What do you look for when someone asks to work in your church. We have been going to a church for nearly two years and we are gifted with teaching and preaching. My husband is ordained and a chaplin, and I have been a womens and teen minister in the past. Our church has a strong core group and there doesn't seem to be a place for us to work, and it makes us very sad to not use the gifts God gave us.
What do you look for when someone really has a heart for ministry, and just wants to serve.
2006-08-31 04:58:38 · 14 answers · asked by 2ndchhapteracts 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We have worked in the field, as minister and evangelists. We have ministered at hospitals, for vets, at biker functions, in the streets and at missions. What we feel that we are missing is active involvement at our church. We aren't much for pew warming...
2006-08-31 05:16:49 · update #1
If you have not done so I would suggest talking with the pastor to see what opportunities are available.
Some pastors like to have a core group and don't make opportunities for others to serve and grow. That is sad.
Some pastors just look for the high gloss exterior and don't look at the qualities that really matter. That is also sad.
Pastors must enable to body of Christ to meet their potential by serving the body, instead of being served.
When looking for some one to serve in a ministry I look for availability, honestry and integrity, a heart to serve. We can teach the skills necessary to serve, but I have never been able to teach someone how to have a heart to serve.
Above all continue to pray about the situation.
Lord Bless
2006-08-31 05:14:43 · answer #1 · answered by WhatIf 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'll play a little counterpoint on this one.
Most of your answers basically seem to say that the church is not right for you. However ... have you ever seen the movie "Karate Kid"? The kid wants to learn Karate, and the master has him "paint fence", "sand da floor", "wax car". Perhaps there are small, less glorious tasks that are waiting to be done - that need to be done both for the church and for you two - before the more visible "teaching and preaching" is granted you.
A long time ago I was a much welcomed writer at a new and growing church. The doors were opened wide to me. But there were "small" writing jobs that I turned down that I easily could have done. This spoiled the waters between me and the ministers there (which was partly their short coming), and ruined the environment. This church is now one of the centers of youth and music ministry in this country. My involvement was sidetracked basically because I didn't want to do the small writing gigs.
Consider this.
.
2006-08-31 12:28:07 · answer #2 · answered by robabard 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an Ordained Pastor, I have seen this very thing happen to many 'more-than-capable' young individuals wanting to serve.
What I am about to say is going to offend alot of "Pastors" out there. And it is not always true about all of them, but sadly, it's true of most of them. The truth of the matter is, many 'Pastors' won't share their pulpit or certain responsibilities with others who are ordained, educated & trained!
You would think that they would prefer individuals that have been to bible college, who are ordained or who are trained in certain ministries. It is a tricky double-edged sword with 2 perspectives. I have seen pastors prefer the layman & novices (who are non-threatening) over the educated individuals! (Things that make you go, Hmmmmm???)
It all comes to one word, "POWER". Many pastors are afraid that someone else many lead others astray, (supposedly), but truer still, do a better job at preaching & teaching than they do! Especially if an individual is very 'charismatic' & liked by many...They have the mentality that "This is my church, go find your own!", or "You may worship & serve here as long as you are not a threat to me or my position!" Many pastors hold tight to their reigns of power...I have seen this more times than I can count on my fingers & toes...
If you have been going there for 2 years & they know your background & interest, it's time to talk to the leaders there to find out where they can use you. If they won't let you serve in 'SOME' kind of capacity, you need to ask yourself 'WHY'??? Then make a decision.
If this church decides to let ordained & trained individuals that are willing to work, to just sit as pew warmers, it may be time to look for a different church, where you can exercise your gifts.
Lastly, I would add, to search your heart & motives for such positions of authority. As a leader of many, you will be responsible for every word you utter to the masses. Purify, humble & cleanse your mind & soul, for the task that the Divine may call you to may be a hard one. For you do not want to follow in the foot-steps of the many before you & fall into the trap of POWER...
May the Great Divine guide your choice.
2006-08-31 12:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by prophetessqueen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a pastor of a church, I look for people who truly have a desire to get the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ our to a lost and dying world. That means they must believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for their sins. They must be faithful to the ministry. If there is no vacancy in the teaching positions, there is always visitation programs that needs help. I always let the young preachers preach at least once a month. If your church don't need your gifts go find you a church that does or go start you one of your own.
2006-08-31 12:09:45 · answer #4 · answered by Ray W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This will be a very different perspective than what you were expecting. We don't hire people to work in our church. People are called under inspiration from the Priesthood leaders to serve in various capacities. Still, when pondering the names that are available to serve, we do consider the persons talents or abilities and needs. Is the person suitable to the calling? Will it do them good as well as the people they will be serving? I serve as the Sunday School President and I have to decide who to recommend as teachers and other helpers. I give my choice to the Bishop who then ponders my selection and makes the call to the person selected. If he doesn't agree with my selection, he tells me about it and we discuss it. Usually, that means that I have to make another selection but sometimes my reasoning has prevailed.
You are right to want to serve and I hope that you will find a place to serve.
2006-08-31 12:11:25 · answer #5 · answered by rac 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There will be few elders and pastors here, so I am going to state an opinion on this.
Either God doesn't want you to serve, or He wants you to go elsewhere. I am betting elsewhere.
Ask yourself just why you are in that church. I am confident because it's a comfortable, friendly, 'nice' church that makes life easy. God usually does not want his best talent in nice, friendly, comfortable places. I suggest you look for a stressful, uncomfortable place that NEEDS you.
2006-08-31 12:04:50 · answer #6 · answered by retiredslashescaped1 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not a pastor, I am a pastor's wife, but I can tell you that if you don't feel like you have a place in your church, you are probably in the wrong church. You are MORE than welcome to come to mine! I wish people would get up and serve more. I have never met a pastor that didn't say "Hallelujah, come over here and serve!" (And later, it becomes "and over here, and over heare, and over here, lol.) Sounds to me like a heart for ministry is all that they should be looking for! (Although other qualities, such as responsibility and commitment are very nice, too!)
2006-08-31 12:04:45 · answer #7 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A sincere dedicated person.
Maybe the below has something to do with it.
1 Timothy 2:
11. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15.But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Start your own Church,maybe
Use the gifts God gave you.
Have a blessed day.
2006-08-31 12:58:50 · answer #8 · answered by zurioluchi 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you feel that your church establishment is not giving you the chance to use the talents that God has given you then you should concider becoming evanglist and taking your ministry in the highways and hedges or start a church establishment yourself. God says if we dont use the talents he has given us he will take them and give them to someone else. Good luck to you.
2006-08-31 12:13:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No matter how strong the group...you are meant to be utilizing your gifts...you have the heart's desire that is proof you should move on it.........Suggestion.......approach the elders with a creative ministry that may be outside of what is occurring at present......ask for their imput and support........ask for direction from them with humility...........many great works have been done this way rather than waiting for a slot to fill
2006-08-31 12:05:18 · answer #10 · answered by steve f 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋