Bruce Goettsche (pronounced Getchy), of neighborhood 13B, and his wife, Debbie, moved to Sun City in September 2025. Goettsche retired from pastoral ministry earlier that year after 43 years serving the same Bible-teaching church in La Harpe, Illinois.
Before he left, he officially passed the spiritual mantle to his son, Rick, who joined the church staff as Associate Pastor back in August 2006.
Reverend Bruce Goettsche poses here with a collection of his books. Throughout his pastoral career, Goettsche authored 23 books on Christian theology and daily living. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
“We had 18 years together, serving the community,” Goettsche said. “We had so much fun.”
Recognizing that a renewed chapter was beginning for the church, Goettsche’s move to Sun City was a deliberate, loving choice to ensure Rick could lead with full authority.
“By stepping away geographically, I wanted to let Rick establish his own pastoral identity without my presence.”
Throughout his 43 years in La Harpe, Reverend Goettsche became a vital, trusted anchor for families during their darkest moments. He developed a compassionate ministry focused on grief counseling and crisis support. He frequently stepped in to guide families through sudden, tragic losses that many found too difficult or uncomfortable to address.
Goettsche’s pastoral care included a tradition he maintained for decades.
“I wrote an original poem for every single funeral,” he said.
Rather than delivering generic messages, he spent hours listening among grieving families to capture the deceased’s unique essence, quirks, and faith journey. These custom, poetic tributes gave families a source of comfort to hold on to, drawing on his literary talents and strong love for his congregation.
Beyond Sunday morning sermons, he also had his daily radio program, God’s Truth for Daily Living. Goettsche has also authored 23 books centered on practical Christian theology and daily living. Among these is a distinct trilogy exploring human relationships that arise from his pastoral encounters.
Goettsche said, “This includes People I’ve Met Along the Way, which uses verse and reflections to draw word pictures of community fixtures; Ready for Anything: The Heartaches, Blessings, and Surprises of Pastoral Ministry; and Difficult People: A Christian Approach to Dealing with Those Who Drive You Crazy.”
His talents including writing books for children.
Goettsche said, “Masterpiece, teaches self-worth; Just Different, a tool to combat childhood bullying; and Chocolate Words, addresses gossip and rumor-spreading in a way a child can understand” Other books for children include What is Kindness? and Facing Fear.
Goettsche said, “At the end of June, my latest book was released, Unshakeable: Finding a Solid Faith Even When Life Is Falling Apart, a study of 1 Peter.”
It is a book written in the practical and pastoral style that is his reputation.
Goettsche said, “The book is not written for scholars but for ordinary people who want a deeper walk with God. I believe one of the most important questions when reading the Bible is ‘So what?’ The book is filled with practical information.”
Unshakeable is his seventh book anchored to the Bible.
“It was actually the very first manuscript I ever wrote,” he said. “My readers’ feedback convinced me it wasn’t ready, so I set it aside.”
Years later, drawing on many more years of ministry experience, he returned to the manuscript and rewrote it.
When asked whether he plans to keep writing, Bruce said, “I have no immediate plans, but it will depend on how the spirit moves.”
For now, he is embracing life in his new community.
“I am enjoying my time here in Sun City,” Goettsche said. “I am a member of the Woodchucks, the Computer Club, and Pencils and Palettes.”
True to his pastoral heart, he also hopes to start a co-ed Bible study in his home and welcomes anyone interested to get in touch. Details on all of Bruce’s books, along with his YouTube videos, sermons, and radio broadcasts, are available at www.BAGbooks.net. If you are interested in joining his upcoming home Bible study, you can connect with him at revbag3245@gmail.com.
