Well, we moved into a new (to us) house - Ang got a new job, I resigned from my old job (as in switched careers), and that puts us in a place of just about everything being new.
They say moving and switching jobs are two of the largest 'stresses' on an individual... Ang and I are feeling like this is the norm.
Formally, I have taken a leave of absence as an ordained minister to pursue work outside the church. It's a move that's been a long time coming. I don't think this is a permanent decision - but it's definitely the right one for right now. Reasons? A bunch. A big one is having too many questions and not enough answers - I'm speaking internally...
Where's the Church (generally speaking) going?
What does Church mean?
What does a minister do?
What's the difference between a guy that works a job and a minister?
What's the number one priority in ministry?
Why do I feel like there's a huge amount of distance between what I feel the priority is, and what I've found myself spending all my time doing?
Aren't we all ministers?
Is the pinnacle of someone surrendered to God being a Christian Minister?
Maybe a missionary?
Is full-time ministry a paid position in a Church?
Isn't life ministry?
What does 'a calling' mean?
Do all Christians have a calling?
Do all people have a calling?
I've got answers for a lot of those questions - but I'm not sure if they're right - so it's time to switch gears and try to learn another way.
11 comments:
You're the third friend to leave professional ministry in 2007. Strange.
- Peace
So much dialogue I would like to have with you. It seems that people in our generation are asking all the same questions and going on different soul seeking missions to find the answers. E-mail me and let's talk some more.
Dave, you need to stay away from people in full-time ministry... I don't think there's anything else to it.
Hey Chester - it's true - I hear this from a lot of people... inside the Church and out.
We'll talk some more.
you're not the first one to say it...
- Peace
Adam,
I'm sorry I was not keepi g up with you better. Part of this grieves me but at the same time I am greatly encouraged by your discipline and the honesty with us the people who love and care for you. The path you have followed the last few years through to ordination will continue to be your strength.
Steve
Great questions Adam. Where you ever challenged with these questions in your bible college classes? During the ordination process? Why are these questions so often overlooked in our Christian institutions???
Good questions Adam! They are questions we need to keep asking!
Steve - thanks for your words. It's tough to rub shoulders with you good folks when there's a sizeable distance between us.
Shane,
these thoughts aren't new to me. what i meant in saying that i have answers but perhaps not necessarily the right ones is that i've read and understood what's written down... and yet there is huge variation at times in how a doctrine or statute is practiced. i'm most comfortable with the FMCiC's statements on life and ministry. i don't think these questions are being overlooked - yet, personally i'm trying to get into a space where i can engage this style more fully.
hey gloria - matt and jes are coming over to for burgers tonight.
love you guys
Post a Comment