When It Comes Down to It

There’s been a lot of talk about hurting churches. Nationwide, churches large and small are struggling financially. If you’re like me, you’re feeling pressure. Are you too much of a burden on your church? Can your church afford you? Is it time to walk when the money isn’t there?

It’s hard to think about. It all comes down to the core of your ministry and who you are. It hurts when the community we love and serve begins to feel the weight of the poor economy. It’s tempting to think about the “what if’s.”

In five years at my current church I’ve never once felt the call, need, or urge to move on to a new church community, until now. Last month I found myself scanning the job banks. It wasn’t that I wanted to leave; I love the students and leaders I have the opportunity to serve. The church is in a hard spot and I felt by moving on I could help. My intern has the ability to lead and he could replace me for much less.

But still, I was haunted by one question: “Is walking away from my job going to bring joy to the Lord and edify the body?”
After prayer, a few long runs, and reading old books—you know, the ones you turn to when you need an uplifting read—I came to the realization that my feelings were self-focused. They weren’t focused on bringing joy to the Lord. They weren’t focused on building the church. They were focused on me. We minister right where God wants us, to the community God wants us to serve. How can anyone walk away from that?

Pour your heart out, let everything you do bring joy to Lord in even the toughest times. If it means working the morning shift at Starbucks, I’ll see you there.

John Denton is the youth pastor at Central Community Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. yeahjohndenton@gmail.com. youthpastorjohn.com.