Full Time Ministry, or is it Full Time Delusion?

I do a radio program with a friend of mine called ‘Kingdom Rising”, that deals with the subject of Simple Church and anything else we feel like talking about.  We have been on the air for several years now on a local am radio station.  Prior to this, I did another program called “Changing Our Region Through Prayer”, which later morphed into “Effective Prayer and Effective Action”, before I sensed that it was time to bring it to a close.  It was also around this time that I felt that there was a change coming to followers of Christ.

Ready or not, here it comes, and it has been coming for some time.  Simple church, organic church, or whatever you choose to call it is a evolving phenomena worldwide.  I personally have been making the transition from a “regular” church pastor to whatever I am now – whatever that is.

All I know is that I love the Lord and continue to have a strong desire to help people come to know Him in reality and truth.  I am still an elder and leader in the body of Christ but this is more of a function rather than a title.  To most I am just Jim, Dr Jim, hey you or just buddy.  Very seldom am I called reverend or anything close to it – not these days.

I remember when I worked as a mental health professional and longed for the days that I could be in full-time ministry.  I spent my working hours helping people who were in emotional and mental distress but I longed to be in full-time ministry.

Frequently my job required me to work with the local compassion ministry after hours that provided food, clothing and shelter, but I longed to be in full-time ministry.

One day, I was talking with a long time friend and when I shared my dilemma he said, “you’re already in full-time ministry brother”.  It was like scales fell off my eyes and I could see the truth.

Unfortunately, I fell into the mold of the full-time pastor – starting a church congregation, attending pastor’s meetings, a lot of preaching and teaching etc.  I must tell you, my life was much more exciting and fulfilling before I took on this role.  Now it seems God is bringing me full circle, after about 15 years.

Maybe you are longing for full-time ministry?  You need to get free from that erroneous idea.  God does not want us living our lives in these self created Christian ghettos.  Look at the life of Jesus – where did he spend most of his time?  In temples and synagogues ? – I don’t think so.

What do you believe is your purpose?  Why are you here on planet earth?  What need has God created you to fulfill?  Do you know, or do you struggle with this whole idea of living life on purpose?

One day I sat down prayerfully before God and I could see that my vocation, my purpose, is to be a people helper.  Whether I am in front of a crowd giving a speech, or sitting in a small group of people, I flow in my purpose, and I do not have to try that hard to do it either.  This is me, this is who I am.

I would like to see more and more people delivered from religious nonsense.  Let’s get rid of the idea of full-time ministry.  The great success is when what you do most of the time is what you feel you are called to do.  This is why I love the concept of Simple Church – it facilitates a simple life – one in which you are free to be who you are.

Do you love kids?  Do you spend most of your time around them – whether through a job or some volunteer activity? Maybe you are mom or grand mom to the neighborhood.  Just be free to flow in your purpose.  You do not need to be in children’s ministry in a formal church, although that is ok if that is what you feel you need to do.  Just get free of all the religious nonsense.

What you and I do does not define us.  God defines us in the purpose he calls us to, and we are free to enjoy His desire for our lives.  This is how we are designed to flow in life.

You might be reading this post and thinking, “Oh here we go again, and it’s another one of those Christian sites.  If this is what you’re thinking you may be right.  I am a follower of Jesus so in this sense I am Christian.  If you think I am one of those mean people who has a problem with everybody else then you are wrong.

Jesus came to save sinners and like Paul the apostle, I am chief or one of the main ones.  Let him who is without sin cast the first stone – Jesus said this once.  I have my own issues and I do not have time or the desire to judge you for yours.

I think I have rambled enough for now.  I am waiting for my granddaughter to have her first child.  Yes, I am getting ready to be a great grand pop but don’t let your imagination run away with you, I am not that old – she is just young.

I use to love to hear an old song called, “If I can help somebody” ,when I was growing up.  If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.  Think about it, helping somebody – anybody.  What an idea!  Till next time.