Nine days without a check…I can breathe a little easier now.
For the last ten days I have been going through the interview process with Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). I was interviewing for a position as “Community Health Services Coordinator.” We really thought this was an ideal job, and was a good match for my last eight years of pastoral experience. Today I found out that I did not get the job. We were quite upset about this – we had thought this was the perfect job for us…
I called a friend who owns an electrician company, and he gave me a job. So, Monday I will be starting out as a laborer, and possibly a first year electrician apprentice. It will be hard work…much more physical than what I have been doing. It will also be a substantial cut in pay. But the hours will be good, it will put food on the table, and it will give me some time for family (something I have not had the last eight years).
So we are breathing easier now. I may have to work a second job, at least during the summer. We are still going to look at what is available, but I actually feel pretty good about this job. It is not what I expected when I left pastoral ministry, but it will be good honest work.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Shawn Ragan's Weblog 
That’s exactly what I did when I left ministry: I was a laborer for a drywall company. That was 26 years ago, I still do drywall work to feed my family and support my “ministry addictions”. 🙂
It is humbling, but the opportunities for ministry are far greater among the real people in the world than from a church office if you pay attention.
God bless you, you’ll get used to the physicality in due time.
By: Steven Paul on July 12, 2008
at 10:55 pm
ditto, as with Steven Paul’s comment.
I thought I was a “shoe-in” for a specific job with the Department of Labor in the State of Idaho, after I resigned from the protestant ministry. When I was turned down (a whole story in its own right), I was so frustrated. But God knew what was best for me, for my family, and for the future.
I look back on that season in my life with wonderment as I consider God’s gracious Providence!
I trust in that for you, as well… You are ALWAYS in my prayers. Rejoice, my friend! Keep your sights on the Kingdom of Heaven, for which cause you have made this decision!
By: fatherpatrick on July 16, 2008
at 12:58 pm