[rueful]

Hey guys, I know many of you know what it's like to be in ministry, and I'm just in a tough place/ time right now. I could really use some prayer because even though I don't know many that well, I know the power of prayer. There's just been too many days/nights recently that I've had to question my call to this area and church I'm in, and it's been a struggle to not give in and pursue other opportunities, even after a year. And it's kind of sad that one of the main things I'm holding on to is the fact that I've only been here 10 months and how would that look on a resume. But one of the biggest issues I have is with my sr pastor, who is retiring in a year and a half, and the other thing that I'm holding onto, equally as bad, is the prayer that things will be better here when he's gone. So yeah, if you could just remember me and all other youth pastors in your prayers, it's been a tough few months. And though some may know, most don't know how hard it can be to be a good youth pastor.

[Sly Fox]

There are reasons why turnover is so ridiculously high in your profession. The challenges and expectations are often ridiculously high with no resources to match.

Praying in Texas.

[TDDance234]

I'm going on year 3 now and have felt the same way after every year. It's a tough job but it's kind of like my golf game. I sure stink it up for 17 holes and then on the 18th hole, I hit the shot of my life to keep me coming back again.

There are a lot of stinky, messy things about youth ministry in every church. However, you have to remember those moments where God is using you to impact students.

Praying!

[rueful]

Ive been going back and forth with this every week for a few months now, and im finally caving in and beefing up the ol resume. I havent resigned or anything like that, and may not, im just posting it on some sites and sending it to a few churches. If I dont hear anything over the next few weeks then Ill take it as God saying the door is shut, stay where you are. Prayers would be mightily appreciated,thanks!

[rueful]

Tried sticking it out in this church but its become very obvious the last few weeks im not appreciated, and to stay her longer is just going to lead me down the road of burnout and who knows what else it will do to my wife and I.

Anyways, my job search started a few weeks ago, havent heard much back, but was approached by a church I hadnt applied to who seems very interested but wanting to move very fast. Prayers for guidance and just the right door to open would be very appreciated, thanks

[Sly Fox]

Praying in Houston. Fortunately today most churches have started utilizing web resources to advertise positions even though word of mouth is still the best practice for most.

[TDDance234]

Tried sticking it out in this church but its become very obvious the last few weeks im not appreciated, and to stay her longer is just going to lead me down the road of burnout and who knows what else it will do to my wife and I.

Anyways, my job search started a few weeks ago, havent heard much back, but was approached by a church I hadnt applied to who seems very interested but wanting to move very fast. Prayers for guidance and just the right door to open would be very appreciated, thanks

I hate to say it but you're not going to be appreciated in very many situations. Where ever you go, you're going to struggle to find the kind of public and private affirmation you might be looking for.

Just some advice and some encouragement. If it's in the cards for you to stick it out where you are, surround yourself with people who are won't blow smoke but who will be able to help encourage you.

[rueful]

Could reeeeeeeally use some prayers for my wife and I.

Our ministry situation has gotten so extremely hostile the last few months. I have been called into several "committee meetings" to be confronted on issues that are non existant and have been falsely accused of several things by my sr. pastor. My wife (who isnt even an employee or volunteer at the church) has also been forced to attend several meetings between her and the sr. pastor and her and the personnel committee.

Last thursday night, i was called into an "employee evaluation" which they told me they were doing for all the staff. I knew something was up because (A) they had never done employee evaluations before (B) none of the other staff were aware of upcoming evaluations (B) my sr pastor was going to be at it.

In essence it was an hour and a half of being accused of everything, being told im not paid to minister to non members and they shouldnt affect how i do ministry (youth group has about 35 students in it, only 6 of whom are church members, church only has 6 members youth aged), and that Liberty wasnt a Godly school, and Large Churches are unbiblical, and finally Andy Stanley isnt honoring God.

Its gotten to the point that March 1st my wife and I are gone, whether or not we have a job to move to. Well go live in my parents basement and flip burgers if we have to. I am in talks with a few churches, and could really just use prayers that something concrete would develop and soon, that the scenario of moving to my parents wouldnt need to be seriously considered.

[El Scorcho]

I'm praying for you right now brother and I will continue to. Try to resist letting this situation damage your drive for ministry. It will be difficult and you have a long road ahead, but God will use this. Stay strong.

[jack_sparrow81]

Definitley praying rueful. What kind of church is this? Next time he rips on big churches, tell him to read acts 2. The first church, which was started by peter, had 3000 members. The big churches are no different from the smaller churches as long ad their preaching the Word. The end of the chapter even encourages having small groups in a church setting like this, thar helps people getting more involved and ministering.

[Sly Fox]

Praying in Texas, rueful. Sadly this is an all too common occurrence.

[olldflame]

I hate seeing a Christian in authority do a power trip on an employee like this. From your posts, it seems that most of the things you are being criticized for are beyond your control to change. If they don't like Liberty, why did they hire a Liberty grad

To be honest, if they are so dissatisfied, the right thing to do would be to admit it was not a good hire for them and let you go. At least then you could draw unemployment and have your time free to look for something else. It sounds more like they are trying to make you miserable so you will resign. Praying that you will find something else soon.

[blwall1416]

At least then you could draw unemployment and have your time free to look for something else.

I don't think you can draw unemployment from a non-profit organization.

[olldflame]

I've worked for non-profits the last 30 years. You can.

[From the class of 09]

At least then you could draw unemployment and have your time free to look for something else.

I don't think you can draw unemployment from a non-profit organization.

You can draw unemployment from a non-profit.

[blwall1416]

I've worked for non-profits the last 30 years. You can.

Good to know.

Urban legend on my part, I guess.

[From the class of 09]

I do believe the non-profit can do some funky things not available to for profit groups when it comes to paying the unemployment insurance, like pay up front as a percentage or just the dollar amount when claimed or something like that.

Although maybe this is why they are trying to get you to quit...

[olldflame]

I do believe the non-profit can do some funky things not available to for profit groups when it comes to paying the unemployment insurance, like pay up front as a percentage or just the dollar amount when claimed or something like that.

Although maybe this is why they are trying to get you to quit...

[rueful]

Again could just use prayers right now. God has laid on our heart a calling in the last few days and my wife and I are really just praying through it. We feel like its what God could have us do, but just want to make sure its what God would have us do, if that makes any sense at all.

[Sly Fox]

It makes perfect sense. My wife & I have been in a similar situation lately.