Comments on: Do Ministry Even If You Can Do Something Else

By: Ron

Ron — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:03:34 +0000

Love it Teri! Yes, I have heard that statement many times, for me and for others.

By: Teri

Teri — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:30:32 +0000

“Don’t do ministry if you can do anything else…”

Seriously? Pastors told you to ignore God’s leading??

But then I shouldn’t be surprised. A pastor told me when I sought his advice during one of those rough (but not htat rough) times young couples can have, “You should divorce him”.

Well… I’m so glad we both ignored worldly advice!!! See you Sunday…with hubby!

By: Steven Rossi

Steven Rossi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:08:02 +0000

Who originally said that? Spurgeon? .-= Steven Rossi´s last blog ..Some Quotes from #Story09 =-.

By: Ron

Ron — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:45:54 +0000

Thanks Tim and Jason. I think that’s what they mean too, but unfortunately that’s not what they say…and that’s not the way I heard it. (I realize I’m slower than most.)

To me it’s similar to one of my favorite cliches when well-meaning Christians and pastors say “God will not put more on you than you can bear.” I would be okay with that if they inserted the words (with Jesus). Sadly, after years of counseling with people there are so many people who beat themselves up, because someone told them that statement, but they can’t seem to bear the pressure of their circumstances.

I wrote about that HERE.

That remains my most popular post BTW, because people continue to look for that “verse” or phrase by Google search, usually with the words “Bible verse that says…..”.

I think the ministry statement is similar. We need to clarify the contentment part if we are going to use that phrase in “encouraging” those sensing a call to vocational ministry.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:12:25 +0000

Ron, I think what many people mean by “Don’t do ministry if you can do anything else” is “don’t do ministry if you can ‘find contentment’ doing anything else.”

By: Tim Stone

Tim Stone — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:11:23 +0000

I get your point, but I’ve always heard that advice in the context of if there’s anything else you can do and have peace and contentment, then do it. I agree, do ministry regardless of what else you do, but if God isn’t truly calling you to full-time vocational ministry, I’m afraid you might not necessarily have peace and contentment in that.

By: Ron

Ron — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:55:59 +0000

Just to be clear Yohan, this is what I’ve heard (many times) in regards to the sensing of a call to full-time vocational ministry. I inserted that phrase in the post to help clarify.

By: Yohan Perera

Yohan Perera — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:53:50 +0000

Hmmmmmm, I agree with you. But surprised to hear that some Pastors give such advice. I would love have my entire congregation involved in something at the church. .-= Yohan Perera´s last blog ..The power of the name of Jesus =-.