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.
Where do you find
the jobs?
Self Assessment
Developing a clear and functional
resume
Developing marketing brochures
Researching your career path
Using your network with Advice
meetings
Negotiating your job package
Employment Websites
