vocational transitions...
Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 09:55AM 
I have a friend who reads my blog who is considering moving. I spent a little time prayerfully deciding what word to say to him about moves. I'm no expert and so I did this with much hesitance. Below is the advice. Thought maybe some of my blog readers might have some other/better advice for this ministry friend.
I'm sorry it's taken me this long to get back with you on this. Just a few thoughts... It's a great compliment to your ministry to be sought after like that. The word is getting out:-) From a common sense standpoint it would make perfect sense to stay where you are if you sense some ambivalence about leaving. Mark, there are so many friends I know in ministry that have found themselves in toxic work environments at church, that if you have a healthy place to minister right now, it would seem prudent to stay and let the girls finish out there school years in [hometown]. On the other hand if you aren't at peace with staying you've got to go! (How's that for sitting on the fence:-)
So keep these thoughts in mind:
It takes about three years for people to begin to trust you as a leader when you move.
Don't stress about "God's will" I believe he guides our path and allows us to take the road less traveled by but it's not like God sees this as some type of mystical shell game where you look back at you ministry and say- 2006 is the year I totally missed it and my calling and craft never recovered. I believe (Emphases on 'i') that God gives us choices to build wisdom in our lives and that's more important that the actual choices we make. (Don't know if that makes any sense.) [Friend], you are going to be doing God's will wherever you choose to go.
The last word of advice I'd give is get called by a committee not by a Pastor. Sometimes pastors thrust staff members on church-- and even if the thrustee (new word) is great, they still resent him or her because they had no voice. Been there, done that...
I'll be praying that your mind will be clear as you wrestle through this time of decision. You should be honored. In 14 years no committee has come calling for me:-)
Reader Comments (2)
Your counsel was wise, experienced, and efficient to make a good decision.
Have traveled both roads myself and find your counsel is righteous and just - especially when a whole family is involved.
One question for your friend: Does he feel God has released him from his current ministry position? Whenever God moved my husband and me to different ministry positions (sometimes across the country), we always felt a release from our current ministry position. Of course, this doesn't mean God does this with everyone. It's just something to consider.