Charles Lee

Personally I’ve been on both sides. I was once a Youth Director feeling God had called me to that position for a season. I never saw myself being in full time paid ministry for a lifetime. It was eye-opening to see things from “the other side.” I experienced the politics, heard the complaints, reaped the rewards and grew tremendously. I don’t regret trying, but I also am glad I own my own business now. From a business standpoint, I realized I am my own worst critic, so instead of criticize leadership it was better for me to the be the leader. On a spiritual note, I left a little tainted from the church politics, but am a stronger Christian now and understand how to look at things from an unbeliever’s perspective. Personally there are less strings attached if you are a volunteer, but if you are seriously considering full time paid ministry, get your feet wet and try it! I do believe it is an awesome calling from God and those who embark on the journey need plenty of prayer and humility along the journey.

Well said Scott…I appreciate your fair assessment.

John, thanks for highlighting some of the practical difficulties of being bi, tri, and even quad vocational…it definitely has its challenges…

I will share my thoughts in a few days…:)

I had originally put down my experience regarding this topic (I have done both paid and volunteer ministry), and the pro’s and con’s of both (not enough time for volunteers and all of the “politics” of church staff positions). For me, it comes down to a question of what ministry means. I would guess that most of us would not limit ministry to what happens under the direction and organization of the local church. However, I know that my own desire to be validated has at times cast a shadow over ministry that does not receive an official stamp. I do not necessarily plan to be employed by a church again, but I am not turning away from organized ministry. I am simply broadening my expectation of how and where God is going to use me in the future. So, I will continue being in volunteer ministry at my local church, and I will be satisfied with how God uses me. If He wants to use me on staff at a church, great; but I am just as open to the possibility that my calling may mean that I work a 40 hr/week job and minister there as well as everywhere I go.

Honestly, as a full-time paid minister, I love it. And, as with most things, there are definitely pros and cons to working full-time for the local church.

Yet, after looking back at my years in full-time ministry, the pros outweigh the cons by a landslide.

I guess I’m blessed to be at a church where the lead pastor supports my ventures and is there to back me up when questions arise. I’m blessed to be at a church where our lead pastor gives me the freedom to experiment, launch things, and, most important, make mistakes while I’m doing my job. Of course, when the council steps in a different story is penned. But, at the same time, that’s the beauty behind accountability.

I’m in an amazing position where trust is given to do what God is leading me to do.

I’ve had some people comment on the guilt they would feel in being employed by God’s people. Many would hesitate when it comes to receiving compensation from the church. But at the capacity in which our lead pastor and I do the things we’re expected to do by both the council and our congregation – i.e. 40+ hours a week – I have no guilt in my employment.

Bottom line: I love what I do and I get the satisfaction of knowing that what I do aides others in their spiritual journey with and/or toward God.

This is what I don’t like about the paid ministry position…
It doesn’t allow people to confess sin, as needed. For instance…
What if a pastor is struggling with something serious and needs to confess it to somebody in order for healing to take place. If this pastor was to say anything to anyone on staff, his job then would be on the line. Not only is his job on the line, but the money he needs to come in order to provide for his family is also on the line. Oh and ministry is all this pastor ever knew… What would you do? I wish I could say I would confess, but if it was me and I had a family to provide for, I hate to say, I might just stay quiet… This is just a thought and I am not in these shoes, so I really don’t know what I do…
But I do think being in a paid ministry position can hold people back from what God is asking them to confess. In our world if one is getting paid, it is also saying you better perform. This is my thought on paid position…

I think it is stinking awesome as the senior pastor of New Hope, you don’t take a salary. I really think it gives you more freedom, but then again Im not in those shoes… Ministry should be something done from the heart not from being paid…

last line change
“they might experience a layered (multiply) communal resource”

I think it’s a very relevant and important question. Here are my random thoughts, starting with a conclusion:

I think it’s circumstantial, that each person’s situation is unique. Even one person might find himself choosing pay and non-pay at different stages of his life.

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering to minister is that the minister’s care for others is legitimized by the fact that his own livelihood does not depend on his ministry. He doesn’t care for people because he has to. His ministry isn’t physically/obviously connected to his wellbeing.

Here’s how my own situation panned out:

My jobs at the church include media creation to show during services, and a more leader/pastoral role caring for the congregants. I’ll be paid part time for the media creation, and volunteering the caregiving role. It works out great because the media creation has more of a professional aspect to it, which partners well with salary.

Also, it’s hard to separate God’s unique mission for an individual from the general mission that [he] gives to everyone. All must care for one another and do his best to act like a citizen of God’s kingdom, but we often have different outlets for ministry. What keeps you, Charles, from volunteering your time at the college as a professor? Certainly your work is ministry.

I’m coming in a bit late but came across your page reading about the topic of volunteering at church. I’ve been volunteering and have found that I’ve filled a real gap in my church and it’s grown hugely. Ideally we would all be working our jobs and doing ministry from the heart on a volunteer basis. However the reality is, if we want to give focused time to something, we still need to survive. I’m now facing a point where I need to choose between my job at church and my paid job simply because I don’t have the time to do both and raise a family. I’m happy to volunteer but the criticial thing is that my ministry is costing me and not a small amount either. This is money my family needs right now and my church has not been forthcoming with a paid position in this much needed area. Volunteering has many advantages. For example, this week I am on holiday. I didn’thave to ask for leave, I just told them I was going away for a week. I can say ‘no’. So what does a volunteer do when they are good at what they do, are getting great results for the church and among the people, yet can’t afford to sustain it without some help? I’ve decided I need to let them know I need a paid position of just several hours a week to help cover expenses so I can stop my other job which is stopping further growth at church yet sustains my ministry and family. I feel a bit guilty doing this but it’s a last ditch effort to maintain and continue to grow my ministry. I know the church wants me to do this but whether they are prepared to help fund it, I don’t know. Considering how much I’ve given, and that I can do this job where expenses are covered elsewhere, it gets into a very uncomfortable position as doing this job elsewhere means making a commitment to another church … and the flow on effects of other family members who volunteer in other areas, and would continue to do so, moving on with me leaving areas that are already short on volunteers even shorter. I think the availability of paid positions is great …. but does provide a tension when volunteering in a significant role when the financial cost to a young family is significant and church may not be willing or able to help with this. I do trust God will provide yet He provides a whole lot better when I am working!

Hi,

I’m 1 week back in the UK having just finished an 18 month stint as an unpaid missionary to the Pacific Islands – (medical relief to the outer Islands and a pastor’s assistant in Fiji). No church support whatsoever.

My friend, to do this work it cost me everything – a secure position of employment, the equity from the sale of my NZ apartment (plus contents) and my little car (I had no savings). Not only this, after all had been sold, God in His infinite wisdom brought someone across my path who really did have a far greater need for the money than I did, so He encouraged me to give most of it away (How could I refuse the One who gave His all for me?) It was only then that I was truly in a position of fully trusting God for provision. Did He let me down? No. Was it difficult at times? Yes. But money eventually came in as and when it was needed – often from goodness knows where.

I returned to the UK last week with 50 GBP and a suitcase of clothes:-
Do I know what’s ahead of me? No.
Would I do it all again? Yes.
Would I have liked to have been paid for doing the work and been able to have kept my belongings ? You bet!

However, the reality of it is – some of us don’t get the opportunity of choosing whether to be paid for serving God or not – indeed, on the contrary it costs us everything we have.

So my conclusion is: If a person is able to fully trust God for financial provision then they should do it , because that walk will produce much more fruit in them than one that is, in part, leaning on the arm of man for provision . However, if they are unable to step out in this area (at this stage) then they should choose to get paid for the work……. They should do what’ they are able to and let others decide what’s best for them. But whatever they chose – they should do it for the glory of God and not because of the fear of being controlled by an institution. Above all, they should DO IT – reach out to those who are desperate for the truth, because there are very few that will make the step.

I hope I have not offended anyone with my response. If I have I am truly sorry and I ask for your forgiveness. I really didn’t mean to. Please, may I request one thing of you? Uphold me in prayer, because trusting God is about much more than money – as I am currently discovering.

In the love of Christ Jesus, Bryan

Wise words Bryan! I’m definitely inspired by your journey. I will continue to pray for you. It sounds like God is working amazing things through your life.

Also, don’t worry about the lateness of your reply. People will find this post from time to time