how do i get into ministry?

On Friday a reader left an insightful question/comment on the blog. I’ll share a few thoughts about his comment later this week, but I wonder if any signs of life readers have insight to share. No need to be a pastor to share your thoughts; a variety of perspectives is always helpful. Here’s Michael’s question:

It’s not so much a comment as a question mixed with an observation – but how I do actually get into ministry?

A little background…
I am a thirty-five year old man with a BA in religious studies from Mercer University. I have spent the last fifteen years working in various marketing jobs (graphic designer, artist, communications specialist) while doing lay ministry in the local church (music, teaching, preaching,etc.) A year or so ago I began to feel the call to full-time ministry and during that time the economy tanked leaving yours truly in the unemployment line and sending my wife back to work in the health care industry where, thank God, it was easy to find work.

I started sending out resumes to churches only to find that the only position you can fill without a MDiv is janitor. I started back to seminary this fall and I’m scheduled to graduate in December. But honestly it’s ridiculous to think that my ability to minister will be that much more enhanced by a few more classes in Hermaneutics and Systematic Theology. Why so much emphasis on an education that only shows that you are willing to jump through the hoops and toe the religio-political lines?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying belittle the seminary educational experience, I value it. But seminary is no different than law school in that it only teaches you where to find the answers not how to deal with the interpersonal relationships that are really the key to effective ministry. You can’t really be a pastor until you can understand the parishioner. I have a great deal of experience with people, teaching, preaching and ministry in general. I just don’t have the piece of paper to say I spent 10K on an education in how to use a concordance.

Any advice?

Michael

David Swanson

November 10, 2008

stories, theology

6 responses to “how do i get into ministry?”

otakudad

November 10, 2008 at 10:30 am

I’m actually in the same boat as Michael. I serve as a volunteer with the high school ministry here at Parkview (David’s last church), and only recently got a very part-time position (which I treasure, although financially it’s a wash).

I had been looking for a position within the church as I had felt God leading me to that for over 3-4 years now. I’m considering going back to school to get a degree in Divinity (Which I understand, yet still find to be a funny name. As if I get the degree, and then I am certifiably divine. 🙂 ) but that will have to wait until funds come my way and time freed up to do so. The latter requirement will determine if the situation is of God, as there’s absolutely no way my family can take me adding one more thing…

So my point is that even if willing to enter school and get the degree, that if you hadn’t chosen this path from the start, it’s very difficult to break in, even with a sincere and passionate heart for ministry.

Mind you, however, that ministry is simply that. You don’t need to be paid for ministry to be effective. It may not sustain itself for long (although God can do all things, so it also could sustain itself forever, if He wills it), but you can volunteer and serve God’s kingdom without a paid position.

But I also understand that Michael was likely looking for insight into how to break into ministry that can also support his family…this is something I entirely understand and empathize with…

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randymolson

November 10, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Wow, good question! I don’t know if this will answer it , but here it goes.
I was in a ministry although it was not at a church for about 10 years, without a Seminary degree. I left that position to move to ATL to care for a ailing family member, and for the last 4 years have not been paid to minister as such, That, as otakudad stated does not mean I have not ministered, I was a minister in all the employment I have had since then and from the sounds of it so have you (Michael). It looks like, now, I will begin seminary in the fall after being laid off 1 year ago and taking any odd job since then. But, through it all my passion has been discipling teens and I will continue to do it with or without the seminary credentials. Do what God has called you to do, don’t wait on a piece of paper!
-Randy

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thom

November 13, 2008 at 9:44 am

I wonder if it would be more helpful to first define ministry. Is it a way of life? A Christian duty (for lack of a better phrase)? Or a profession?

I feel like in today’s rationalized, modern world (don’t be fooled by post-modern thought – it exists in the modern structure (wink))…anyway…we seem to have merged occupational structure, vocational needs, and professional advancement with ministry and “calling”. I believe this is to the detriment of the church, the local community, and the world at large.

I won’t go in to too much detail as I am still wrestling with these ideas and all the nuances that flow into it. But suffice it to say that phrases like “break into ministry” connote the idea that ministry is more of a new occupational buzz word than an outpouring of a life dedicated to a relationship with Christ.

Please note that I am not speaking to anyone here specifically but to the larger idea of work and serving Christ. Personally, I would love to have a paid position at a church where I could actually use my skill set, share my passions, and have an actual affect on something other than the bottom line – capital growth. However, that brings us into a whole other area of thought in terms of working for the church, the growth of capital.

In the end, the piece of paper speaks to occupational standards and measurements, which is not to say the education and training is not highly valuable, because IT IS. The passion for ministry speaks to a servant mindset and will happen regardless of the certification or being in the hire of the church.

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lmjarrell

November 13, 2008 at 12:18 pm

Well spoken Thom. After I sent this originally to David I wanted to get another perspective. Here’s a response from a minister and writer:

“With all due respect, it sounds like you’re not looking for a ministry. You’re looking for a paying job in a church that cares about an educated clergy.

I know lots of churches that aren’t into degrees. Many large churches hire from within, based on demonstrated skills and leadership, but that takes a while. Many church plants or house churches do not have seminary-trained leaders, and they can have tremendous ministry, but they don’t pay real well, either.

But if you want a well-paying job in an established church that values credentials, the M.Div. is something of a requirement.

I wish I could be more uplifting. I do pray that you’ll see God’s leading in unexpected ways in the days ahead.”

And perhaps my response to his email will clear a few things up as well:

“Honestly, I have to say I wrote part of what I did out of haste and frustration. I can see how the missive came across as childish and somewhat immature, much to my embarrassment now.

I have served from within the church for many years in a variety of positions and even in large churches for that matter. My goal is ministry and I will continue to serve in the unpaid position I am in now and count it all joy that God gives me the opportunity. The point I was hoping to make and trying to express was that it seems that even in smaller churches and church plants, especially in the southern US, greater emphasis is placed on education that experience or ability in many or most situations. Perhaps writing emails about such matters after getting another in a long line of rejection letters isn’t the best idea.”

I’m reminded of something I tell my daughter from time to time: you have two ears and one mouth for a reason, you should listen twice as much as you talk. Perhaps a bit of own advice in relation to God’s will and direction in ministry are in order.

Michael

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Larry Eisner

November 13, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Michael, first off, your heart’s intention is clear. Don’t worry!

But yeah, for me, the difficulty is this: I feel like I want to serve more and more. However, having a family, and having financial responsibilities limit the amount of time I can put forward on projects. So I wanted a paid position in the church, not so I can make money. (Trust me, it’s the wrong line of work for that, at least if you truly love God…) But instead, so I could serve more, and yet still be responsible towards my family in terms of finances and such.

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ed hardy

March 6, 2009 at 2:50 pm

WOW! I finally found someone that is in my shoes! I have been waiting 8 years to fill a position that God will open up for me. BUT, my wife is still waiting for me to get the $$ job.. Now I’m stuck in the middle while God works on her heart….and its been 8 years. NO FEAR right! Moses was called at 40 yrs, so was I, he walked for 40 yrs ,,,,,me? I would be 80 by the time I get in a position to serve. So for now I volunteer and love the youth that I work with and pour my life into them. I would love to get a MDiv but the issue is can I afford it. Maybe God will pay for me to go if he wants me in a paid ministry position. Others do it, why not I. Peace brothers.

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