Three years ago, I made a transition from the secular workplace to the church workplace. Several have made such a move, and several others are considering the switch. Here are some quick observations from one who has made the jump:
Church work can consume you.
Church work does not occur just on Sunday. Sunday is merely the result of a week’s, sometimes month’s work. If you think that you are escaping the long hours of work at a “normal” job, you are mistaken. Although it will vary depending on the size of the church, you will probably be working more hours than your prior job. A church is a complex organization that produces complex demands on its employees. Be prepared for anything.
You will quickly realize that you need to protect your time, specifically time spent with family. I have seen many church employees neglect their proving ground, their family, for church work. They speak proudly of how little they have seen their family because of their work. They treat it as a badge of honor. It is not. Do not fall into this way of thinking.
Church work can be stressful.
Again, a church is a complex organization that produces complex demands on its employees. Stress arises from a number of areas. Both the mechanical and relational aspects of church can be intense. Though the complexity will vary from church to church, many churches look like a small conglomerate offering not just a worship service but education, counseling, relationship building, missionary, and compassion ministries as well. And you may play a role in each one.
Church work will test you.
Church work tests your spiritual maturity. Whatever God is for, Satan is against. The depth of God’s love for the church ensures Satan’s attack. And church leadership tends to be a primary target. Prepare yourself and your family to engage in spiritual warfare. Set up boundaries for your relationships, your finances, and your time. The pressure of ministry will test any cracks. Do not be caught off guard when temptations arise.
What else?
I left the secular calling as a mechanical engineer of 20 years because I was called into ministry. I had experienced spiritual warfare in my secular calling, but no one told me the spiritual warfare was going to be cranked up exponentially. My advise is to be prepared and aware of the battles and not surprised when they come. The more your focus is on Kingdom Work, the higher degree of heat the evil one seems to give. So, if anyone is “transferring” their calling into full time ministry, my advise is to be spiriitually prepared. But, it has been the best move I have ever done, as God has transformed me more as I have gone through these battles with Him!
Well put, Keith. Sometimes, there is an expectation that church work will accelerate one’s spiritual life. Many find the opposite to be true. Often, church work challenges one’s spiritual life.
How does one make the transition from secular work to church work? I am in a unique situation. I was in full-time vocational ministry, resigned from my position to attend seminary, two degrees (M.A. and MDiv) and ten years later, I am back looking for pastoral ministry opportunities. Churches have some pretty steep if not unreasonable requirements (5-10 years of prior ministry experience). I have been praying and looking for two years now and have not had any interviews. Any advice?
Terry,
Thank you for the comment. I want to help, but it is obviously difficult for me to give advice on your specific situation without some additional information. If I read correctly, you are 10 years removed from obtaining your degrees, 2 of which you have been looking for a ministry position. What occured during the other 8 years?
I am 2 years removed from obtaining my two degrees. I have been a member of the same church for the last ten years. I am ten years removed from my last occurrence in full time vocational ministry. Sorry if I confused you..