My journey to the other side is just about to begin. After being in ministry for 16 years or so I am taking the plunge and am about to become a workplace Christian. There is a tinge of sadness as I write this. In many ways I have loved being a Pastor in many ways it is safe and I am reasonably competent at it. But, I resigned, I have committed myself to an uncertain future.
I know that during most of my ministry life I have been bi-vocational. But, this time I sense a shift in my orientation. I think that in the future I may play with paid ministry work but my future will be in the workplace.
So much of what I read of the adventure of the future said from those who maintain their support on those past structures. I often think that they look at the pool and it looks fresh and inviting and they love to write about all the good things that can happen if you plunge in but then fail to take the plunge themselves.
Who should I blame for this?
- A few years ago now I read Eddie Gibb’s book, “Church Next” and was challenged by what he saw as the future of ministry. I remember reading it to my wife and her telling me that this sounded quite scary.
- Myself – I love a challenge. Life would be boring without a risk or two.
- Every ministry conference that I have been to has suggested that this is where the church needs to be in the future.