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going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/18/2009 12:55:29 PM
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li_marie
Posts: 126
Joined: 11/27/2006
From: Europe
Status: offline
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Hi there -
I am considering going into ministry as I know God has called me. I have been waiting for the "right" time-I thought it was last year but doors closed at the last moment. (Basically I asked for a leave from work but my bosses didn't want me to go and said they badly needed me)
So I am stuck in this secular job -which I enjoy- but my heart is somewhere else. The thing is, I could quit my job at the end of the year, which means I could be off in ministry within a few months.
Or I can wait until doors open without quitting, but they are very unlikely to open as they are lacking staff members in my area and are not granting leaves.
Oh, I should mention one thing -quitting this job means never ever coming back to it because once you decide to quit this position, you cannot go back to it for your whole life in the whole country (sounds weird, but true).
Now I am completely torn between 2 ways of thinking -some will tell me I should quit because ministry is just a matter of career choice -choosing one job or another, I just have to make the step by myself!
Some others tell me I should wait until God opens the doors for me because going into ministry is not a mere career choice and I should wait until God really wants me there.
I really want to go into ministry. I have been waiting for 8 years now. I had started to raise funds, the mission I am close to is holding a position for me, so practical organization is not the matter out there.
I just don't know if I should take the step by myself -as if a mere career choice- or if I should wait. God could ask either from me.
What is the Biblical concept of ministry? I seem to see both in the Bible -people deciding to go and people waiting until God says so.
_____________________________
Cowardly, wayward and weak, I change with the changing sky,
Today so eager and strong, Tomorrow not caring to try.
But He never gives in, And we two shall win,
Jesus and I
from C.TenBoom
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/18/2009 3:48:57 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 6723
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
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So your quandry is to either keep your secular Job, or guit (never again to return) to try a ministry?
Well that should not be the quandry; why not start doing ministry in your spare time? You do have spare time, or you could rearrange your schedule to have spare time for ministry, right?
There are kids on the street that need to meet Jesus instead of drug dealers, there are lost and miseralble homeless folks that need a kind word and a helping hand from a Believer, there are sad lonely folks in the nursing homes that need comfort and a loving hand from a Believer; so go minister.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/18/2009 4:20:11 PM
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ironsharpensiron
Posts: 1394
Joined: 4/21/2006
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
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I agree with, RC, on this. There are many things you can be doing now in ministry, and still keep your secular job. By working part-time in ministry you will see what the Lord is calling you into; missions, teaching, etc. Then, if you still believe there is a calling on your life to full-time ministry, you will have direction as to what area of 'ministry' He is calling you to.
Bottomline though, it is not us who decides when the right time is, it is God who does. Perhaps your ministry or 'mission field' are the people where you work. God places us into positions to be a witness and testimony for Him; even at secular jobs.
Matthew
_____________________________
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/18/2009 5:29:02 PM
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li_marie
Posts: 126
Joined: 11/27/2006
From: Europe
Status: offline
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thanks for your replies.
I already minister in my spare time. Church, a student mission and friends. And on my work place of course.
I know I don't need to quit my job to be a witness.
I know God has called me to full time ministry (don't want to sound boasting there... and yet, I know it)
(oh, and just a detail -I cannot work part time in ministry and part-time in my job -I'm a civil servant and cannot have another boss above my head  )
The question is, how should I go -just by myself, through that open door that quitting is, or through another door, which might take another few years to open?
quote:
God places us into positions to be a witness and testimony for Him; even at secular jobs.
oh I second that. and as long as I am in this secular job, I will be a witness.
quote:
Bottomline though, it is not us who decides when the right time is, it is God who does.
alright, but now how can I know God wants me to wait or quit the job? 
I don't have to make the decision in the next 10 days though
_____________________________
Cowardly, wayward and weak, I change with the changing sky,
Today so eager and strong, Tomorrow not caring to try.
But He never gives in, And we two shall win,
Jesus and I
from C.TenBoom
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/18/2009 9:23:04 PM
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ironsharpensiron
Posts: 1394
Joined: 4/21/2006
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
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If there is a position open to you in full time ministry, then perhaps that is where the Lord is leading you. It sounds like you are looking for confirmation here on these forums, but I don't think any of us can give you that since we do not know you and the circumstances surrounding you.
Sometimes we hear the Lord calling, and it is up to us to make that 'leap of faith.' Maybe you are at that point in your life where you want to make the 'leap,' but still are unsure of whether the timing is right or not. All I can say to you is trust in the Lord, do what you believe would be best for your life; if you are being called into full time ministry, and there is a position open to you, then that might just be the answer you are searching for.
Would leaving the secular job be a hardship for you financially..? Do you feel you are 'secure' with a secular job as far as finances and the economy are concerned? If so, then maybe you are attaching yourself to the secular job, and deep within are waiting for the right time 'financially' to go into ministry, not really trusting that the Lord will supply all your need. We all do that at times, it is easy in our humaness to rely on 'self,' but that is where we fail, and never succeed in the areas the Lord would have us succeed; ministry.
These are just some thoughts I have had about your question(s). Maybe it is time to cut the tether to the secular job, and take that leap of faith...after all, if He has saved you a position in something you are passionate about, then I wouldn't let that opening close.
Matthew
_____________________________
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 10/22/2009 9:13:37 AM
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buckifn
Posts: 1736
Joined: 5/23/2006
Status: offline
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quote:
I am considering going into ministry as I know God has called me. I have been waiting for the "right" time-I thought it was last year but doors closed at the last moment. (Basically I asked for a leave from work but my bosses didn't want me to go and said they badly needed me)
So I am stuck in this secular job -which I enjoy- but my heart is somewhere else.
You answered your own question. You can either ignore what God has placed in your heart and keep wasting your days waiting for something that is never going to happen (the world recognizing the work of God in your life) or you can embrace the call God has given you.
The flesh (world) will never understand the works of the Spirit. EVER.
Either you answer the call or God will find someone else who will.
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RE: going into ministry -a mere "career choice"? - 11/4/2009 3:29:16 PM
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alinnm
Posts: 20
Joined: 9/18/2009
Status: offline
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You say you "know God has called you." That ought to settle the question. Either God has called you into full time ministry, or He has not. If He has, you will never find fulfillment in any other pursuit. If He has not you, will never be happy trying to serve God in the strength of the flesh. Settle the question of the call of God and then obey.
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