"Only do ministry if you can't see yourself doing anything else." That's cutting, and I'm learning that this is a truth God has placed in me -- as I cannot fathom working in a "real job", ministry may just be my vocation.
I think ministry is your job and your job is your ministry. I used to think grass is always greener but really we are called to our coworkers and bosses . 😔 😊 😃
Before transitioning into ministry (church staff), I worked in the marketplace. The business environment is filled with organizational politics and competition: where behaviors are driven by ego, pride and fear. In other words, all the dysfunction and baggage associated with people in an organizational setting. In my naïveté, I thought that it might be different on church staff: these were, after all, professional Christians who understand how to foster and maintain loving relationships. But of course, I found the same dramatic tensions in church that I experienced in business. This is why leadership is so important: without strong leadership, the organization will be unable to advance God's kingdom to its fullest potential.
i just wanted to say thank you for this video.. i’m only 15, but i have been trying to think of what i want to do with my life. this was very motivational and eye-opening:)
madelyn austin I’m so glad to hear that! Good luck with the journey of discovering what you want to do, and if you ever have any ministry questions feel free to let me know😊
Oh hey I know this was 3 years ago and you're probably not 15 anymore lol but I just wanted to say on how I was also your age when I became interested in this being my vocation. I only left it for awhile but somehow faith brought me back to it :) I wonder if that is still your drive today and if you're taking any action towards ministry. If not that's okay, God does have a purpose for you and he will pull you in that direction
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! I have been in doing ministry for awhile that I've gone above and beyond and took initiative like finding a Bible study at one of my local churches (and I'm still on the search for anything else of recommendation). And I'm going to be volunteering for my Godfather's son who is a youth minister at a different church. I've had this fire and drive in wanting to serve and give my life to Christ in ministry. And I'm exploring all branches of the church just to see the options of what they have and maybe one of those paths I take is that one that God called me to be. I have had epilepsy since I was 16 years old, I am 22 and been through a bump in the road with finding jobs or getting into one through college then realizing after awhile I just get scared. Then I remembered a long time ago that when I was 15 that I wanted to be an actor,teacher,and a missionary. I lead a rosary for a few people only 4 days into my freshman year. And then just fell away from that cause I just went on other paths which lead me to a funk. Then it's til years later that I kept praying and after rejection after rejection, there was one moment that I think that God was trying to test me to see "would she still love to serve Me, even if she didn't get into the mission group that she wanted to go into the first place" and the answer to that is yes, I am willing to give my life to serving Christ in the ministry. Sadly I still am unemployed, I have been job searching but none of them gives me the same spark or fire that I get when I want to serve Christ. And they always say that "your first job doesn't have to be the best" but all I can say is, that God will provide. I am on a different journey than everyone else I know. Thank you for this, I really was praying just a little bit ago on how I just need a mentor to guide me. God bless you, you're an answer to my prayer 🙏😊
Thank you so much for this video. I just interviewed for a church secretary position, and your comments about the mindset of being a "paid volunteer", and that "people are people" and aren't perfect is exactly what I needed to hear. Also, it's about growing God's church! It's so good to get one's thoughts adjusted on a daily basis! I am transitioning out of a toxic workplace, so this would be quite a blessing to be hired to do this. You've made me excited about the opportunity to help everyone and be a good Christian "servant".
This video just confirmed what I want to do. I also want to work in church production full time. I'm so happy I stumbled on this video. Currently Im a full time student who also works full time in corporate. I've been doing church production part time for a year and I love every moment of it. I'm going to officially be a deacon in a few months and I'm just so happy I found my church family through this. This is definitely my calling. Thank you for producing this video.
You definitely have the right mindset of a volunteer. I do IT and other technical work at my church twice a week. Nothing I am looking to get paid to do even though that was offered to me. It does not take up that much time and it is something I like to do, I get to do and if it helps advance the His kingdom, all the better.
Great video! I was just informed about a bethel school of ministry that starts in June and I’m so unsure on whether it’s something God wants me to do. I’m in college working on my associates of science but I feel in my heart to seek ministry. However, I don’t really want to attend school anymore. Still praying and asking God on which path to take. It’s been so complicated for me and I feel as if I’m not wise or knowledgeable enough to be in ministry
I worked as a parish administrator and it didn't work out for me. The pastor continuously belittled me and even went as far as saying she thought I had a processing problem. However, I had never worked for a church and had no religion background. My husband was a member of the church but I wasn't. She found me through him and I feel she used me because she couldn't find anyone that would take the job. I agreed to do it because I thought I was being a nice person. It wasn't a hard job and I respected it. The church language was foreign to me, but I was doing my best to put the bulletins and newsletters together. I wasn't perfect but I wasn't terrible either. The pastor and I were managing. However, I felt she never really trusted me or fully accepted me because she was constantly comparing me to the person I replaced (who had a lot of experience working for a church). In the end, I told her I couldn't take her abuse towards me anymore. This was after I had already resigned once and then came back a second time. She got upset with me for asking her if she was going to be retiring, but lashed out at me when she was really upset about other things. She wanted me to give up my other job that generated more income for the church job. She is the one who wanted me to stay while I repeatedly told her I wasn't the right fit for the job. So if I was going to give up my other job I had to weight my options. I didn't want to work for the church past her time as the Pastor. That's the only reason I asked her how long she planned to be the Pastor and if she'd thought about retiring anytime soon. She was fine with talking about it then. Then 3 weeks later she attacks me and accused me of crossing a boundary and not minding my own business. I said enough is enough. I'm not going to take her insecurities and fears about the financial sate of the church the second time around. So yes people who work in ministry are human but that doesn't make it right to treat me how I was treated, especially from the Pastor. What a terrible waste of my time.
I agree we work in contracting with the cleaning side the only problems are are their down falls very negative I’ve not had one positive email in 6 plus years infact the unsociable hours aswell they are very lucky we can fit flexibility in their schedule.. they couldn’t find any company before we took the job - the chap who was there before us wanted out he’d had enough.. he was on very little pay also - the abuse that came with it
For a bob profit organization, it’s always good to volunteer for it can clarify to a person if this is what a person may want to do for either the rest of their life or for x number of years. Like any job out there, you must LOVE what you do. Great points in this video. 👍🏼
This is great stuff and thanks for sharing your experiences! Hope you are doing well in this unique season and I know creative ministries are high demands in these days.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Ministry is something I’m very passionate about, so it’s truly my pleasure to share whatever wisdom I can about life in ministry. It has been an incredibly unique season, but although some methods needed to change, the mission stayed the same. It was actually a fun challenge, and I think I’ve learned a lot from it. Ready for in person services though!
I don’t enjoy my current job at all and I started going to my cousins church in the beginning of the month of November and I got the idea of working at the church. I’m not very connected to the church but I’d like to be. I’m not certain if the thought was given to me by God or if was a thought of my own.
Thanks for sharing your experience. My thoughts on this matter would be that I wouldn't work at a church because you don't like your current job. Church jobs can be just as messy as any other job, and I find people who don't go in expecting that can be very disappointed. I would also say that I would take more time to get plugged into a church before considering working there. Unlike working for a company, working for a church will become a huge part of your life, and you'll want to eat, sleep, and live the life of the church before considering working there. However, this isn't to discourage you from pursuing working in ministry. I can't think of a better job. It's just out of my love for the church that I would recommend thinking it through deeply and taking your time with such an idea
Thanks, Austin. I'm about to have an interview for Marketing Coordinator at one Church in Sydney, Australia. This video has helped me to measure my motivation again!! Yes indeed doing ministry is a privilege and am so thankful that I'm called to do that too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. :)
Me trying to learn other skills: not really motivated or passionate. When learning church stuff: talks about it a lot.. gets hyped and want to learn more... I think it is something I could work as x3.. idk
Great question! After serving for a long time, the pastors approached me with an offer to join the staff. In this case it was more about wanting me as a part of the staff and then finding a position that fit my skills rather than vice versa.
That’s a big decision for sure! Obviously spend lots of time praying about it, but if you feel there might be things you’d rather do, then I would suggest perhaps saying no, and doing so free from guilt and shame. Ministry is something that’s going to require your all, and if your heart is 100% in it, then perhaps this isn’t the right season for you. That’s ok! I’d have more respect for someone who graciously says no because they’re being honest with themselves than saying yes to please others. With that being said, any change naturally brings stress and anxiety, so that alone doesn’t mean it’s not for you. Best of luck in making this decision!
Thanks for your reply. Wise words. This is the third time they’ve asked and I’ve said twice already but this one feels different. I pretty much volunteer about 15hrs a week already at the church. The ministry they would like to oversee is really my passion it’s just the what if’s and the anxiety like you said. I’m praying and seeking advice. My hope is that wherever the Lord leads me, my husband and I will both be willing to move forward with it. Again, thank you
KishaE TV It’s my pleasure! Keep praying and seeking wise advise on this, you’re certainly on the right track with that, and be confident in however the Lord leads you. Praying for peace amidst this time for you!
I feel totally lost. I can feel the church calling me. But I've never been to a church service, I see myself as a Christian but I suppose social anxiety prevents me. I feel like a fraud and that the church is no place for me to serve.
I'm really sorry to hear about this struggle. There are people very close to me that struggle with social anxiety, and I know how difficult that can be. I don't think that makes you a fraud. I think it makes you human. I absolutely believe that the church is a place for you. When we look at the life of Jesus, we constantly see him inviting people in. I hope that one day the church can become a home for you. My biggest advice would be to keep taking small steps towards getting plugged in at a church, even if that starts online and is a slow transition to being in person. Prayers for you on this journey.
"Only do ministry if you can't see yourself doing anything else." That's cutting, and I'm learning that this is a truth God has placed in me -- as I cannot fathom working in a "real job", ministry may just be my vocation.
Glad that was helpful for you! Best of luck to you as you discern this call to ministry. If I can be any help, let me know
I think ministry is your job and your job is your ministry. I used to think grass is always greener but really we are called to our coworkers and bosses . 😔 😊 😃
Before transitioning into ministry (church staff), I worked in the marketplace. The business environment is filled with organizational politics and competition: where behaviors are driven by ego, pride and fear. In other words, all the dysfunction and baggage associated with people in an organizational setting. In my naïveté, I thought that it might be different on church staff: these were, after all, professional Christians who understand how to foster and maintain loving relationships. But of course, I found the same dramatic tensions in church that I experienced in business. This is why leadership is so important: without strong leadership, the organization will be unable to advance God's kingdom to its fullest potential.
That second point is golden: ministry is all about people. Thanks.
Thanks! If I had to boil it down to just one point it would be that. Thanks for watching!
i just wanted to say thank you for this video.. i’m only 15, but i have been trying to think of what i want to do with my life. this was very motivational and eye-opening:)
madelyn austin I’m so glad to hear that! Good luck with the journey of discovering what you want to do, and if you ever have any ministry questions feel free to let me know😊
Oh hey I know this was 3 years ago and you're probably not 15 anymore lol but I just wanted to say on how I was also your age when I became interested in this being my vocation. I only left it for awhile but somehow faith brought me back to it :) I wonder if that is still your drive today and if you're taking any action towards ministry. If not that's okay, God does have a purpose for you and he will pull you in that direction
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! I have been in doing ministry for awhile that I've gone above and beyond and took initiative like finding a Bible study at one of my local churches (and I'm still on the search for anything else of recommendation). And I'm going to be volunteering for my Godfather's son who is a youth minister at a different church. I've had this fire and drive in wanting to serve and give my life to Christ in ministry. And I'm exploring all branches of the church just to see the options of what they have and maybe one of those paths I take is that one that God called me to be. I have had epilepsy since I was 16 years old, I am 22 and been through a bump in the road with finding jobs or getting into one through college then realizing after awhile I just get scared. Then I remembered a long time ago that when I was 15 that I wanted to be an actor,teacher,and a missionary. I lead a rosary for a few people only 4 days into my freshman year. And then just fell away from that cause I just went on other paths which lead me to a funk. Then it's til years later that I kept praying and after rejection after rejection, there was one moment that I think that God was trying to test me to see "would she still love to serve Me, even if she didn't get into the mission group that she wanted to go into the first place" and the answer to that is yes, I am willing to give my life to serving Christ in the ministry. Sadly I still am unemployed, I have been job searching but none of them gives me the same spark or fire that I get when I want to serve Christ. And they always say that "your first job doesn't have to be the best" but all I can say is, that God will provide. I am on a different journey than everyone else I know. Thank you for this, I really was praying just a little bit ago on how I just need a mentor to guide me. God bless you, you're an answer to my prayer 🙏😊
Thank you so much for this video. I just interviewed for a church secretary position, and your comments about the mindset of being a "paid volunteer", and that "people are people" and aren't perfect is exactly what I needed to hear. Also, it's about growing God's church! It's so good to get one's thoughts adjusted on a daily basis! I am transitioning out of a toxic workplace, so this would be quite a blessing to be hired to do this. You've made me excited about the opportunity to help everyone and be a good Christian "servant".
I’m so glad this was helpful!
Yo you definitely hit it on the head! Love the heart of this whole thing. Genuinely blessed by the vid bro. Kill it at Moody and Godspeed!
Zach Walker so glad that you were blessed by this! Genuinely grateful that you took the tile to watch this and leave such an encouraging comment.
This video just confirmed what I want to do. I also want to work in church production full time. I'm so happy I stumbled on this video. Currently Im a full time student who also works full time in corporate. I've been doing church production part time for a year and I love every moment of it. I'm going to officially be a deacon in a few months and I'm just so happy I found my church family through this. This is definitely my calling. Thank you for producing this video.
You definitely have the right mindset of a volunteer. I do IT and other technical work at my church twice a week. Nothing I am looking to get paid to do even though that was offered to me. It does not take up that much time and it is something I like to do, I get to do and if it helps advance the His kingdom, all the better.
Great video! I was just informed about a bethel school of ministry that starts in June and I’m so unsure on whether it’s something God wants me to do. I’m in college working on my associates of science but I feel in my heart to seek ministry. However, I don’t really want to attend school anymore. Still praying and asking God on which path to take. It’s been so complicated for me and I feel as if I’m not wise or knowledgeable enough to be in ministry
Glad you enjoyed it! Best of luck with your upcoming decisions
Hey I'd love to know what's up with your life now :))
Exactly, it is the best. Such a blessing! 😇
I worked as a parish administrator and it didn't work out for me. The pastor continuously belittled me and even went as far as saying she thought I had a processing problem. However, I had never worked for a church and had no religion background. My husband was a member of the church but I wasn't. She found me through him and I feel she used me because she couldn't find anyone that would take the job. I agreed to do it because I thought I was being a nice person. It wasn't a hard job and I respected it. The church language was foreign to me, but I was doing my best to put the bulletins and newsletters together. I wasn't perfect but I wasn't terrible either. The pastor and I were managing. However, I felt she never really trusted me or fully accepted me because she was constantly comparing me to the person I replaced (who had a lot of experience working for a church). In the end, I told her I couldn't take her abuse towards me anymore. This was after I had already resigned once and then came back a second time. She got upset with me for asking her if she was going to be retiring, but lashed out at me when she was really upset about other things. She wanted me to give up my other job that generated more income for the church job. She is the one who wanted me to stay while I repeatedly told her I wasn't the right fit for the job. So if I was going to give up my other job I had to weight my options. I didn't want to work for the church past her time as the Pastor. That's the only reason I asked her how long she planned to be the Pastor and if she'd thought about retiring anytime soon. She was fine with talking about it then. Then 3 weeks later she attacks me and accused me of crossing a boundary and not minding my own business. I said enough is enough. I'm not going to take her insecurities and fears about the financial sate of the church the second time around. So yes people who work in ministry are human but that doesn't make it right to treat me how I was treated, especially from the Pastor. What a terrible waste of my time.
I agree we work in contracting with the cleaning side the only problems are are their down falls very negative I’ve not had one positive email in 6 plus years infact the unsociable hours aswell they are very lucky we can fit flexibility in their schedule.. they couldn’t find any company before we took the job - the chap who was there before us wanted out he’d had enough.. he was on very little pay also - the abuse that came with it
Also the way they treat the volunteers and back stabbing other people in church that can’t defend themselves..
For a bob profit organization, it’s always good to volunteer for it can clarify to a person if this is what a person may want to do for either the rest of their life or for x number of years. Like any job out there, you must LOVE what you do. Great points in this video. 👍🏼
This is great stuff and thanks for sharing your experiences! Hope you are doing well in this unique season and I know creative ministries are high demands in these days.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Ministry is something I’m very passionate about, so it’s truly my pleasure to share whatever wisdom I can about life in ministry. It has been an incredibly unique season, but although some methods needed to change, the mission stayed the same. It was actually a fun challenge, and I think I’ve learned a lot from it. Ready for in person services though!
I work for a church currently. you are so correct in what you are saying. Good job. Paid volunteer ... I like it... I get to do this.
Quality content, bruh! I'm a volunteer church worker as a photographer in my current church for almost a decade! :)))
No way! That’s awesome man. I love hearing about people serving the church so faithfully. Keep up the good work
I don’t enjoy my current job at all and I started going to my cousins church in the beginning of the month of November and I got the idea of working at the church. I’m not very connected to the church but I’d like to be. I’m not certain if the thought was given to me by God or if was a thought of my own.
Thanks for sharing your experience. My thoughts on this matter would be that I wouldn't work at a church because you don't like your current job. Church jobs can be just as messy as any other job, and I find people who don't go in expecting that can be very disappointed. I would also say that I would take more time to get plugged into a church before considering working there. Unlike working for a company, working for a church will become a huge part of your life, and you'll want to eat, sleep, and live the life of the church before considering working there. However, this isn't to discourage you from pursuing working in ministry. I can't think of a better job. It's just out of my love for the church that I would recommend thinking it through deeply and taking your time with such an idea
Thank you for your video. Very eye opening, as to the roles, while knowing the lives of who those ministers. I appreciate the advice, very advisable.
Connie Lamb my pleasure! Glad this was helpful
Thanks, Austin. I'm about to have an interview for Marketing Coordinator at one Church in Sydney, Australia. This video has helped me to measure my motivation again!! Yes indeed doing ministry is a privilege and am so thankful that I'm called to do that too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. :)
So glad to hear that! Good luck!
Love this!! Thank you!!
Loved this video!
kitem manje glad you enjoyed it!
This is great 🔥
Simon Rendall thanks Simon! I appreciate you taking the time to watch it and comment.
Me trying to learn other skills: not really motivated or passionate.
When learning church stuff: talks about it a lot.. gets hyped and want to learn more... I think it is something I could work as x3.. idk
While I already made a comment, I do a question?
How did you get into becoming a paid volunteer? Thank you.
Great question! After serving for a long time, the pastors approached me with an offer to join the staff. In this case it was more about wanting me as a part of the staff and then finding a position that fit my skills rather than vice versa.
Thank you, for your response. I wasn't sure if that way was still feasible, as it was 20 yrs ago. Thank you again.
My church asked me to join full time and I’m just so unsure
That’s a big decision for sure! Obviously spend lots of time praying about it, but if you feel there might be things you’d rather do, then I would suggest perhaps saying no, and doing so free from guilt and shame. Ministry is something that’s going to require your all, and if your heart is 100% in it, then perhaps this isn’t the right season for you. That’s ok! I’d have more respect for someone who graciously says no because they’re being honest with themselves than saying yes to please others. With that being said, any change naturally brings stress and anxiety, so that alone doesn’t mean it’s not for you. Best of luck in making this decision!
Thanks for your reply. Wise words. This is the third time they’ve asked and I’ve said twice already but this one feels different. I pretty much volunteer about 15hrs a week already at the church. The ministry they would like to oversee is really my passion it’s just the what if’s and the anxiety like you said. I’m praying and seeking advice. My hope is that wherever the Lord leads me, my husband and I will both be willing to move forward with it. Again, thank you
KishaE TV It’s my pleasure! Keep praying and seeking wise advise on this, you’re certainly on the right track with that, and be confident in however the Lord leads you. Praying for peace amidst this time for you!
I feel totally lost. I can feel the church calling me. But I've never been to a church service, I see myself as a Christian but I suppose social anxiety prevents me. I feel like a fraud and that the church is no place for me to serve.
I'm really sorry to hear about this struggle. There are people very close to me that struggle with social anxiety, and I know how difficult that can be. I don't think that makes you a fraud. I think it makes you human. I absolutely believe that the church is a place for you. When we look at the life of Jesus, we constantly see him inviting people in. I hope that one day the church can become a home for you. My biggest advice would be to keep taking small steps towards getting plugged in at a church, even if that starts online and is a slow transition to being in person. Prayers for you on this journey.
What do you do about health benefits? Thanks.
I had benefits when working there
@@GospelSimplicity Do you not work there anymore?
Me after watching Jesus movie