Acts20.com

With the recent decision in our lives to step away from full time pulpit ministry, my most prevalent fear was that I would be stepping away from a very solid income into an unknown world to me. I have been in the pulpit for the last 20 years. And so, the questions was, who is going to hire a 44 year old former pastor?As I have taken this step, I have wondered how many pastors, even some on this board, are staying put, knowing that, for the better of their church or even their family, they needed to step away (possibly from ministry altogether for a time) and recalibrate? Yet, they stay in the land of stalled momentum and mediocrity because they fear losing their income.Let me ask...if you knew this was a decision you needed to make, and all you have ever done as an adult is pastor or lead a ministry, how easy of a decision would it be for you

I am sure it is tough - but other careers face the same crossroads.Many of our fellow brethren stay in careers that we either hate - or don't feel successful at - because while we hate the known - we are scared the unknown may be even worse.While I have often heard Colonel Sanders started KFC at 63 - I usually reply - but we have a lot of chicken choices now.I know preachers have the added guilt of any one that puts his hand to the plow...

Once in the Pulpit now in the pew, I have no answers for you, BUT I do think along the same lines with this and I quote:I have wondered how many pastors, even some on this board, are staying put, knowing that, for the better of their church or even their family, they needed to step away (possibly from ministry altogether for a time) and recalibrate? Yet, they stay in the land of stalled momentum and mediocrity because they fear losing their income.........................................................................I had a close friend tell me, I am in my comfort zone, less work, solid pay check and I am satisfied. I want to do more, but I just do not.BUT my situation was different than yours, I stepped away, and it was simple for me because I had lost all faith. I would not stand in a pulpit and preach something I did not believe. But that was me. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I too was in full time ministry for 20 years. In 2011 I was toast. Too many years of outflow not enough inflow. I told the Lord that I just wanted a job and did not want to even think about ministry or even church. He opened a door and provided a secular job. He also directed me to a very unconventional church that had no programs. The only thing the little church did was preach the word, worship, pray and fellowship. The little church met on Sunday morning only and even took off every last Sunday of the month. After attending that church for 2 years and crying my eyes out at every service God restored and renewed me. The Lord has since opened a new door of ministry for me and I have a totally new perspective on the church and the everlasting mercy and grace of Jesus.

praise the Lord, I know whereof you speak

I just dont feel led to leave even though we are stalled at times. But I go to worship and I can do that even in some , not all , of the worst situations. And I know that if we leave the chance them of folding up is greatly increased. I dont want that for anyone. checkmate, Good point.. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

I just dont feel led to leave even though we are stalled at times. But I go to worship and I can do that even in some , not all , of the worst situations. And I know that if we leave the chance them of folding up is greatly increased. I dont want that for anyone. My situation was different....I knew if we stayed, the chances of the church dying was greater. With their new pastor, there is a renewed vision and sense of momentum and excitement. That has not been there for at least 5 years. I know I have made the right choice for both me and the church

In 2011 after over 25 years pastoring, due to some very difficult times, I stepped away from pastoral ministry.I stayed out for a few years then tried to get back in. That was much tougher than I expected. I gave up trying for a few years, now I am back in the hunt. My problem now is my age. I have been turned down by three church because of my age (66). Churches now want a younger man. I suppose I somewhat understand that. They feel a younger man can better reach their children. I understand but that does not help my problem.Had I known how difficult it was to get back in I may have stayed in, regardless to my frustration at the time. Jamie if you plan to pastor again I advise you to get involved before you reach that age. What is that age, I don't know but I do know it is before the age of 60+ Recorded Sermons @ www.pastorwiley.com

That is some good advice from experience. JLarry is a solid dude! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Jamie - There are certain things you learn through life experience and having experience as a pastor, you would need to have people skills like conflict resolution, being creative, critical thinking skills, etc. You just have to find a niche that you can use the same skills you've used in pastoring while you step away to allow yourself to heal and be refreshed. Or it might an opportunity to go back to school and gain some new skills.God has a plan, and I believe He will show you what to do as you go More of Him...less of me.twitter.com/camiracle77www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691241499&ref=name