The Protestant ministers' occupational characteristics affect their retirement experience. Unlike most retirees, Protestant ministers tend to experience residential and church moves. A national study was conducted to examine the effects of retirement experienced by retired ministers and anticipated by active ministers of the Presbyterian Church in the areas of housing, income, services, and activities. Questionnaires were completed by 1,154 active ministers and 635 retired ministers. The results revealed a highly significant difference between the actual age of retirement for retirees and the anticipated age of retirement for active ministers, suggesting that ministers retire at later ages than they estimate. Compared to active ministers, more retirees owned homes. There was a significant difference in the images of the adequacy of the levels of income by retired and active ministers. The actual income received by retirees was considered very or comfortably adequate by over 60% of retirees, while less that 20% of active ministers anticipated an adequate retirement income. Active ministers anticipated using more services than retirees reported actually using. Items dealing with activities retirees had done or active ministers anticipated doing during retirement revealed significant differences between the two groups on 11 of the 14 items. Data may be useful in making retirement policy decisions. (Author/NB)