Rev. Joe Novenson speaking at Ridge Haven, Camp, Conference and Retreat Center, Brevard NC Campus, fall 2025. 

The Unfinished Calling

An 8-Part Series by Rev. Joe Novenson 

When we think about growing older, our minds usually go to 

  • Physical concerns — aches, energy, limitations.
  • Financial questions — retirement, security, provision. 
  • Family priorities — children, grandchildren, staying connected. 

Rarely do we begin with: "God has kept me alive in order to serve the next generation." 

Pastor Joe Novenson points to Psalm 37 to show how the Lord reframes aging completely. In the middle of a fearful world, David says: "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken." 

That is not nostalgia. That is testimony. That is the mission. This is the Unfinished Calling. 

"The Unfinished Calling" is a sermon series preached by Reverend Novenson at Ridge Haven Conference Center. Delivered as the keynote messages for the annual Keenagers Adult Conference, Joe is clear in his purpose: "I want to introduce to you the calling of God upon older followers of Jesus to serve the next generation as a privilege and a responsibility."  

Joe and his wife Barb were raised in the Philadelphia area. High school sweethearts, they married after completing college and have served Christ side by side ever since. During college, they sensed a shared call to ministry. After completing his studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Joe went on to serve PCA churches in Augusta, GA; Lexington, SC; and Lookout Mountain, TN. Joe has also served on the Board of Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis. Over the years, the Lord has also given Joe opportunities to serve alongside believers in countries around the world. Joe and Barb are the grateful parents of three children and the joyful grandparents of five grandchildren. 

This study series is made possible through the partnership of Ridge Haven Conference Center, Covenant Theological Seminary, videographer Don Baret of Mission to North America (MNA), and the Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM).  

 

  1. Growing Old is a Mission

  1. God Gives Us a Command His Grace Alone Can Equip Us to Keep

  1. God Redefines Our Purpose for Living

  1. God Imparts Peerless Power to Accomplish His Mission

  1. God Calls Us to Spiritual Greatness Through Deep Repentance

  1. God Calls Us to Mutual Encouragement

  1. God Calls Us to Face and Fight Our Fear

  1. God Calls Us to Remember Who We Are