How do you know when God is stirring your heart for a change in ministry assignment?

I work with pastors every week who are asking this question. I previously posted my answer to this question, but after several conversations recently I thought it was time for a revision to strengthen some of the points based on what I’m currently learning and observing. This can be one of the most grueling decisions a Christian leader makes. Because most of us feel we are in positions God has called us to do, it is often more difficult to leave one called position for another called position.

Several times in my ministry, first as a layperson and since then in vocational ministry, God has called me to leave one ministry and begin another. It can be a scary place to face the unknown, yet know that God is up to something new in your life. In sharing my experience, I am hoping it can help others process through what God may be doing in their life. Please realize that God uses unequaled experiences in each of our lives, but at the same time there are some common patterns I think each of us may experience, while the details remain unique.

Here are 5 steps I have experienced as God has led me to something new:

Wonderful sweet success – Each time the door of a new opportunity opened it began opening (looking back) when things were going well in my current ministry.

Inner struggle – I usually have not been able to understand what God is up to, but there is something in me (and usually in my wife at the same time) where I know God is doing something new. It could be a growing dissatisfaction, consistent unexplained frustrations, or just an uneasiness where I am currently. While I do not know what it is, and often not even if it involves a change in my place of ministry, I know God is working something new in my heart.

Closeness to Christ – Brennan Manning calls it a Dangerous love of Christ. During the times leading up to a change of ministry assignment I will be growing in my relationship with Christ, usually in new depths of trust and abandonment. Again, looking back I can see this clearly, but at the time I usually am just enjoying the closeness to Christ not expecting anything.

Opportunity presents itself – An opportunity seems to come from nowhere. In some seasons there has been multiple opportunities at the same time. Reflecting back, I can see this is the pattern that has occurred each time. It is only after these first three experiences that God brings a new opportunity my way. This is probably because my spirit must be totally aligned with His Spirit in order for me to trust the new work He calls me to, because I have yet to feel completely “ready” for the next step in my journey with Christ. New steps of obedience always involve a leap of faith on my part. I’m always stretched in my trust beyond where I’ve been previously, but this process prepares me to be ready to say “Yes Lord…Here am I…send me.”

I surrendered to God’s call – After I receive confirmation in my spirit, review the journey God has had us on, and Cheryl and I agree where God is leading, I have yet to refuse the next assignment. That does not mean it is easy for us to leave our current ministry, but it has always been most rewarding to know we are in the center of God’s will for our life.

A special word to the spouse: Cheryl has never been “ready” to leave friends in our current ministry, but she has always lined with me in knowing God was calling us to a new work in our life. Cheryl has always had the same Spirit’s leading that I am having, often before me. God has never allowed us to be confused with differing messages. That’s part of our confirmation.

Discerning a change in ministry assignment can be a difficult task, especially when you are comfortable where you are currently. Perhaps my experiences can help.

Have you shared these experiences? What other experiences have you had that have led you to step out by faith into a new adventure with Christ?

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to read my post “When a Leader Gets Too Comfortable” or “10 Scenarios to Know It’s Time to Quit“.

SPECIAL NOTE to the people of Grace Community Church: I didn’t write this post for me. I use this blog to minister to other pastors and ministers and that is who I am addressing with this post. As of now, I am where I am supposed to be at Grace. It is important to always remember, however, that I do not work for Grace Community Church. I work for a person and His name is Jesus Christ. I keep thanking Him daily for allowing me to be a part of the work He is doing at Grace for such a time as this.

Grace Community Church has been looking for a way to raise up and develop future leaders. We wanted something that gave people real hands-on ministry experience and also helped them grow theologically . We believe in seminary education, but we also see the value in practical experience.

We are excited to introduce our Residency in Ministry Program

Similar to a medical residency, we view this as a post-college “residency” where those in the program will be doing real ministry alongside pastors who are a little further down the road. They’ll be entrusted not with making copies (though, as we all know, that is a small slice of ministry, too) but with life-changing ministry. They’ll be viewed as full-on staff members, and held to the expectations of the rest of our staff team.

In addition to doing the work of ministry, one major benefit of the program is that seminary tuition will be included. Clarksville is 45 minutes from the new Nashville campus of Southern Seminary. We’ve already had staff members who have worked full-time at Grace and attended classes concurrently. We believe that this is a great way to learn and do ministry: in the classroom and in the “lab.”

We’re receiving applications now, looking to have residents in place by August, 2012.

If you’re interested, just click HERE and start the application process. If you know someone who would fit the bill, send this info along. If you have any questions, we’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked HERE.

We’re excited about this program and are convinced it will be a great benefit to a number of young leaders.

If you were at the right stage in life, would this program entice you?

I get asked this question a lot…

I spent more than twenty years in business before entering vocational ministry. Many hear that and turn to me for advice on the subject of transitioning into a full-time ministry position. I realize after I’ve answered the same question numerous times that it’s a common issue and worthy of sharing here.

The jump into full-time, vocational ministry is scary, especially if you have to raise your own support, so I understand the weight of the question.

Here is an email I received recently:

(I changed a few details to protect identities, but left the intent the same.)

Dear Pastor Ron,

I am seriously considering moving into full time ministry within the next year. We are a small congregation but all agree and most are willing to help make that happen. We all feel this is what’s needed to grow our ministry, and that this is what God would have us do. Can you give us some advice?

God bless you,

Pastor Joe

Here is my reply:

Dear Pastor Joe,

Short answer, I would say when God calls, move quickly. The key for me in your situation is to ask, “Is this what God wants me to do?” It won’t be easy and you’ll be stretched, but where God calls He always provides. I stepped out with nothing and never had to beg for anything. The first year God provided at once and for a whole year all I had to do was draw from the reserves. The second year I had to wait at the mailbox for a check that always seemed to come at just the last minute. Either way….He provided.

My best advice: If God calls you to jump…jump fast.

In Christ,

Ron

Has God been calling you? I’d give you the same advice. Don’t delay obedience to what God calls you to do.

Don’t do it!

Find more thoughts on the call of God to ministry HERE.

Have you ever wrestled with what God was calling you to do? Share your story to encourage others.

Whenever I post about my introversion, the introverts come out from behind their computer

I re-posted 7 Pitfalls of Being an Introverted Pastor and received numerous Twitter messages from like-wired pastors.

I also received the following email:

Ron I read you article about the pitfalls of Being an Introverted Pastor. I can so see every point in myself and it is compounded by being the pastor of a small country church who thrives on personal relationships. The aloof title has been attributed to me more than once since coming here. it is so bad I am questioning my calling as a senior pastor and wondering if I would not be better working as an associate behind the scenes. Do you have any advice for a struggling fellow introvert?

Pastor ________

(I asked permission to share the email, but obviously withheld the name.)

Here is my reply:

You might read this post: 7 Ways I Work with Introversion to Protect My Ministry. Basically, I think you have to pray, suck it up, and put your extrovert on each Sunday. I know that’s hard advice, but it was given to me by a dear, wise deacon early in my ministry and I’ve been using it ever since.

I wouldn’t negate your calling because of your wiring. God didn’t let Gideon or Moses have that excuse. That one would be too easy!

By the way, I may use your email (without your name) as another blog post on this topic, since it’s such a popular theme. We don’t struggle alone.

Ron

Dear Introverted pastor! (Or dear whatever your personal struggle that keeps you from feeling completely qualified to be a pastor pastor),

Don’t allow your personality or any other weakness to keep you from doing what God has called you to do. Where you are weakest, God’s glory can shine brightest in your life.

Be honest. What’s one weakness that keeps you knowing you need God’s strength to overcome?

I don’t write many strictly business posts these days, even though I spent more than 20 years in that world. This article caught my attention though:

Bonds outperform stocks

(Click on the title to read the article. Basically, bonds are now outpacing stocks on a 30-year average return.)

I can’t help but believe this isn’t great news for a capitalistic economy. In a very simplistic view, stocks are based more on the assumption of risk. Bonds are based more on the assumption of security. When a capitalistic economy stops taking risks, it’s ceasing to live up to what it was designed to do. (I realize many times investors are looking for options other than stocks, but it doesn’t negate my point about a capitalistic society.)

What difference does all this make in terms of my calling now…as a pastor?

Well, I think the same is true for me (and those with similar callings). I see too many people in positions of leadership in the church who become comfortable and resist walking by faith.

When we stop taking the risks involved in fully surrendering to God’s will…when we become complacent or satisfied…we cease to live up to what we’ve been designed to do.

Is God placing something on your heart?

God calls us to things which require personal risk. Following God requires great faith, even more so the longer we follow Him. People don’t always agree when you step into “God-following” territory. It may even appear at times we are going to fail, at least in the short run. God callings often take years to see returns from the investment. Don’t settle for what appears secure at the time. It never really is!

If God says “Go”, do so in spite of your fears!

Be honest pastor,have you been settling for what’s comfortable these days?

Also, do you have an interest in business or politics, in addition to your God-calling? (Please don’t leave me alone here.)

I get to hang out and know many senior pastors. I have a great heart for them and understand, firsthand, some of the pressures, frustrations and joys, which are unique to the role of a senior pastor. In my recent blog survey, over half my readers are in ministry and half that number are senior leaders.

I previously shared this post over a year ago after sharing these points at a conference for executive pastors. I was asked to give my perspective as a senior pastor, since each of them report to one. I have revised some of them again and added a couple, so I decided to share it again.

Here are 10 “secrets” about many senior pastors:

• Leading from this position is overwhelming at times. We know Christ is ultimately in charge, but we also know it often seems everyone looks to us to have all the answers.
• People tell the senior pastor all kinds of things about what is happening in their life or in the lives of others…many we would rather not know sometimes…and sometimes the weight of others problems we carry is enormous.
• Most pastors walk with a degree of uncertainty, which keeps us in prayer, but also makes us question our abilities at times. It makes depression common for many senior pastors. (Need a Biblical example…see 1 Kings 19)
• Many senior pastors fear the possibility of failing in their role, so they thrive on the encouragement and prayers of others.
• Sometimes we allow insecurity to cause us to become overprotective of our reputation and our position.
• We face the same temptations and occasional spiritual dryness as everyone else. This means we need accountability, but are often afraid to seek it.
• Our spouse is sometimes the loneliest person in the church and often feels extreme pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations.
• Loneliness can exist for all leaders and many pastors suffer from it.
• We seldom know who we can trust, which is why we become guarded and appear hard to get to know. Most senior pastors have been burned by someone they once trusted.
• We suspect the staff , church leaders and congregation sometimes talks about us behind our back.

Granted, not every pastor faces each of these, (that’s why I said “many”) and I happen to be in an extremely healthy church, but even still, some of these are real for me at times. Other pastors, for reasons on this post, will not want you assuming these things about them. In talking with dozens of senior pastors each year, I know this is a representative list for “many”.

Senior pastors find joy in our work and, thankfully, most of us know we are in the center of God’s will vocationally. I don’t intend to take anything away from that in this post. We serve in a called position, so we are doing what we have been asked of God to do. When I share any post like this, however, I have come to expect a lecture on the need to depend on Christ for these issues, which only further demonstrates my points.

Senior pastors are to fully rely on Christ’s strength, as is every other believer. This is just a reminder that we happen to also be like Elijah…”a man just like us”. (James 5:17)

Pastors, anyone honest enough to agree? 

Please know I’m praying for you as I post this.

Dream

Far reaching, seemingly impossible, worthwhile, dependent on faith and huge personal risk, with no guarantee of success.

Goals

Defined aspects of realizing the dream. Attainable, stretching and measurable.

Plans

Action steps written to systematically complete goals. Assigned, scheduled and accountable.

It won’t be easy, there may be moments of despair, disappointments and setbacks along the way…you’ll need to learn prayer and patience like never before…but sometimes breaking down the terms makes the path seem clearer. Perhaps that dream is possible after all.

What’s the dream God is birthing in your heart?

You may now want to read 7 Steps to Achieving Your Goals or 7 Reasons You May not be Achieving Your Goals.

I’m a pastor.

I love pastors and one of my favorite things to do is help pastors be better pastors. If I can find a tool that will make life easier or more efficient then I want to share it.

I’m not a techie.

In fact, I have a Mac, an iPad and an iPhone, but someone is always having to help me use them.

That’s why I wrote Evernote for Pastors!

Evernote has been one of the best tools I’ve discovered for making my job easier. Evernote for Pastors is a short, simple, easy-to-read and easy-to-apply eBook explaining how I use it and how it helps me in my ministry. I have partnered with my friend Ben Stroup to make this product available at a ridiculously low price, because we want to be a resource for pastors.

I’m not suggesting it will dramatically change your life…but I am suggesting, it could make your life a little easier.

Now, seriously, what pastor couldn’t use that?

It’s on sale now for $1.99. (Price will increase soon.) You can download a copy HERE.

This is a guest post by Michael Perkins.

Michael describes himself as “a regular guy who likes things simple.”  He is a husband, pastor, blogger, and a creative. After more than two years of blogging at Untitled by Michael Perkins, Michael believed it was time for a change; a fresh start, so The Handwritten was born.

Here are some thoughts by Michael Perkins:

I’m 29 and I’m about 8 months into my first pastorate, but I have been in ministry for about 5 years in many different capacities.

I’m going to be honest.

Coming into my first pastorate I thought I knew it all. I thought that I was prepared for every single situation.

And I have found that I was completely wrong. In fact, I’ve found that there is a lot more that I don’t know compared to what I actually do know.

Pastors Need Pastored

I think we have a tendency to think that because we are the ones overseeing the flock that we don’t need pastoring. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. We need to find others who are willing to pour their wisdom and experience into us. I promise that whatever you are going through, you’re not the first to do so.

You can do this several ways: listen to podcasts, read blogs, or have meet regularly with older pastors. Trust me, this is crucial.

Pastors Need To-Do Lists

Pastoring isn’t a 9 to 5 job. And because of that, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with things that need done.

I start each day by creating a list of things that need done. If I don’t do this, things start to spill over into my family time. And that’s unacceptable. My family needs to know that I’m there for them.

Pastors Need Creative Outlets

This could be in many different forms, but for me, I’ve found that my blog is my greatest creative outlet. It’s the place where I can flesh out the things that God is revealing to me.

And blogging helps me stay sharp. It helps me to look for and recognize how and where He is moving.

The Church Doesn’t Need Me

This was probably the most difficult thing to realize. I recently had the privilege of speaking at a retreat. But that meant that I was going to miss a Sunday morning. All sorts of stupid things came to mind: What if we have visitors? What if something happens? What if the building falls down?

Guess what? Even though I wasn’t there God still moved and the building didn’t fall down.

These are just a few of the things that I’ve learned since I’ve became a pastor. And I know that there much more to learn. If you are new in ministry or a new pastor I hope you can learn from some some of my mistakes.

Are you a pastor? What are some of the things that you have learned?

People oppose you!

“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8-9

Few people worry about the people doing nothing.

Have you noticed the more you do for good the more opposition you receive?