Does It Suck To Be A Pastor, Part 2
Does It Suck To Be A Pastor, Part 2
May 13
After graduating Oral Roberts University in 2004, I took a year searching for the “perfect” ministry opportunity. I sought the insight of many well intentioned and well respected senior pastors. Funny thing though, not one of them had an idea as to where to start my journey into full-time ministry.
I was told to pray and ask for direction. As if consulting with the creator of the universe, on the most important decision of my life; up to that point, never crossed my mind. Second I was told to serve locally and see if doors would open. Again, a bit of a naive suggestion. Was I to labor away for weeks, months, years, in hopes that some day my efforts would reach heaven and gain God’s attention. Then, if I am lucky, He will grant me the opportunity to fulfill the calling He, supposedly, placed on my heart. This type of validation by indentured servitude was not my cup of tea. I think ministry may be the only calling/profession where individuals slave away, kept in check by their massa with the hopes of future employment. I was just a little to ambitious to ride the wave of pray, work, and hope I got God’s attention.
I soon realized that the right opportunities are the ones that present themselves. Life is to short to sit around wondering “is this it, is this the one God, or do I have to work a little longer and prove my self over and again?” I sent out hundreds of resumes, called churches, contacted Head Hunters, and watched the job boards religiously. Finally my day came, a unique posting caught my eye, Youth Pastor needed, 9,000 member, multi-site church; the listing sounded AMAZING. It was amazing and devastating at the same time.
In subsequent installments I will elaborate on the opportunity and how it came about. For now, I realized that all the well intentioned advice I received was, out right wrong. As in any profession, if you are going to excel in ministry you have to go after it. I exhausted every possible avenue searching for that first time experience. Not that prayer and servitude were not part of the repertoire but I actually worked at it. Most folks seem to believe that if God “called” you into ministry then it is His job to evoke the inception of every opportunity. As with every promise from the mouth of the Creator, you have to do your part. Buried in the promise of salvation are the action steps of; confess, believe, accept. If you feel called to ministry, get to work.
So, “Does it suck to be a Pastor?” Yes, so much bad advice is given to the novice starting out in ministry and No, once you taste your first experience of full-time ministry you will never look back.
Extra: If you need advice on where to start in looking for your first shot in ministry; comment, Facebook, or Tweet me and I’ll share with you the steps that get results.
Nate,
I would agree with most of that.
Praying but not doing anything to get where you want to be
is like a guy in a boat with only one oar in the water, and we
know where that will get you.
Put the other oar in and work them both and things will move along.
Later,
Dad
Hey Nathan,
I came across your blog through a friend’s website. I want to first commend you for your enthusiasm for ministry and your willingness to share your experiences with other believers who might be struggling with the same challenges you faced.
I certainly agree that there is a mysterious unity between God’s sovereignty for our lives and our responsibility to take up action so that we may glorify the Lord with our lives.
However, I find it troubling that you would write so dismissively about some of the early opportunities you faced, as though smaller churches or less exciting opportunities might in some way not be part of God’s will for your ministry. As though your talents and great efforts would be wasted on such measly opportunities. I hope that is now how you intended to come across, and my guess is that your main point was not to be complacent in the lives we lead for God.
But do be cautious when the colors of inner pride show. Remember that you are a pastor, and people are reading your words (even people you’ve never met before). Don’t write about your ministry the way an ambitious business man might write about his climb along the corporate ladder.
I myself struggle with pride in my own ways, I admit, and have made the mistake to post arrogant thoughts publicly on Facebook and such. But as a pastor, you are held to much higher standards. Please honor God not through bragging rights but with humility.
God bless,
Michel
Michel,
Thanks for the comments. I love hearing feedback on my blog.
I do see where it could appear that I downplayed my earlier, non-paid experiences. The truth is I volunteered my time, in some great churches, small and large, for about 5 years before stepping into full time ministry. However, the post was written to the individuals I’ve meet along life’s journey who claim they have a call to greatness, yet never seem to take the necessary action steps toward their goal. I believe that if God called you to touch even one life, we should strive toward that goal with ambition that would make a Fortune 500 CEO look like a slacker. After all, if God Himself called, shouldn’t that calling be taken as serious as growing a large fortune or corporation? The reality is the ambition I write from is not of my own renowned, but only to make Jesus famous. There was a time when selfishness may have been my motivation, but through tough lessons learned, my striving has less and less to do with me. I have truly found my dignity and worth in Jesus and not in what I do, even if what I am doing is for his glory. I’ll share more on that thought in later posts. Keep reading!
Not to sound defensive, but what is more prideful, sharing ones saga or calling into question someones character who you have never met, after reading a few lines of a blog and hearing only portions of the story.
While I welcome conversation, even constructive criticism, I do not respond well to miss guided attempts at correction.
Again, thank you for the comments.
Hey Pastor Nathan,
Thanks for replying to my concern. I think your response definitely addressed my question and I’m glad to see your efforts are aimed to encourage fellow pastors who struggle with the daunting call.
I apologize for misinterpreting your intent, and perhaps even your tone.
God bless you and may you continue to do wonderful things for God.
Michel