working in a church?

[Christ_empowered]

what's it like? I'm getting closer to the end of my degree, and I'm thinking about it...I could get a masters of divinity, but it seems like...well, it doesn't seem like there are that many jobs in the church and para-church ministries that would actually support me.

do y'all have any experiences working in churches? I don't want to lead a flock...no way. I was thinking something in the background, something...maybe a ministry, not an actual church. I was also considering hospital chaplain for a minute, because that seems cool...help people without resorting to excessive amounts of secular psychology. Something like that.

Of course, I'd have to grow and change, too...and that's part of the appeal. The Lord has seen fit to make me remarkably...normal...and healthy, and for the 1st time in over 10 years...smart enough for my goals. The issues would be: I'd be a former "mental patient," I'm not heterosexual, and I currently have a misdemeanor, although that's supposed to be sealed once I complete probation...

I dunno. I just don't wanna be stuck in the "mental patient" role indefinitely. Not that its bad per se; some people can't work because of mental problems, and right now...I'm one of them. I just want to be more autonomous and give back something, since The Lord has been so good to me. Also...well, I feel as if The Lord has given me raw material to work with...question is: where? how? doing...what?

 

[JohnDB]

OK.
Let me be blunt. Church work sucks.

It's a job where you have to give 10℅ of your paycheck back to your employer and then every member has something to say about the job you do. Most of what they have to say is not relevant or even related to what you do. And you can't tell them different either.

It's a horrible place to work.

There are many better places to work and be appreciated.

 

[reba]

It might be a bit better in huge church .... but i would not count on it.. I so wish i did not agree with JohnDB

Maybe a Christian school..
C_E you see the battles that go on here .. Well meaning folks but still battles We are all just human. Human--Christians...

 

[Christ_empowered]

yeah...i remember when my mom was an elder, the church battles. and then what I saw when I was at teen challenge w/ the employees. ugh.

I dunno. I"m getting to the point where its like "OK, so you --don't-- wanna be on disability indefinitely, and God has made you smart enough for more good things. Great. So...what are you going to do?"

Basically, I'm thinking out loud...err...in text.

 

[reba]

C_E Talk to your friend Vera... She might tell ya something like ... Son God did not pull you out of the pits of hell to have you waste on the vine... God did not educate you for no good reason...He knew you before you knew Him ...

Php_1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

 

[Eugene]

.
Working at McDonalds with a master of divinity may give the satisfaction you seek.
Some hospitals, care centers, and local work programs offer limited employment to
ministers, and which might be considered an allowable supplemental addition to your
SSI you certainly never want to give up; check on it first to the nth degree.

With your training, you might also be able to set up a fortune telling business.
"CE's Divinity Counseling"

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3:18a He that believeth on him is not condemned:
Conversely
Joh 3:18b but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

That'll be one hundred smackaroos, and thanks.

 

[Christ_empowered]

thanks, eugene. You always give solid advice and good Scriptures.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I think...I think maybe I have to make peace with life. Being a "mental patient" isn't exactly glamorous, but...I don't have the same obligations most other people have, either. My people are able and willing to protect me and take good care of me (Praise God!).

I made a lot of mistakes and committed a lot of sins until Jesus saved me, so...this is actually a very, very good outcome. For me, "recovery from mental illness" has also involved recovery from a wasted life (until Jesus saved me, of course) and reconciliation with my (long suffering, loving) family.

There's a masters program online...its an English degree w/ an emphasis on creative writing. Back in the day, I would've said "what? a fluff degree if ever I've heard of one!," but...hey, most people would be --dead-- after everything I did + that was done to me...maybe I'll look into it. Or not.

 

[OzSpen]

what's it like? I'm getting closer to the end of my degree, and I'm thinking about it...I could get a masters of divinity, but it seems like...well, it doesn't seem like there are that many jobs in the church and para-church ministries that would actually support me.

do y'all have any experiences working in churches? I don't want to lead a flock...no way. I was thinking something in the background, something...maybe a ministry, not an actual church. I was also considering hospital chaplain for a minute, because that seems cool...help people without resorting to excessive amounts of secular psychology. Something like that.

Of course, I'd have to grow and change, too...and that's part of the appeal. The Lord has seen fit to make me remarkably...normal...and healthy, and for the 1st time in over 10 years...smart enough for my goals. The issues would be: I'd be a former "mental patient," I'm not heterosexual, and I currently have a misdemeanor, although that's supposed to be sealed once I complete probation...

I dunno. I just don't wanna be stuck in the "mental patient" role indefinitely. Not that its bad per se; some people can't work because of mental problems, and right now...I'm one of them. I just want to be more autonomous and give back something, since The Lord has been so good to me. Also...well, I feel as if The Lord has given me raw material to work with...question is: where? how? doing...what?

CE,

I don't know your gifts. Do you know them? My journey took me via a BA in biblical literature & NT Greek. During this degree I took some liberal arts subjects at a Christian college in marriage, family and individual therapy that were a God-send in opening up opportunities for counselling work. I entered seminary with a view to completing an MDiv with an emphasis in pastoral psychology & counseling. But chose an MA instead. That was the best decision of my life.

Since graduation, I've spent 34 years as a counsellor in various ministries, the last 17 years full-time, working with rebel youth and their disillusioned parents, plus lots of other secular clients, before I spent 5 years on a PhD (dissertation only) in NT. During that time of ministry I've taught for 7 years in theological colleges, including with Teen Challenge.

While in Seminary, I helped plant a church in Ohio and had a very satisfying experience. The people could not have been more supportive, but you need to remember that I gave them the best I had in pastoral care - along with my wife.

It doesn't matter what kind of work you do - even as a 'tentmaker' - you will experience difficulty with people. Church work is no different, except that there are opportunities for dealing with difficulties in a Christ-like manner.

The church needs gifted people, but I urge you not to go into church work unless God has gifted you for this work. If you are not a confident speaker, go join a Toastmaster's Club and attend regularly to help make you a better speaker.

Oz

 

[OzSpen]

OK.
Let me be blunt. Church work sucks.

It's a job where you have to give 10℅ of your paycheck back to your employer and then every member has something to say about the job you do. Most of what they have to say is not relevant or even related to what you do. And you can't tell them different either.

It's a horrible place to work.

There are many better places to work and be appreciated.

John,

I think that's a bit of a harsh assessment. Yes, there are church ministry positions that can be difficult. But here in Australia, of the pastors I know in ministry, most are satisfied in their calling and are experiencing God's satisfaction in ministry. I've pastored 2 churches. One was satisfying; the other was less than satisfying because of dishonesty among the elders. It was an internal issue.

I know one pastor who had a horrible time in 2015 when about half of his congregation left, but that was due primarily to his leadership style and entrepreneur approach. He has learned the lesson.

A key for young pastors is to have a more experienced pastor mentor for him/her in the early years. Caring, smaller denominations help with this in my region.

My current pastor has more trials from his wife than the church (I'm being honest). She's a mean-spirited woman in the way she treats him and gets some of her buddies at church to join her. However, generally he's satisfied with the ministry. Remember that this is a church of about 60 people.

Oz

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

what's it like? I'm getting closer to the end of my degree, and I'm thinking about it...I could get a masters of divinity, but it seems like...well, it doesn't seem like there are that many jobs in the church and para-church ministries that would actually support me.

do y'all have any experiences working in churches? I don't want to lead a flock...no way. I was thinking something in the background, something...maybe a ministry, not an actual church. I was also considering hospital chaplain for a minute, because that seems cool...help people without resorting to excessive amounts of secular psychology. Something like that.

Of course, I'd have to grow and change, too...and that's part of the appeal. The Lord has seen fit to make me remarkably...normal...and healthy, and for the 1st time in over 10 years...smart enough for my goals. The issues would be: I'd be a former "mental patient," I'm not heterosexual, and I currently have a misdemeanor, although that's supposed to be sealed once I complete probation...

I dunno. I just don't wanna be stuck in the "mental patient" role indefinitely. Not that its bad per se; some people can't work because of mental problems, and right now...I'm one of them. I just want to be more autonomous and give back something, since The Lord has been so good to me. Also...well, I feel as if The Lord has given me raw material to work with...question is: where? how? doing...what?

Do you have much choice?
I mean, it has to be near your mother's house, right?
How about going to a church and being a volunteer and being around church people and church workers and tell them what you want to do.
See how much support you can muster up.
All this may give you a good idea if you really want to do it or not.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

Chaplain?
Try praying to allah with a muslim, or try praying to Jesus with a muslim.
Either way, chaplains are not a good job.
Unless you're just looking for good works.

 

[Wrg1405]

Don't define yourself as a mental patient.
You are a precious child of God who has mental health issues.

You have been through so much, learned so much and God has bought you through and continues to bring you through.

There must be a reason for this and it is to do good works. To walk alongside people who are suffering like you were. God has been training you for such a time.

That being the case he will open the doors.
I know my response does not answer your question, the only thing I can say his trust in him to use you in the right place at the right time.