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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 10/25/2009 11:18:17 PM
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I have been involved with teen and kids ministry for about 12 years now. I really felt God's call about a year ago to go into Ministry full time. I was going to college at the time to become a teacher and really felt I was to change my Major to General Studies and graduate quickly so I could go to Seminary. I was working as a Part Time Youth Leader and my contract was up and I was graduating all in the same month. It looked like the perfect crossroad. The Church I was at could not afford to hire me full time and in fact were struggling with my part time salary so we decided not to renew (this was at the end of 07.
I know I am doing what God wants but every door that is opened is slammed shut. I've had dozens of phone interviews and several face to face interviews but there just isn't any interest in me. Am I too old? (36) Is there bias against people who have only been part timers or volunteers? Am I just being too impatient? Perhaps they are fearful to hire someone who is in Seminary?
The biggest thing I hear is that I need more "big" church experience, how do I overcome this? Should not experience overcome that?
I am afraid to get a regular secular job for fear that I won't be able to go on interviews.
I'd appreciate any advice anyone would have.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 3/21/2008 6:15:50 AM
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I feel you. Here are my two cents, for what it's worth:
Youth ministry is a tough business. It's often not the first line item in the budget for churches--so it has limited resources, and often, unfortunately, limited support from within congregations. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that.
I believe that God's call into youth ministry requires special people who are willing to work for not much money, and without much recognition. It is hard work, shaping teenagers into faithful, Christian adults. And if you feel like God's call is for you to go into youth ministry full time, the more power to you. It takes a lot to be called, and even more to answer to that call.
As far as your struggle getting hired, it's really not for me to say. It could be that you're called to some of these positions, but the hiring parties can't see it. Or it could be that the God's match for you hasn't yet opened up.
But if I were you, I'd take a full-time job--assuming you need to do that in order to make ends meet while you look for a FT youth ministry position. If you can't leave your secular job to go to YM interviews, churches (of all employers) ought to understand that and be willing to meet with you after hours or on the weekend. You also might consider working for a temp agency, where your commitments can be as short term as you'd like.
My best piece of advice would be this: keep praying, and keep your faith. God will lead you where you're called--even if it takes longer than you or God might want. God has to work with imperfect humans like me and you when it comes to hiring processes, after all.
Keep us posted with your quest for work! You'll be in my prayers.
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/25/2009 11:18:17 PM
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Just an update on this.
I had a very promising phone interview today. Please pray for me.
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Forum Guru
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/18/2009 7:13:05 PM
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| My church is looking for a fulltime youth person. Because this is a small church the usual budget restrictions are there. I think they are offering 26K and housing. But, they also expect this person to cover the associate pastor position. It's a lot of work. The church is Mid Valley Church in Carbondale, Colorado. The phone number is (970) 948-0143. I am working as the temporary "Youth dude" until they hire someone. I have my own business and do the youth as a volunteer. As a Volunteer, I call my own shots. This works for me. Anyway, 36 is not too old. You're never too old. I'm 50 something and it still works. Kids need someone who's interest is in them. Go for it. God's got just the right place for ya. A missionary friend of mind say's if the devil slams a door he'll climb thru the window. email me directly if you want to talk. Kevin
www.kevinophoff@coconutmtn.com
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 8:18:26 PM
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Fobers,
After reading your post my heart went out to you and I wanted to reply.
I have been in YM for 13 years with 9 of those being a YP at one location (full time). After prayerfully deciding to resign my position I applied at over 40 churches with only an handful of bites. A couple of interviews went really well and I thought for sure I was going to be offered the position. However, one church stopped responding to my calls and emails. Another church hired someone else and I did receive a couple of letters informing me of of their decision to head in a different direction.
For the first time I had begun to question my calling and effectiveness in ministry. I didn't know what to do or where to turn. We (my wife and I) decided to move to a different state to continue my education (not having my degree was my only "hang up") and began to volunteer at a wonderful church.
While I was so frustrated with the situation God was working at ministering to my heart, mind, soul and body. There was ministering that needed to be done to my heart before I could ever minister to someone else.
Remember, though David was anointed king, it was years before he was ever crowned. Let God develop you to be able to effectively love His kids and be ready when He leads you though that open door.
Matt McCage
Forum Moderator
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 2/23/2009 9:13:08 AM
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My only thought to this is remember Moses led the Hebrews into the Desert were they waited 40 years for Jesus to make a move. Our greatest gift given to us by God is the ability to be patient. If your called into full time ministry, the door will be opened. Keep the faith.
Steve
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Forum Guru
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 8:57:42 PM
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I know how you feel. I had been in the same position as you for a long time. I have my undergraduate work in Bible and Youth Ministry and my Masters in counseling. My wife and i have been wanting to be in full time ministry for a long time. It looked like the possibility of our dream job opening up at a larger church that my wife grew up in. I ended up working full-time, for 2 years doing a job that i hated, during the time of the transition in readying for the position to be filled, but it ended up being filled by someone else (who i am proud to say definitely deserved/earned the position). We did a 21 day fast (10 of those days was a liquids only), and my wife and i had basically given up on ever finding a full-time youth ministry position. We were actually in the process of developing and writing the curriculum for a lay-driven marriage mentoring ministry in our church when someone from our church came to us about a youth ministry/chi alpha (college) ministry position that was opening up in a town about 2 hours away. I contacted the senior pastor who wanted me to come down to interview right away. We interviewed in early September and took the position part-time (trying to commute and sell our house) through the end of October. As of November 1st we started full-time and have been here in Ft Dodge, IA since.
I'm telling you all this to say, don't get stressed out. It may not happen in your time line. You may need to get that full-time job. It may even have to be a job that you can't stand. If you have a job and a church wants to interview you, they will be willing to work around your schedule. Be faithful. Meanwhile, if you need experience in a large church setting, you may want to consider volunteering in a larger church. Talk to the full-time youth pastor there about being involved, doing some teaching, leading a small-group or two, helping with event planning etc. Heaven knows that youth pastor is most likely insanely busy and could use some extra help. You build connections, experience, and relationship with the youth (you won't want to leave them... but you already know about that).
Above all, pray, pray & fast, pray & fast & pray some more, trust God. He knows your heart and passion, and He will provide.
Masterpiece in Progress - Building masterpieces one person at a time.
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: 11/9/2009 11:16:23 AM
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You aren't too old. I'm 42 turning 43 this year.
With the economy in the shape it is in finding a full time youth position will be even tougher. I may be working for free soon and have to find employment outside of the church. If this happens I stay where I'm at because God called me to this church regardless of pay.
I would say that perhaps the spot God wants you in has not opened up yet. The first church I served in (i'm at my second church now) searched for two years before brining me on board. It can work both ways for the church and for a person looking to go into youth ministry.
What does "big" church mean?
I have zero education in youth ministry other than the school of hard knocks and on the job and reading lots of books. I think churches put too much stock in seminary (I do have a degree and am about to wrap up my masters but that wasn't part of the deal when they brought me on staff).
Moses was in the desert for 40 years. The crown prince of Egypt was a shepherd for 40 years before leading the nation of Israel. This may be your desert time.
Keep praying and seeking God's direction. His timing is never our timing.
Take a job and when a church wants to interview you they will have to understand that they have to work around your bread and butter job schedule. If the church isn't willing to do that to interview you then you don't want to work at that church. 
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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