Comments on: LOOKING FOR A PREACHING JOB? http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/ Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:25:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: a cowgirl at heart http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8181 a cowgirl at heart Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:51:52 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8181 I agree with blogprophet on this one. I have had the opportunity to have some AWESOME preachers who were all about relationships in and through Jesus and not so much about the finances, maintenance, set up, etc...of the church building. They were amazing men and women of God, but He led them elsewhere for whatever reason. The time they WERE in the pulpit, they made a huge impact and our church was blessed all the more. I guess I think it just depends on the situation and reasons behind the person leaving. I agree with blogprophet on this one. I have had the opportunity to have some AWESOME preachers who were all about relationships in and through Jesus and not so much about the finances, maintenance, set up, etc…of the church building. They were amazing men and women of God, but He led them elsewhere for whatever reason. The time they WERE in the pulpit, they made a huge impact and our church was blessed all the more. I guess I think it just depends on the situation and reasons behind the person leaving.

]]> By: Dawn Jenkins http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8172 Dawn Jenkins Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:19:01 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8172 I think the duration of a pastor's stay should be decided based on the health of his congregation (not numbers so to speak but the congregation's spiritual health). I personally think our preacher is a wonderful man and beautiful administrator, but our church needs someone to get in the pulpit and preach God's Word whether it hurts anyone's feeling or not. I think the duration of a pastor’s stay should be decided based on the health of his congregation (not numbers so to speak but the congregation’s spiritual health). I personally think our preacher is a wonderful man and beautiful administrator, but our church needs someone to get in the pulpit and preach God’s Word whether it hurts anyone’s feeling or not.

]]> By: TheStraitGate http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8163 TheStraitGate Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:17:28 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8163 I had to smile at the 'John the Baptist' comment - wouldn't he be a little old? :)<br/><br/>I do find it odd that some churches seem to employ a different preacher every year. <br/><br/>When I was growing up - initially in the Anglican church and then the Roman Catholic church - the minister/preacher/vicar/priest normally stayed at the same church until he either retired or died.<br/><br/>They always used to wear a dog collar as well :)<br/><br/>David I had to smile at the ‘John the Baptist’ comment – wouldn’t he be a little old? :)

I do find it odd that some churches seem to employ a different preacher every year.

When I was growing up – initially in the Anglican church and then the Roman Catholic church – the minister/preacher/vicar/priest normally stayed at the same church until he either retired or died.

They always used to wear a dog collar as well :)

David

]]> By: Odgie http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8159 Odgie Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:55:56 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8159 Our current preacher has been here for 17 years. Our last youth minister just left after 8 years. Our children's minister (a hire from within the congregation) has been here for 6 years. Other positions (such as outreach, young adults, worship, etc.) tend to leave quicker, due to burnout I expect. Our current preacher has been here for 17 years. Our last youth minister just left after 8 years. Our children’s minister (a hire from within the congregation) has been here for 6 years. Other positions (such as outreach, young adults, worship, etc.) tend to leave quicker, due to burnout I expect.

]]> By: Jeanne M. http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8158 Jeanne M. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:12 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8158 Upon graduating from Sunset, my husband preached 5 years at his first full-time ministry, was fired because the elders wanted a change. There were four or five preachers after him before they finally got someone who was allowed to stay - change in eldership helped. At our next location, he preached for 10 years, and only left because of the costs for a new building. We felt they couldn't afford both at the time because he was at the upper pay scale by then. That congregation has gone through six preachers since we left and don't have one now. The last place we were there almost 12 years, and he resigned because he felt he was getting too old (70) and they would be better with a younger man. They are on their second man, and his wife is not happy so they may be leaving soon.<br/><br/>Our son-in-law was in his first ministry for 17 years, and his second for almost 9, and now is in his 2nd year at the third location. He would like to think this will be a long-term relationship, but only the Lord knows for sure. Upon graduating from Sunset, my husband preached 5 years at his first full-time ministry, was fired because the elders wanted a change. There were four or five preachers after him before they finally got someone who was allowed to stay – change in eldership helped. At our next location, he preached for 10 years, and only left because of the costs for a new building. We felt they couldn’t afford both at the time because he was at the upper pay scale by then. That congregation has gone through six preachers since we left and don’t have one now. The last place we were there almost 12 years, and he resigned because he felt he was getting too old (70) and they would be better with a younger man. They are on their second man, and his wife is not happy so they may be leaving soon.

Our son-in-law was in his first ministry for 17 years, and his second for almost 9, and now is in his 2nd year at the third location. He would like to think this will be a long-term relationship, but only the Lord knows for sure.

]]> By: wjcsydney http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8157 wjcsydney Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:24:09 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8157 Ours has been with the congregation 10 years. My previous church's senior minister has been there since 1984 I think and will probably be there to retirement but that's in the Anglican system which works differently. Ours has been with the congregation 10 years. My previous church’s senior minister has been there since 1984 I think and will probably be there to retirement but that’s in the Anglican system which works differently.

]]> By: Paula Harrington http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8156 Paula Harrington Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:21:26 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8156 Just think how hard it would be for John the Baptist to get a preaching job these days. With the crazy hair, honey and bug filled beard... :) He wouldn't make it in the front door.<br/><br/>Thanks for the nice comments you left on my blog. Same to ya :) Just think how hard it would be for John the Baptist to get a preaching job these days. With the crazy hair, honey and bug filled beard… :) He wouldn’t make it in the front door.

Thanks for the nice comments you left on my blog. Same to ya :)

]]> By: Paula Harrington http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8155 Paula Harrington Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:18:54 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8155 Our preacher has been here for over 20 years and our youth minister for 10. We're very blessed and definately have the family atmosphere. Usually folks hang around the building for 30 minutes or more after each service (even Sunday mornings sometimes) just to chat. We even take our fall breaks together. Going on a "retreat" each October.<br/> Just a good place to be. Our preacher has been here for over 20 years and our youth minister for 10. We’re very blessed and definately have the family atmosphere. Usually folks hang around the building for 30 minutes or more after each service (even Sunday mornings sometimes) just to chat. We even take our fall breaks together. Going on a “retreat” each October.
Just a good place to be.

]]> By: preacherman http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8154 preacherman Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:19:34 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8154 When ministers have to move alot it plays a toll on the "entire family." Having to make new friends, readjust to new enviornment, effecting trust, and other problems. I think that is why it is so important for the minister wife to have a full-time job that can pay equal to or even more than her husband. I think that can help with longevity. When ministers have to move alot it plays a toll on the “entire family.” Having to make new friends, readjust to new enviornment, effecting trust, and other problems. I think that is why it is so important for the minister wife to have a full-time job that can pay equal to or even more than her husband. I think that can help with longevity.

]]> By: Emma http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8153 Emma Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:54:35 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8153 Trey, isn't the 12th commandment...Trey and family shall NOT leave Childress? I thought I read that somewhere....LOL....Glad you declined....LOVE LOVE LOVE your fam! Trey, isn’t the 12th commandment…Trey and family shall NOT leave Childress? I thought I read that somewhere….LOL….Glad you declined….LOVE LOVE LOVE your fam!

]]> By: roadtripray http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8152 roadtripray Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:29:51 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8152 Well, as a methodist, preachers move around quite a bit. The congregation cannot officially kick a pastor out, only the bishop has authority to move pastors. Of course the congregation can complain, but if the complaints don't have merit from a biblical standpoint they won't get what they want.<br/><br/>I think the calling/sending forth models each have their own merits. I like being sent because I don't have to worry about another congregation "recruiting" me and having to wrestle with such decisions. If I am to be moved, it will be the bishop and district superintendent's decision, although the congregation and the pastor do have a consultative role in the process.<br/><br/>I think the average tenure in my conference is about 6 years, although I know many pastors who have been in place a decade or more.<br/><br/>Peace,<br/>Ray Well, as a methodist, preachers move around quite a bit. The congregation cannot officially kick a pastor out, only the bishop has authority to move pastors. Of course the congregation can complain, but if the complaints don’t have merit from a biblical standpoint they won’t get what they want.

I think the calling/sending forth models each have their own merits. I like being sent because I don’t have to worry about another congregation “recruiting” me and having to wrestle with such decisions. If I am to be moved, it will be the bishop and district superintendent’s decision, although the congregation and the pastor do have a consultative role in the process.

I think the average tenure in my conference is about 6 years, although I know many pastors who have been in place a decade or more.

Peace,
Ray

]]> By: Chris http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8151 Chris Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:09:05 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8151 I am a Youth Minister and the preacher I work with has been at the church nine years...this church went through a lot of preacher's at one point but from what I have observed he has been a good stabilizing force...I have been here a year now and it can be tough when the honeymoon ends...there are many a days where you have to look at the silver lining on the storm clouds I am a Youth Minister and the preacher I work with has been at the church nine years…this church went through a lot of preacher’s at one point but from what I have observed he has been a good stabilizing force…I have been here a year now and it can be tough when the honeymoon ends…there are many a days where you have to look at the silver lining on the storm clouds

]]> By: Kyle Parker http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8150 Kyle Parker Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:01:41 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8150 Trey - <br/><br/>Our preacher has been her for...6 days now. I do hope he stays for a while. Our preivours preacher was here for 9 years and was able to do some great ministry. I have been here for 6 years now and I'm just now starting to see some of the fruits of our work here. <br/><br/>I picked up someonthing when I first started ministry that I think has some merit. It goes like this: the first 1 1/2 years of ministry you can do nothing wrong, then next 1 1/2 years you can do nothing right, but somewhere after about 5 years is where true ministry begins. I know honeymoon periods and times fluctuate and change, but I found this to be a decent estimation of ministry schedules. After you build a rapport and relationships with people, I think you have the best opportunity to do ministry. Trey –

Our preacher has been her for…6 days now. I do hope he stays for a while. Our preivours preacher was here for 9 years and was able to do some great ministry. I have been here for 6 years now and I’m just now starting to see some of the fruits of our work here.

I picked up someonthing when I first started ministry that I think has some merit. It goes like this: the first 1 1/2 years of ministry you can do nothing wrong, then next 1 1/2 years you can do nothing right, but somewhere after about 5 years is where true ministry begins. I know honeymoon periods and times fluctuate and change, but I found this to be a decent estimation of ministry schedules. After you build a rapport and relationships with people, I think you have the best opportunity to do ministry.

]]> By: blogprophet http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8149 blogprophet Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:54:04 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8149 i would say longevity is the the general good, principle, rule, but the exceptions are there.<br/><br/>God can use people for different periods of times for different purposes.<br/><br/>even short, difficult may have a point for either the preacher or the church to accomplish or learn something.<br/><br/>just two cents to think about i would say longevity is the the general good, principle, rule, but the exceptions are there.

God can use people for different periods of times for different purposes.

even short, difficult may have a point for either the preacher or the church to accomplish or learn something.

just two cents to think about

]]> By: Stephanie http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8148 Stephanie Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:43:28 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8148 I am so glad you declined the offer...I don't know what I would do if y'all decided to leave... you better not leave...steph I am so glad you declined the offer…I don’t know what I would do if y’all decided to leave… you better not leave…steph

]]> By: Tucker http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8147 Tucker Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:41:29 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8147 Our minister has been with us...wait, we don't have a preacher. For over a year now, we haven't had a paid preacher and guess what...IT WORKS! Our men have taken on the challenge and it has been tremendous growth. We have new people come in and just sit in amazement that the guy they just heard was different from the guy they heard last week. <br/>I am not saying that it is wrong to have a paid preacher, but who made that rule? I value the men who take on that challenge because they have so many to answer to and are critique far too much. It is hard to break through hearts of stone! I say, God Bless those who preach! and God Bless those who critique and maybe He will chisel away at them. Our minister has been with us…wait, we don’t have a preacher. For over a year now, we haven’t had a paid preacher and guess what…IT WORKS! Our men have taken on the challenge and it has been tremendous growth. We have new people come in and just sit in amazement that the guy they just heard was different from the guy they heard last week.
I am not saying that it is wrong to have a paid preacher, but who made that rule? I value the men who take on that challenge because they have so many to answer to and are critique far too much. It is hard to break through hearts of stone! I say, God Bless those who preach! and God Bless those who critique and maybe He will chisel away at them.

]]> By: Matthew http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8146 Matthew Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:26:34 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8146 I have been with Waynesboro for four years, not long but the ministry is really taking off now. Congregations that are always looking are usually always sick. It says a lot about a church as well as a minister when people stay around a long time. I have been with Waynesboro for four years, not long but the ministry is really taking off now. Congregations that are always looking are usually always sick. It says a lot about a church as well as a minister when people stay around a long time.

]]> By: RAN http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8145 RAN Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:57:07 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8145 My husband has been preaching at our current congregation for 15 years, 9 years at the congregation before that. Our first congregation was for 3 years. So we are the long haul type. <br/><br/>You definitely go through peaks and valleys over the years. And you question yourself often ....."is this my sign to move on"? My husband often jokes that I always have our bags packed, ready to leave. But it is good to be here long term. It's a great congregation. My husband has been preaching at our current congregation for 15 years, 9 years at the congregation before that. Our first congregation was for 3 years. So we are the long haul type.

You definitely go through peaks and valleys over the years. And you question yourself often …..”is this my sign to move on”? My husband often jokes that I always have our bags packed, ready to leave. But it is good to be here long term. It’s a great congregation.

]]> By: TREY MORGAN http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8144 TREY MORGAN Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:48:33 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8144 Greg - I've heard so many good things from you about your Long Beach leadership. Makes a huge difference. <br/><br/>Tim - I wonder how many "30-year" ministers there are out there? I can't imagine. <br/><br/>Kim - I miss the old Red River days too. It would be nice to go back every now and then wouldn't it? :)<br/><br/>Zack - Nothing wrong with not wanting to preach. There are plenty of areas to minister. Don't let that old belief of "If you're not the pulpit minister, you're really not a minister" get you. We need ministers in every area.<br/><br/>Adam - Ouch ... things stink sometimes with churches. I know you and I aren't here to beat up on them, but I always remember that churches are full of people who make mistakes (just like me). Hopefully churches that treat ministers like hired hands will change. <br/><br/>I've been very blessed to work with two churches that are lead by great leaders. Both churches have long a reputation of ministers who have long tenures. Greg – I’ve heard so many good things from you about your Long Beach leadership. Makes a huge difference.

Tim – I wonder how many “30-year” ministers there are out there? I can’t imagine.

Kim – I miss the old Red River days too. It would be nice to go back every now and then wouldn’t it? :)

Zack – Nothing wrong with not wanting to preach. There are plenty of areas to minister. Don’t let that old belief of “If you’re not the pulpit minister, you’re really not a minister” get you. We need ministers in every area.

Adam – Ouch … things stink sometimes with churches. I know you and I aren’t here to beat up on them, but I always remember that churches are full of people who make mistakes (just like me). Hopefully churches that treat ministers like hired hands will change.

I’ve been very blessed to work with two churches that are lead by great leaders. Both churches have long a reputation of ministers who have long tenures.

]]> By: Adam Gonnerman http://treymorgan.net/looking-for-a-preaching-job/comment-page-1/#comment-8143 Adam Gonnerman Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:14:04 +0000 http://day3hosts.com/treymorgan/2008/07/looking-for-a-preaching-job/#comment-8143 A church like that nearly did me in. I was something like number 7 in 5 years. They had someone come shortly after I resigned, and he made it 9 months. Another one is there now, but I've heard predictions he might not make it another 6 months.<br/><br/>The day we packed the moving truck to leave, only one person came to "help." He was the elder who had always feigned support but actually kept a whisper campaign going, polling members constantly to see what they thought about me.<br/><br/>He didn't help. He followed me around as I packed things for about 45 minutes, asking where the church could find a good minister. He left, saying he'd be back soon to help. When he returned, as we were loading up the last little items, he apologized. He meant to get back earlier, but had been tied up faxing info on the minister search to Bible colleges.<br/><br/>Sick. A church like that nearly did me in. I was something like number 7 in 5 years. They had someone come shortly after I resigned, and he made it 9 months. Another one is there now, but I’ve heard predictions he might not make it another 6 months.

The day we packed the moving truck to leave, only one person came to “help.” He was the elder who had always feigned support but actually kept a whisper campaign going, polling members constantly to see what they thought about me.

He didn’t help. He followed me around as I packed things for about 45 minutes, asking where the church could find a good minister. He left, saying he’d be back soon to help. When he returned, as we were loading up the last little items, he apologized. He meant to get back earlier, but had been tied up faxing info on the minister search to Bible colleges.

Sick.

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