Apostolic Friends Forum
Tab Menu 1
Go Back   Apostolic Friends Forum > The Sanctuary > Prayer Closet
Facebook

Notices

Prayer Closet The place to post prayer requests & testimonies. All new requests will auto-stick in Fellowship Hall for 48 hours.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-16-2014, 04:42 AM
Originalist Originalist is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,073
I'm thinking of quitting

For the past 4 years our family has endured severe financial hardship. Bottom line, God simply has not opened doors for us in the area we live. Two years ago I had no choice but to find a second part time job just to survive, i mean bare bones existence. As a result we were only making it to church one service a week. This destroyed my pastor's image of me. No practical solutions were ever offered. I did not seek money from the church. We suffered in silence yet still showing a loving attitude.

I'm to the point that I either return to my other part time job or eliminate un-needed expense even more. I no longer can afford to support my church (we left the other one) where we've attended for a year and pay ministerial dues. If you're late they void your license and you have to go before the board. My former pastor is also my Dist Superintendent. To his credit he did cover my dues fees a couple of times last year and for that I am grateful. But the "attitude" was still there.

Therefore, I'm ready to resign from the organization. I simply see no point in continuing as a licensed minister. We will probably also sell our home and leave the area all together. I'm over it. My focus for the time being needs to be supporting my family.

I really need prayer. My life has never seemed so dark. Thank you.

Last edited by Originalist; 09-16-2014 at 04:58 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-16-2014, 05:37 AM
Michael The Disciple's Avatar
Michael The Disciple Michael The Disciple is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 14,648
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Prayer will be going up this am friend. Im sorry you have to deal with this. Thank God you know what I know. This is all about Jesus. We are doing whatever we do for and unto him.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-16-2014, 05:38 AM
UnTraditional's Avatar
UnTraditional UnTraditional is offline
Loving God, His Word, His Name


 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 861
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Originalist, please understand that the call of God is not based on a piece of paper or ministerial dues. No organization can take away your call. I am sorry you are going through financially. Might I share an encouragement with you.

I was at rock bottom, and worked so hard, but could not get ahead. I quit tithing, quit giving in total, and decided to stop everything. But God led me through the valley of the shadow. He will you as well. Now, I am financially stable, am being used in talents and gifts in my life, and have been restored to the ministry in a church that loves me and that I love. I may not have all I want, and for that I am thankful, but He has never failed to give me all I need.

Your life may seem dark, but it is only in darkness that we can see, not only the light, but also more clearly the source of light. He is with you, and will keep you. Hold on. Press on. And this ministerial due issue, brother, if God has called you, and you have been obedient, then might I suggest something radical, and go into street ministry to preach the Gospel. Brother, you have my prayers. be encouraged and strengthened.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-16-2014, 06:29 AM
Sean Sean is offline
Banned


 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 23,543
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Originalist View Post
For the past 4 years our family has endured severe financial hardship. Bottom line, God simply has not opened doors for us in the area we live. Two years ago I had no choice but to find a second part time job just to survive, i mean bare bones existence. As a result we were only making it to church one service a week. This destroyed my pastor's image of me. No practical solutions were ever offered. I did not seek money from the church. We suffered in silence yet still showing a loving attitude.

I'm to the point that I either return to my other part time job or eliminate un-needed expense even more. I no longer can afford to support my church (we left the other one) where we've attended for a year and pay ministerial dues. If you're late they void your license and you have to go before the board. My former pastor is also my Dist Superintendent. To his credit he did cover my dues fees a couple of times last year and for that I am grateful. But the "attitude" was still there.

Therefore, I'm ready to resign from the organization. I simply see no point in continuing as a licensed minister. We will probably also sell our home and leave the area all together. I'm over it. My focus for the time being needs to be supporting my family.

I really need prayer. My life has never seemed so dark. Thank you.





Brother, the Lord Jesus is trying to show you something. Walk by faith and be completely open to what the Holy Ghost is telling you.....He that falls on the rock shall be BROKEN. I can say this by experience.

Last edited by Sean; 09-16-2014 at 06:36 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-16-2014, 06:47 AM
obriencp obriencp is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 441
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

My prayers are with you and your family. Know that this is only temporary and may be a heavenly set-up for greater blessings for your family and a greater realization of the calling on your life. Sometimes our calling can be hindered by those around us. God may be moving you into an area of great growth and those in your past would not have been supportive or understanding. Blessings.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-16-2014, 06:54 AM
Originalist Originalist is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,073
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Thanks to all of you for the encouragement.

On another note, I notice that my prayer request here has been reposted word for word by a banned poster named Cornelius. Any thoughts?

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=46822
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-16-2014, 07:01 AM
obriencp obriencp is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Michigan
Posts: 441
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

^ I noticed that too... strange.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-16-2014, 09:45 AM
n david n david is offline
Registered Member


 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 17,803
It's a bot. Whenever you post a prayer request, the bot reposts it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-16-2014, 09:51 AM
shazeep shazeep is offline
Banned


 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: chasin Grace
Posts: 9,594
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Quote:
Originally Posted by Originalist View Post
For the past 4 years our family has endured severe financial hardship. Bottom line, God simply has not opened doors for us in the area we live. Two years ago I had no choice but to find a second part time job just to survive, i mean bare bones existence. As a result we were only making it to church one service a week. This destroyed my pastor's image of me. No practical solutions were ever offered. I did not seek money from the church. We suffered in silence yet still showing a loving attitude.

I'm to the point that I either return to my other part time job or eliminate un-needed expense even more. I no longer can afford to support my church (we left the other one) where we've attended for a year and pay ministerial dues. If you're late they void your license and you have to go before the board. My former pastor is also my Dist Superintendent. To his credit he did cover my dues fees a couple of times last year and for that I am grateful. But the "attitude" was still there.

Therefore, I'm ready to resign from the organization. I simply see no point in continuing as a licensed minister. We will probably also sell our home and leave the area all together. I'm over it. My focus for the time being needs to be supporting my family.

I really need prayer. My life has never seemed so dark. Thank you.
giving up the things that seem important for us is painful; i trust that God is sending you in a different direction. you're in my prayers, O. For what it's worth, reading this post gives me cause to reply 'hallelujiah,' but i guess that's a little premature...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-16-2014, 10:42 AM
KeptByTheWord's Avatar
KeptByTheWord KeptByTheWord is offline
On the road less traveled


 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: On a mountain... somewhere
Posts: 8,369
Re: I'm thinking of quitting

Will continue in prayer for you and your family Originalist. Transitions like this are always deeply painful, yet most often result in changes that ultimately are in your best interest. Will pray the Lord continues to lead and guide you through it all.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Thinking about Quitting ILG Fellowship Hall 19 09-17-2013 07:34 AM
Ultra Cons Quitting Church answers Fellowship Hall 50 10-07-2011 02:50 PM
I was thinking Sister Alvear Fellowship Hall 9 07-17-2009 10:32 PM
God thinking KWSS1976 Fellowship Hall 9 02-24-2009 02:15 PM
I appreciate you thinking of us but... Mrs. LPW Fellowship Hall 11 07-16-2008 03:38 PM

 
User Infomation
Your Avatar

Latest Threads
- by Salome

Help Support AFF!

Advertisement




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:27 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.