What to Do When You're Between Ministries

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're Between Ministries - by Mike Kjergaard

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.