Right now I am studying community, on many different levels. It is interesting to see how leadership and culture shape community. Following this weekend, I should have more time to write. It is amazing just how tired a person can be and still manage to learn things. Praying that I don't get sick, way too much to do. I never want to be a bi-vocational pastor.
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4 comments:
Chris,
I never want to be a bi-vocational pastor.
How come?
Because I want to be able to focus on ministry. I know enough bi-vocational pastors to know just how much work it is. I think there are times were it does work, but many times where it doesn't work. Working and going to school shows me that I couldn't add anything else to the equation (as in a family) without something else suffering or being greatly reduced. I couldn't make ends meet working less, and I couldn't minister effectively as the leader of a church with less time focused on that. I want the bulk of my time (working time) to be directed toward ministry, not working to support my ministry. I understand that precludes me from working in some of the smallest or poorest churches. I don't know fully what God's plans are for me though, so we'll wait and see where He takes me.
MrCLM
What are you studying for at Bethel? How long have you known the call of God on your life and discern your giftings?
I am studying for a Masters of Divinity in the Greek Track with the focus of Transformational Leadership. My first 2 years were Christian Thought, but I switched last semester into Transformational Leadership. I knew leaving college that there was a chance I might go to Seminary, but at that point in life I wasn't willing to listen to God's whisper. It seemed to be a pipe dream, I didn't believe in myself enough at that point, as I had only been a Christian for a few years, and was just learning who I was. I spent nearly 6 years working for the Boy Scouts of America, and life kept pushing me this direction. I'm one of those people who God constantly shapes and work on, instead of one big shazaam type of experience. The time with the BSA turned out to be an enormous blessing for future ministry, teaching me many things that pastors struggle with (recruitment, how to ask people for money, leading people, dealing with difficult people etc.).
MrCLM
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