For the first time since 1987 (the year I became a Rookie Preacher), I find myself without a place to preach regularly. Among the many things the Lord is teaching me are the following…
What to Do When You Are Between Ministries:
- Continue to worship, study, and grow. Maintain your relationship with the Lord.
- Listen to good preaching. Podcasts, online church services, live worship/preaching events – this is a good time to check out what others are doing. In addition, your soul needs feeding.
- Keep ministering to people God puts in your circle of influence. If you are working a secular job (even temporarily), it might be the greatest mission field you have ever been in. Spending time with lost people will remind you why you became a preacher in the first place.
- Rebuff Satan’s lie that “you are not currently a real minister.” Of course you are!
- Pray, think, and dream what/where God might direct you to serve.
- Learn to be content with where you are. The apostle Paul was happy to preach to thousands, or to a few prison guards – wherever the Lord might give him opportunity.
- Enjoy, for a season, the feeling of being “out of the fishbowl” – simply living as a regular, average Christian/family.
- Refuse to play the “woulda, shoulda, coulda” game. Learn from your past mistakes and celebrate previous victories, but don’t get bogged down in the mire of the past.
- Allow friends, family, and colleagues to encourage you and minister to you.
- Remember that your identity is in Christ, not in your vocation.
Mike Kjergaard has served as a minister for more than 28 years, working with churches in Michigan, Virginia, and Indiana. In addition to work with the local church, Mike has been a member of the Board of Directors with several parachurch organizations and has been active in leadership with state, regional, and national Christian conventions.
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