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When the stress of ministry calls. - 10/29/2008 7:57:54 PM
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Charis2u
Posts: 79
Joined: 6/9/2005
Status: offline
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This term I am taking my final practicum for ministry. (I transferred for my last two years of college to a Christian College to get my BA in ministry to work as a youth pastor at my church)
To say the least its not been easy. I am 34, and last year as I felt the call God really answered the prayers my wife and I had, but this year has been very different and difficult.
First, as my first year at the school came to a close, my dad suffered a stroke, and hasn't recovered. we only recently found out that he suffered two strokes in a matter of days apart. I have been fighting to get him the health care he needs and this has been part of the stress I have had to carry.
Second, We had to make room for my 18 year old sister in our small apartment, because she had been living with dad. This adds to our stress because now with the economy in bad needs, she lost her job, and is trying to get the Financial Aid for school, but our state (MA) has lost its funding for school, The college was only able to get mine for the year because I am a senior who is graduating this year.
Third, the church we are at is suffering financially, and has had timetables for closing, thank God that things have been a little better, but being a non denominational church we rely on the giving of the people, but so many have been losing their jobs, and others have been moving with their jobs.
Fourth, in the youth group we recently had a death of one of the former teens, and this has been very tough. I have had to deal with most of it, as my wife's health hasn't been the best.
Fifth, like I said my wife's health hasn't been the best, and now the other youth worker is moving on to a position with a missions organization, and this leaves me with very few bodies, and we have been asking for help, but no one has answered our call.
My thing is a two fold question, first is prayer, and second is what to do, to get people involved?
_____________________________
"For I know the plans I have for you...for a hope and a future." Jer 29:11
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." (an entry in Jim Elliot's journal)
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 10/30/2008 1:08:08 PM
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chrisb743
Posts: 100
Joined: 10/21/2008
Status: offline
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dude.. I'm praying for you.. thats all I can do. yeah.. ask for help within the church... it's time for someone to step up... Heck.. If I lived close to you I'd be there.. I love working with youth
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/9/2008 12:36:24 AM
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prolifepj
Posts: 723
Joined: 9/12/2008
From: just over yonder
Status: offline
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Wow - I have no words of encouragement except that I'm praying for you too.
_____________________________
Sho nuff honey chile - Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to!
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/14/2008 3:15:08 PM
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all.consuming.fire
Posts: 181
Joined: 11/12/2008
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Hmmm...I am not saying that this is RIGHT 100% but it sounds like the enemy is throwing firey darts at you becasue you are stepping out and trying to serve the Lord. I am not saying its okay, but I think this sort of attack is typical becasue you are doing the RIGHT thing. I know its hard, and you are doing the right thing by asking for prayer as opposed to trying to handle it alone. I pray a sheid of protection on you and your family in this great time of testing. Stay strong and lean on Him who is faithful and able to see you through all this.
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/14/2008 4:53:34 PM
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kingdele
Posts: 63
Joined: 9/4/2008
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I am really going to be praying for you. I am also involved in the single's ministry in my Church and things haven't been going well either, but not to the extent of yours. But when it seems like all is crumbling that is when God comes through and your relationship with Him grows deeper. I was in a situation that cause me great distress late last year too, but this is what God dropped in my spirit. He said quote:
I remembered the time that your love for me was just pure and uncomplicated. When you used to truly LOVE ME even when you didn't have a penny. Why have you let all these circumstances cloud our relationship.
Also, I like to encourage you to be praying for yourself more and more (I'm not saying you haven't), the devil wants to use this to drive you away from the Lord, but you can let it drive you closer to the savior and you will come out finner that Gold.
This passages might encourage you,quote:
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Though all around you might be crumbling, remember that there is a King sited on the throne(Isaiah 6:1), keep your eyes on Him (Jesus the Lord and King)
< Message edited by kingdele -- 11/14/2008 5:01:27 PM >
_____________________________
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Your cross I cling.
1) True Salvation
2) Justification: http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=13056
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/15/2008 3:44:15 PM
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1love1God1way
Posts: 2478
Joined: 5/16/2005
Status: offline
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I would recommend, if at all possible, for you to be able to take a day, and spend it just you and God. A whole day of silence.
Make it a priority.
_____________________________
love.ben
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/15/2008 3:50:43 PM
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rolling
Posts: 159
Joined: 11/14/2008
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Do what you can do is all that you can do. Getting people involved..Hmmm! Been there, tried that. I spent years trying to 'get people involved' with an outreach program. Pretty much on my own. I would run the P.A. by myself while turning hot dogs by myself while witnessing at the same time.....by myself. So I know what you mean.
2 years ago I took part of my pension, 25,000.00 and bought movie equipment. Is anybody interested in the church in helping us make some christian movies? So far. Nope.
But we are moving forward with the few family members we have to do what I know God told us to do.
So to cap. You are not alone in doing any work alone. Do what you can with what you got. Moses said 'Lord, I am nothing and have nothing.' God said 'What's that in your hand?' Moses answered 'a stick'. God said 'Use it'. And what a stick it turned out to be.
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RE: When the stress of ministry calls. - 11/19/2008 1:18:01 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 819
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: offline
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quote:
My thing is a two fold question, first is prayer, and second is what to do, to get people involved?
We were warned upon beginning the doctoral program at Regent University to expect stresses beyond previous experience, since this preparation for future effectiveness provokes opposition from "the world, the flesh, and the devil." Since then, we've lost both my father-in-law and my mother (to long-term illnesses, but the stress is still there.) We've had victories and breakthroughs on the job front -- but the energy required to hold down a full-time job plus keep up with school caught up with me this year, and the last semester or two have not been anything to write home about, academically speaking!
I will pray for you tonight, and will commiserate with you right now. Don't expect to have the nicest yard on the block, or the neatest home. Drop all church activities other than those God has assigned to you (I take up the offering for Wednesday night prayer meetings, but only catch the last 10-15 minutes of 'em -- my family /studying time is too precious to squander.)
You are juggling some glass balls, and some rubber balls. Some you dare not drop. Survival may require you to settle for less than you'd normally expect of yourself in some things, in order to "hold the line" on things are truly indispensable, such as your family.[1]
Stay healthy. Schedule exercise time for yourself, even if you have to say no to some unexpected "opportunities for service."
I would appreciate your prayers as well -- I was laid off a few weeks ago, and am looking down the barrel of a dissertation!
[1] I'm not called to the vocational ministry, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Be aware, though, that many "great men of God" sacrificed their marriages and children on the altar of visible public ministry. Tolstoy reaped the fields with the peasants -- but would not sit up with his own sick child. Billy Sunday had a million notches on his Bible -- but lost all three of his sons to booze, broads, and boodle. Oldest son committed suicide.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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