I've been presented an offer of employment at my church. I'm a member of a very large congregation (15,000 members) so this wouldn't be a small time position. I was recruited, which makes the situation even more sticky for me. I'm content at my job now, but it seems like an awesome opportunity for me. I've been praying about this, and am still waiting confirmation on it.
I'm just curious what you Saints would do in my position here.
I worked for two different ministries in several functions...mainly as a teacher in two Christian Schools and then as the Sunday School Teacher (i.e. 'Children's Church). I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.
The hardest part was having to go back into the world for employment. AND it was the Lord who moved me out of the comfort zone of being surrounded all day (and night) by totally no other persons than Believers. The 'outside' world was not a part of my life and I clung to this lifestyle.
However, God moved me out...back into the world's system. My season of being coddled and spoiled and protected by the Ministry was over and God literally pushed me back into the 'ugly' world's system as we know it.
What did God use? Economics! The Ministry's were both struggling to stay above ground. They were extremely 'giving' and generous to those who could not pay tuition. No one was turned away because they could not pay for their child to attend. The irony was that we had to close the schools...both of them. It was very difficult and heartbreaking for everyone, but we had no other recourse.
Also, I knew that I was 'using' God to avoid the world. Everything was perfect there. No violence, no strife, no contentions, no cussing, no smoking...etc. Actually, it was totally Heaven...it was
.
But God had other plans for us and so it was...a new venture into the world.
Now, would I go back? Only if God says yes. You have to know that you know that you know, that God has this experience as a part of your Destiny. Why? Because ministries have a lot of economic challenges; very few have insurance benefits, etc. And if their only source of reliance is upon that donations of the church members, than you will have a problem economically. So are you prepared to live for less? Are you willing to sacrifice a week's salary when the funds are low?
Know that it's God. You are not doing God any favors by working for the ministry. Instead it is He that is doing 'us' a favor. For it will be a faith walk where you will have no other choice than to know Him and to trust Him more than in the world.
Also, you will encounter imperfections in humanity. You are going to see members in a totally different light than when they are in Church service, Bible study and Fellowships and Pastor will also not be the same person whom we see behind the pulpit or at the door greeting the congregation and visitors.
You have to know that it is God and not you or someone who asked you to be a part of the team.
Blessings and Guidance...