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Coming
out of full time ministry into secular work can be emotionally traumatizing as well as
very frustrating. After a forced termination, a pastor is depleted and unprepared to
take on an involvement with a new job. Yet, the unbroken flood of financial needs
keep pouring in. Added to this is the awareness that you don't know how to go about
finding gainful employment. Your years of education, training and experience may
seem to be useless as you turn your attention to work in the outside world - even if
only for a season of tent making. Your view of self and a need to fulfill your
"calling" can be obstacles that prevent a whole-hearted effort in seeking a new
income potential. I am well aware of these pains as I was a pastor for 30 years and
suddenly found myself without a ministry or an income.
For a season I was employed for a Professional Career Management, Marketing and Consulting firm and was able to glean many helpful insights into finding employment. There are many things you can do to make yourself more valuable and presentable in the marketplace. And, there are methods that are more successful than others at obtaining employment.
Finding a new job is a job itself. Treat it this way. You will have to use new skills. If viewed in a positive way, it is a growth experience that you be able to use in your future ministry. One of the most difficult challenges in job seeking is dealing with rejection. Everyone is rejected many times until they are accepted. This is normal and to be expected. Prayer and persistence are the keys to finding the open door of the Lord.
There are several stages in job searching that you need to explore.
Developing a clear and functional resume
Developing marketing brochures
Researching your career path
Using your network with Advice meetings
Negotiating your job package
One of our goals is to develop the TentMakers ministry. It is not ready yet, but we are taking steps to make it available. Until such time, we pray that the information provided above may be of service in this difficult time. Your participation in creating TentMakers would be welcomed.
TentMakers
– Career
Transition Assistance – assessing
the skills and training in how best to discover a career outside of the
ministry, whether temporary or permanent. Develop
a database of Christian business people and companies willing to hire a pastor
for 6 months to one year.
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