February 2007 Newsletter


"Ministry Blues"  

By: Craig Rippy

This morning I spoke over the telephone with a Youth Minister who was leaving the ministry. He isn't the only one I've talked to, in the past few years, that was either, changing ministries or quitting all together. Ministers seem to move around a lot. And yes, some leave the ministry totally.What is the problem? Well, none of us can know the internal struggles a person has, and most ministers don't divulge all the reasons for leaving a ministry. Yet, from personal experience and from talking to several ministers, I've learned much about the reasons for ministry changes.

First, there are the non-committed ministers. They may have entered the ministry because dad was in the ministry or it was an expectation of their home congregation, but they really weren't geared for a full-time ministry. These guys get burned out after a few years. I remember a young man with a wife and a couple kids who fit this pattern.

Let's call him Tim Expectation. Tim had moved to a nearby ministry after having a short-lived ministry in another town. He came in all excited that things were going to be different than before. I could tell the present ministry wasn't going to last long. He wanted to make quick changes with a congregation that was very steeped in tradition and slow to make any changes.

Tim Expectation wasn't very knowledgeable in Scripture, but decided to fake it. His preaching skills were very poor. His family life wasn't as solid as it needed to be. Much of that was due to him pursuing a full-time ministry as his wife recognized Tim wasn't gifted for the work. She was frustrated with the difficulties Tim always seemed to find himself in.

He finally left the ministry. I don't know where he is now, but I hope he is in a congregation as an Elder or other servant. If he is, I'm sure he and his wife are much happier.

Second, there was Brad Hurtbad. Brad is an accumulation of ministers. Brad Hurtbad is truly meant to be a minister or youth minister. He is gifted in communicating the Gospel, has a great desire for people to come to know Christ and grow in Christ. His wife supports his ministry and is willing to stand with him when the heat is on.

Yet, there seems to be a breaking point with all folks. Brad Hurtbad is prevented to try a new education program, or is blamed for John Member Mywayornoway's threat of leaving the church. The leadership remembers that Brad is only the hired guy and they have to remain with the congregation or look bad in their community. Brad is pressured to violate his conscience or is told to do more ministry, but can't because the leadership prevents him from trying new ministries. A few folks of the congregation withdraw financial support and supposed friendship. Brad and his family are hurt and decide to leave. The leadership say it's too bad and don't want him to go, but internally they believe it will ease tension in the congregation. So Brad Hurtbad finds another ministry in hopes to use the gifts God has given him to help people grow.

I praise God that I've not ever felt the pressures of Tim or Brad here at Solid Rock Christian Church. Many ministers don't have the blessing I have. There are a lot of full-time servants who could use your prayers. And by the way, thank you Solid Rock Christians for supporting your ministry staff. May God work through each of us to win to Jesus, help each other grow in Jesus, and to show God's love as we do His work.