Thinking of Jumping

[LimpingJacob]

Not literally, but figuratively. I've been on staff at a church for a short but solid amount of time as a youth pastor. Today I get called into the office and get "lovingly" chewed out (make no mistake they really, honestly, truly were trying to supportive, encouraging and positive) for basically not getting anything right in ministry. Now they wanted to do everything they can to help, but only after draining my soul, my passion and my desire to do things "correctly". I didn't lose my ministry, although that might have been preferable.

The truth is that all of the things I thought I was gifted at, apparently I'm not and evidently my youth haven't seen my passion and love for them. If I didn't show them that, then all the other things are unimportant. I HAVE FAILED! They've given me steps to fix it, but I don't see the point. Why work at something I wasn't able to get anything right thus far anyway?

So now, to be honest, I want out. I don't want to do this anymore because evidently I have confused my calling. I basically didn't do anything right.and I want to do something else with my life. I have no skills no talents. I used to think I had youth ministry gifting, but evidently not. I'm stuck and I want out. .

 

[peacechild4]

Not literally, but figuratively. I've been on staff at a church for a short but solid amount of time as a youth pastor. Today I get called into the office and get "lovingly" chewed out (make no mistake they really, honestly, truly were trying to supportive, encouraging and positive) for basically not getting anything right in ministry. Now they wanted to do everything they can to help, but only after draining my soul, my passion and my desire to do things "correctly". I didn't lose my ministry, although that might have been preferable.

The truth is that all of the things I thought I was gifted at, apparently I'm not and evidently my youth haven't seen my passion and love for them. If I didn't show them that, then all the other things are unimportant. I HAVE FAILED! They've given me steps to fix it, but I don't see the point. Why work at something I wasn't able to get anything right thus far anyway?

So now, to be honest, I want out. I don't want to do this anymore because evidently I have confused my calling. I basically didn't do anything right.and I want to do something else with my life. I have no skills no talents. I used to think I had youth ministry gifting, but evidently not. I'm stuck and I want out. .

Hi and welcome to the foru.ms!!

As hard as this must be for you.. before you bail out.. why not go before God.. tell Him how you feel... And ask Him for His help to give it one more try!!
Seriously give what your church suggested a go.. put your whole heart and soul into it.. and see that God cannot make something far greater then you can imagine out of this!! He can!!

I have found in my life.. that these hard spots.. are great for bringing us into a life we never dreamed of.. like pruning a tree or plant.. It is hard.. and humbling and we might think unecessary.. but if we can just trust God and let them prune away.. be honest with Him.. and go with it.. God can bring a greater harvest then we ever thought possible.. All plants that are pruned.. grow better and produce more fruit.. flowers.. etc.. And it is the same for people too.. It refines us.. and strengthens us..

You are seriously a really important part of your church family.. I have 5 children.. three of them youth.. and I am very supportive of those who work with young people.. We need YOU!! Our young people need YOU.. God bless you and may this turn out to be the best thing that has ever happened to you.. and for all the young people you will help fit for the future!!

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

 

[LimpingJacob]

Believe me, honesty with God hasn't been a problem. Please don't take my reply as defensive or argumentative. It's more just the ongoing debate/discussion going on in my head and in my prayers....

It's been made pretty clear to me that I can't be a significant part of the local body or I would be having much more impact. It sure seems like a good time to disappear before the impact is negative since I'm doing such a miserable job. That and the fact that clearly God has not gifted me whatsoever in this area.

 

[Strong in Him]

It's been made pretty clear to me that I can't be a significant part of the local body or I would be having much more impact. It sure seems like a good time to disappear before the impact is negative since I'm doing such a miserable job. That and the fact that clearly God has not gifted me whatsoever in this area.

Not necessarily - could it be that you're just in the wrong church? Or that God wants you with the kids out in the community, not church kids? Has he told you that you've confused your calling, or he hasn't gifted you in this area after all? If not, then it's likely that this is where he wants you, but not necessarily with this fellowship.

 

[peacechild4]

Believe me, honesty with God hasn't been a problem. Please don't take my reply as defensive or argumentative. It's more just the ongoing debate/discussion going on in my head and in my prayers....

It's been made pretty clear to me that I can't be a significant part of the local body or I would be having much more impact. It sure seems like a good time to disappear before the impact is negative since I'm doing such a miserable job. That and the fact that clearly God has not gifted me whatsoever in this area.

Just think... who is the enemy here??

The answer to that question is satan.. he is putting doubts in your head.. because of what these people said and what he knows can be accomplished.. But remember he only says that because he knows YES you can and are making an impact.. There is no right and wrong place to be.. because with God at work in You right where you are is the right place.. and YES following others guidance whom God has put in the authority posistions wether they be right or wrong.. is the right place..

Only look at the life of Jospeh.. hard and impossible situations turned out to his favor.. Yes at first he was told what to do.. but then when they saw his potential.. which was God at work in him.. they promoted him and all he did went well..

The harder it is where you are.. the more wonderful the strength of God in You can shine.. Put your roots down into God.. and see that He cannot make this come good!!

Do what you know is good and right to do with the Lords help.. and it will go well with you..

You will be like a tree planted by streams of water.. whatever you do will prosper.. from Psalm 1..

 

[andross77]

some good replies here. First, shame on you for saying in your first post for saying, "I have no skills and no talents." God has gifted EVERY SINGLE PERSON with unique gifts and talents. It's your job to ask God to reveal them to you.

You may not be called to Youth Ministry or to your specific local church. That's definitely a possibility. But when you are trying to do good and trying to follow God's will, it really cannot be that bad. If you really feel you are not fulfilling what is required of your job well, then look for another ministry where you can go full on. There will always be trials, always be tribulations. That's a given in life. You are going through one now. It's how we respond. Do we throw our hands up in the air and say, "i'm no good" or do we thank God for the humbling experience and look for another way to serve him with as much or more energy as before?

If you are going to pout and whine and think you are no good, the logical end conclusion of that is suicide. There is nothing there. It is a lie of Satan. He just wants to bind you up and make you ineffective. The antithesis of that is to rejoice that you are part of the Body of Christ and count each of your gifts and talents as blessings from God. God NEEDS you somewhere. Keep searching and keep asking. He will reveal it to you.

 

[hiumble1]

MEMOS FROM HELL...... (maybe)

I do not know your situation brother.
First: Check what they are saying is it biblical are they Right?... then repent and do not let the enemy take another soldier out of the battle...
If they are not right... (which again, I do not know; no particulars) then stand your ground... just because the world does not love you does not mean the message is wrong.
I can not tell you how many fellow christians I know that have been asked to leave the body because of their direct approach (Biblical Evangelism; check: www.wayofthemaster.com or www.livingwaters.com)

They claim you are not winning them over to the faith. (as if we had some quota) If what you say is Correct, biblical, passionate, and compassionate, then stand.
I have been looked down upopn by others in the church I attend as (basically what you described) they say I have the gift of evangelism (which makes it sound as though they are off the hook).
But No one can tell you, you have a specific gift or not (Only God can) they can see it or not see it in you, but it does not mean it is not present (just needs to come off the shelf).
I would not beat yourself up over this.

again the enemy is an accuser, a deciever, a distracter, anything to shut you up and cause you to cower on the sidelines with head in hand... If your elders placed this on you, then Approach them. (if they truly are christians they will recieve you in love and kindness)