s why the Rev. Charles Hinson of Seven Lakes has opted for what he calls “active unemployment.”
Today, he’s happy in his new roles, such as a once-a-month preacher at the Seven Lakes Chapel in the Pines, as well as chaplain for all residents of the community, regardless of affiliation.
This follows 44 years as a pastor, including 27 years at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, from which he retired in 1998. He is frequently called on to conduct weddings and funerals at the Chapel where, on the first Sunday in May, he completed 26 years of affiliation.
His contributions to the community were recognized by the Seven Lakes Landowners Association when he was presented with the organization’s “Citizens of the Year” award at its recent annual meeting.
Other assignments since his retirement include a year each as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Carthage and Cornerstone Baptist Church on Foxfire Road (West End).
At age 70, this likeable and energetic churchman says, “I’m going to keep going as long as I have something to offer,” adding, “I want to still serve the Lord in whatever ways I can.”
In addition to his Seven Lakes Chapel activity, he has served since September 2001 as a pastor at First Baptist Church in West End. It gets a little sticky on the Sunday of the month when he preaches at both churches, one at a 9 a.m. service and the other at 11 a.m.
“After the first one, I go home, eat an apple, quickly review my upcoming sermon for the second church, take a quick breath and head on out,” he says.
His wife, Jane, says what Charles is doing now is just what he needed after his retirement at Aberdeen.
“He was restless until he found these outlets to continue his religious contributions,” she says.
The Hinsons have three children: Charles Jr., manager of systems information at GMAC Insurance Company in Winston-Salem; William, Ph.D. in physics and assistant professor in the Radiology Oncology Department at Wake Forest University; and Joanna Queen, science and English teacher at Forbush Elementary School in Yadkin County and minister of music at her church there. There are seven grandchildren ranging from five to 14.
