Following my post on our own financial journey, many people sent in their own stories which are worth reading because they demonstrate the pain as well as the blessings of the journey. Here are some of them:
Elaine said:
Having left "church ministry" years ago, I for one would NEVER chose to go back. I am now in the company daily of people, lots of people, who need hope and encouragement. I teach GED classes and work in adult literacy. The bond created opens doors to be Christ to people who need it! Most organizations require a bachelor's degree and experience teaching adults. I used my church ministry experience, designing it to reflect the teaching & modeling all ministers use (should use?) in everyday living. It pays enough to keep food on the table…and I feel I have found my place in life. LOVE IT! My life has become so rich in experiences.
Amy said:
As so many have already said, thank you for this! My husband and I have left vocational ministry this past year and have been going through this transition. We spent 11 years in professional ministry and now find ourselves with useless degrees and "starting over". It has been tough in many ways, but we wouldn't trade it! There is peace in knowing that we are walking out Father God's plan for us!
Drew said:
Felicity, perfect timing on the article. You caught me on Day 1 of making the jump out of full-time church ministry to pursue organic church planting! Part of my conviction to make the change is that God has blessed me with an educational background as a lawyer that should (please Lord soon!) allow me to find a decent job. Unexpected in this jump was the fact that my wife, who was an exec assistant for a global missions organization, was going to find out three weeks ago her job was getting cut on June 30th due to budget shortfalls. Thus, we both woke up this morning freshly jobless, but on a new adventure together, resting in God's able hands. Blessings to all of you who have taken this courageous step of faith! It is a wonderful testimony to all who know your story!
Mark commented:
Felicity, perfect timing on the article. You caught me on Day 1 of making the jump out of full-time church ministry to pursue organic church planting! Part of my conviction to make the change is that God has blessed me with an educational background as a lawyer that should (please Lord soon!) allow me to find a decent job. Unexpected in this jump was the fact that my wife, who was an exec assistant for a global missions organization, was going to find out three weeks ago her job was getting cut on June 30th due to budget shortfalls. Thus, we both woke up this morning freshly jobless, but on a new adventure together, resting in God's able hands. Blessings to all of you who have taken this courageous step of faith! It is a wonderful testimony to all who know your story!
In the next post, we'll look at the wider picture of what people in this situation are doing.
What other ideas have you come across?
