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leaving ministry for secular job - 8/11/2008 4:25:55 PM
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imforlife
Posts: 31
Joined: 7/24/2006
Status: offline
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Hello. I am the OP for "what to wear to interview". (I ended up wearing a black suit with a nicely color sheath underneath)
Anyway....I got the job! I am very surprised because they wanted a BA degree and I don't have one. They obviously saw something in me that they were impressed by. (I am still wondering)
Now.....here's the story...
The interview went extremely well. I really hit it off with the committee. As we closed the interview, they told me the salary. I then told them that I had it really good where I was and that I wouldn't come for that amount. I packed my bags and went on my way.
The job opportunity stayed with me and I wondered if I was making a mistake and should I have just gone for it. A few days later, the job was weighing very heavy on me. I got on my knees and I prayed to God that if it was His will for me to have it, then have them call me and offer me a certain amount. They did that night and I was SHOCKED. Some may say this is throwing out fleece or whatever, but before this prayer, I did read in the OT about when Issac wanted a wife and his servant prayed that he would know which woman by her offering water and also to his camel. And it came to me to pray specific amounts, etc. I did and it happened.
Ok....so now I am terrified. LOL. I am leaving a Christ-centered ministry director's position for a secular director's position. Both non-profit. (I do non-profit development) The other difference is over $15,000 a year in a pay increase at the new job. That is kinda significant. We can use the money and my children are almost college age so I can save.
But I feel like I am leaving this safe, holy, Christ centered place and going into the a den of wolves. It has been so long since I have actually been in "the world". And although this is a great organization, it is full of the world.
Any comments on leaving ministry for a secular job. BTW--I also felt led to leave my present job. I had been preparing for a while. It is a fast burn out job and I have been there for over 7 years. I believe it is time to go, I am just scared.
Thoughts anyone? 
Thanks
_____________________________
Abortion is forever....get the facts first.
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RE: leaving ministry for secular job - 8/13/2008 7:39:39 AM
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IonMoon
Posts: 915
Joined: 4/21/2005
From: The Unted State of Confusion
Status: offline
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Well... I have always worked in secular fields/agencies.
The biggest thing for me is always being on my toes to be a good example of a Christian to non-Christians. What it gives us is a chance to be a light in the world.
I can't speak openly about religious beliefs at work, not that I have to hide them, but I don't discuss religion often because it can cause bad feelings- it just isn't appropriate. SO that may take getting used to for you.
BUT God is everywhere and he can use us everywhere!
Tara
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http://www.geocities.com/hallscola67/KyliesHomemadeShopIndex.htm
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RE: leaving ministry for secular job - 8/13/2008 12:36:05 PM
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sylvan
Posts: 122
Joined: 5/2/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
And although this is a great organization, it is full of the world.
Hmm. Most "Christ-centered" ministries are "full of the world" too - to what extent is the only question. Most of the new "Christ-centered" ministries in my city are headed by ex-cons, recovered addicts, etc. Just a matter of time until the fraud charges come - and they often do.
Your feelings are normal. It's just part of change. I would try to work on your mindset however - the "den of wolves" perception is not going to get you very far. If you're strong in the faith, what's the problem? You are being paid to provide a service - period. You make it sound like you're going to work for the mafia. There is an endless number of ways to minister and glorify God. As mentioned above, it's best in a professional setting not to discuss religion - but, can't you love and minister without words? Sure you can. In fact, that's the best way. Maybe you can make a real difference in peoples lives in your new position - you could be sensitive to issues and things that a non-Christian wouldn't. It sounds like a good opportunity, I'd make the most of it.
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RE: leaving ministry for secular job - 8/13/2008 1:15:24 PM
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eaglelady11
Posts: 348
Joined: 7/20/2005
Status: offline
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go for it. It's an open door and you and God can do some good work there. Give it a try, you can always go back to ministry.
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RE: leaving ministry for secular job - 8/13/2008 6:56:27 PM
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hjemerson
Posts: 240
Joined: 3/4/2008
Status: offline
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Sounds like you have agreat job a head of you, If you can take in a christian org you make it in the world. As coming out of working in all christian olace back to the world I found it was friendler and easyier so you can say most not all christian places are( not always) the greatest!!!
I found out Christians are harder to work for many time and tested me. In the world setting i was able to share and show the love of Christ it made me a atronger christian, God bless and may you have a wonderful week!!!
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RE: leaving ministry for secular job - 8/14/2008 3:25:03 AM
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ajidil
Posts: 103
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: the contstant daylight of Baltic Europe
Status: offline
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I understand where you're coming from. DH & I were in overseas missions for 6 years when God called us back to the USA. I went to work in a bank, which was an ok job but I was not prepared for it. I cried the first time one of my co-workers swore at me. I was very uncomfortable with all the sexual-undertones of the conversations... it was really hard... and that was even with 2 strong Christian co-workers and my manager was a Christian. It can be a kind of culture shock, I know. Stay strong and filled up with Christ... that's the only thing that got me though it. Congrats on the job, though!
_____________________________
'God doesn't build skyscrapers; men [do]...and they have the touch of human genius. But you can't find a man who can make a star. And when God steps in, [it's] like the difference between a skyscraper and a star.'
http://bischoff.ywamlatvia.com/lydia/
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