O.K., so I had lunch today with a friend of mine. He mentioned that he feels called to full-time ministry but he's not sure when, where or how. We talked a little. I shared how I took my first and second leaps into full-time ministry, each of which were a huge faith step in regards to finances. We discussed the desire to go and do whatever God's called us to do regardless of finances.So the questions remain...
How do you know that you're called to full-time ministry. (is there any other kind?)
Do you have to leave your secular job to be considered a full-time ministry professional?
and lastly...
Is it logical, ethical or even spiritual to quit your job to pursue full-time ministry if you don't have a specific position in (or out of) the Church?
5 comments:
Like anyone could ever know that. I have seen a lot of guys who have decent jobs, pull the trigger a little early on 'full time' ministry. The real question is...'is your spouse ready?'
So, all I can tell you is from my experience. I knew when I was 16 God had called me to pastor - so I started doing some of it then through a small group, when I was 19, I began working for a church part-time as an "intern" pastor. Developed 8 small groups for Young adults. I did that while I was going to school full-time. I graduated from college and got a FT job but continued working for the church PT. So far, for the past 5 years, I've worked "part-time" for the church, but I'm no less a "full-time" minister of the gospel. I know you may see this as semantics, but I'd tell you friend to find a pastor who's willing to take him under his wing, teach him, coach him.
If God says drop your job right now - then by all means, do it. But if not, get some training, start doing the work now (because you don't have to have the title to do what God's called you to do) and wait for the opportunity to arise for the full-time gig.
I feel called, just waiting for God to place me.
i don't want to blow your mind, but in your presidential voting deal, you have left out The Best Christian Man for the position of President of the United States of American, Dr. Alan Keyes. go to www.alankeyes.com or www.renewamerica.us
get in touch with me, Jim
I think there might be "seasons" in your life and there are a different set up "rules" for each season. I might just depend on which season you are called in...
young, single, time on your hands you can take more risks and take extreme steps of faith...
married - now you have to bounce ideas off your spouse and listen to what God is saying through them...
with kids - now you have major responsibility to care for your family and provide for them (however that fleshes out). Now you can't be as selfish for ministry, you have to think about what is best for the family...
mid-life or retired, now you again are freer to take more risks and try new things because your family is grown and no longer dependent on you.
Of course this could all just be rubbish and God can pull the switch in your life and make you go where he wants you.
I don't know anything.
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