I really liked this post b/c it resonates with me. If anything, ministering as a youth pastor, worship pastor, and now teaching/small groups paster has taught me more about my giftings. I can DO any of those things, but what my pastor challenged me to think about was where my passion was. I’d have to say that it is also in networking, but also in worship and leadership (according to Wagner’s Finding Your Spiritual Gifts, I’m a shepherd, teacher, and prophet – haha)…

But that’s why I’ll be stepping down from my ministry at the end of this month – to pursue these passions further. After some evaluation, I’ve realized that what I’d like to accomplish – uniting and networking the 2nd Gen Church – can really only be done (at this particular time) outside of church ministry and only in a conference type of setting.

I appreciate your honesty. I wish I had read this before I went to seminary. Not because I regret going (I don’t regret it, btw), but so that I would have a greater understanding of what was to be expected in ministry. I’m actually not much of a task person, myself – I am more relational, but I guess the difference is that I’ve always worked greater at building intimacy in a small setting, rather than a large setting. I think that’s why leadership (development) has always been one of my strengths. In terms of the tasks… I’m more of an idea person and don’t like the tasks as much… especially the tasks of a full-time “senior” pastor. In my last year of seminary, we did practical classes in doing weddings and… funerals… and that’s when I realized that maybe I can’t do it. Had I read this before, I wouldn’t have had to wait 2.5 years to figure that out!

Anyway, THAT’s more like a bio, eh?

http://www.xanga.com/thecuttingtruth/549440925/item.html

I’m a first time commenter, but an occasional browser (fan) to your site. Thanks so much for sharing your views. As of right now, God has allowed me to counsel, pray, and preach to others in the marketplace. It is truly inspirational to see others in the work place to know more (desire) about God. I ponder the idea to go to seminary. Although I have taken seminary coursework and I’m deeply involved with my home church, I am still uncertain where God wants to take me. Sometimes I waver about what He wants for my life. After reading this, I’ve decided to wait on the Lord no matter how long it takes and enjoy the ride. I may not go to seminary. That’s really okay.

Also, I’m an Asian American male so it helps to hear about a brother with similar perspective and interests.

God bless you and your ministry wherever God takes it.

Traveler

Appreciate your honesty in you rpost. Personally, I think the whole “clergy/laity” divide has done more harm than good. I’d be curious as to your reaction to this article by a former pastor:

The Urgent Need For Reformation in Pastoral Ministry

Shalom,

Paul

I for one know that i have a pastoral gift, but I would not say that I persevere more than anyone else. I think pastoring is not so much caring for people, but rather, seeing God’s gifts in them and equipping people for the work of the ministry (somewhere in Ephesians 4). Now I obviously cannot say what your gifts are, but I can say that I have really appreciated your blog. It is folks like you who make Christianity seem very real and true.

Ariel, great thoughts about Creative Theology! Many (most?) of our institutions like churches and seminaries are great at prescribing information and content, but developing people who can think for themselves, that’s very difficult indeed. But, so much more valuable!

Ever since I met you I sort of wondered what your story was in this regard. Thanks for sharing. I think your calling is perhaps as diverse as your desire to do diverse things. Be encouraged. By the way, I have met people who were stuck in the pastorate. I think there are a lot of people in the ministry and manage it like a dead end job, like having to be a manager at McDonalds. What a shame! I’m glad you did not stick it out just because of expectations from others. On the other hand, I’m sort of in my job right now (30% of the reason) because of the expectations of others. I’ve heard that most people stay in the job they are in because of skill sets they possess don’t allow them to move. God has blessed you with some diverse skills.

I think this paragraph is really perceptive. As a seminary student, it got me thinking so much that I posted about it: Creative Theology. Only the best education teaches you to think, instead of just reciting theology like it is “information.”

All the best to you as you move on.