161: Why I'm Running for Mayor... and Why Maybe You Should Too

March 09, 2026
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160: Ask More. Lead Better.
February 23, 2026
00:00 13:48
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FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg

ORGANIZATION: iWork4Him Ministries

Our culture often treats retirement as the finish line, but Scripture never describes it that way. Followers of Jesus never retire from their calling to serve, lead, and love their communities.

In this episode, Jim shares why he’s stepping into an unexpected new role: running for mayor of his small Missouri town. After decades of ministry encouraging believers in the workplace, Jim realized that the same calling applies long after traditional careers end.

God had placed him in a community, given him relationships and influence, and opened the door to serve. The question became simple: Would he step forward or stay on the sidelines?

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from purpose
  • How God used a move to a small town to open unexpected doors for influence
  • The biblical idea that everyone around us should benefit from our faith in Jesus
  • Why Christians withdrawing from civic life has left a leadership gap
  • How retirees often have the experience, wisdom, and time their communities desperately need
  • A challenge to consider serving locally, from school boards to city councils to community leadership

Jim reminds listeners that the greatest enemy isn’t another candidate or political party. It’s the spiritual battle for the hearts and well-being of our communities. And that means believers are needed now more than ever.

Instead of simply watching what happens in our cities, counties, and neighborhoods, what if we asked God where He wants us to serve next? Your career may have ended, but your mission hasn’t. Your experience, wisdom, and faith might be exactly what your community needs right now.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Meet Your Host
Although Jim is not yet at retirement age, he and his wife Martha lived twenty years residing in 55+ communities in Florida. Their experience has highlighted the harsh reality of retirement in the United States, showing the discontent that can come when people lack purpose in their later years. Surrounded by parents in their nineties and friends in their sixties, seventies, and eighties, Jim and Martha find motivation in observing those who live out their faith in retirement, while also witnessing the frustration of those who do not.

Jim has been hosting the iRetire4Him Podcast for nearly five years, has spoken at conferences, and has co-authored the book iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement, with his father-in-law. Although he currently Works4Him, he looks forward to Retiring4Him one day!
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