Christy Paul, LMHC
In life we go through many changes. A study done in 2013 said that 73% of students do not use their college degree. Many people change jobs 5-7 times in their lifetime, and many others change jobs every year. There are many reasons why people change jobs. They may get bored with what they are doing, or want to take a pay increase, or do something less stressful. Some get burned out, or they want to move elsewhere: closer to family, the beach, or mountains. Regardless of the reason, or if it’s a good or bad thing, the idea of getting one job and staying there until retirement has become a thing of the past.
People in ministry are no different. Just because you start off in one country, or at one church does not necessarily mean that is where God wants you to stay. What is most important is that you are following God’s will in order to have an effective ministry. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with this. In his letter to the Romans (1:11-13) he said:
“11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.”
Paul, as a missionary, knew that he had to take care of going and doing the will of God, in God’s timing!
It’s important to be real with yourself. God calls all of us to be missionaries. Jesus, before ascending into Heaven told us to go into all the earth preaching the Gospel. It is very important that we are missionaries wherever we are, whether or not we go overseas. That being said, full-time missionaries in foreign countries, and Pastors in our communities are very vital. Without them there would not be the access to the Gospel that there is today and we would not be fulfilling Christ’s commission. So, what happens when you are in missions work, or are pastoring a church and you begin to feel the need for a change?
First, consider where this thought is coming from? Is it based out of insecurity, like we discussed before? Is it Satan trying to make you feel like you aren’t good enough and bring you and The Church down? OR, is it from God, and he is telling you that He wants you to further His Kingdom in a different way in a different place?
Second, what are your motives for leaving? Is it because of selfish gain? Is it because you feel you have done all you can do? Is it because you believe that your time is better spent somewhere else, serving others? OR maybe you are at a point in life where you recognize that having someone new, fresh, and full of energy would do the ministry well?
Third, consider the advice of those around you that you trust to be good mentors. Many people may tell you to stay, and not leave. Others may be putting pressure on you TO leave. Find out from those wisest around you, who are honest, what they think and suggest.
And, most IMPORTANT pray and seek scripture.
If you have any further questions or need to speak to someone about what you have read and discovered in this blog, please reach out to Here2There ministries at [email protected]
