Delusional Confidence?
 

"A while ago I stumbled upon one of those well-known job search web sites. Supposedly it is the largest in the world...matching thousands of employers with employees everyday. I was curious so I plugged in my education, experience, and the name of the mildly prestigious divinity school from which I graduated. Most ministers will understand my elation at clicking the button and reading a report that pointed me to a long, distinguished career at my local Krispy Krème.

When I've talked with colleagues, the feeling that is expressed is not necessarily one of resentment, but of being trapped. Even if they wanted to leave the ministry, what kind of job could they get? Could they make what they're making now? Is it too late to start over?

Try to remember the vigor and vision with which we entered Bible College. I literally would have become a Pastor if they told me I'd never be paid a single penny. I was sold out. But adding a few waist sizes has helped me recognize now what I didn't then: 18 year old kids suffer from what author Warren Bennis calls "Delusional confidence."

We didn't envision the day when we would have a mortgage payment, a car with 182,000 miles on it, and one too many smiles around the dinner table that need braces. Thank God for delusional confidence or we would have bolted to the local university mid-semester of our freshman year.

Nevertheless, and I'm ashamed to admit it, but you'd be surprised how many pulpits would be empty if someone offered ministers a job similar or better in pay than their current assignment."

Written by Brian Jones

http://www.peopleoffaith.com/pastor-burnout.htm

Re: Delusional Confidence?
 

I'm thinking the current crop of young ministers don't struggle with delusional confidence.

They want nothing to do with pastoral ministry.

Maybe it's because they see the previous generation leaving it in droves.

Re: Delusional Confidence?
 

Interesting.

I still know plently of young(under 30) "preachers" and many older(over 30) "evangelist"...who would beg to be a pastor.

Re: Delusional Confidence?
 

Interesting indeed.

I'd give anything to be able to afford to quit my secular job or at least go part time so that I could be free for ministry.

I'm a youth pastor in a small church. They can't afford paid staff. But there is such a great need and so much work to do.

I'm also considering a daughter work in the not too distant future.

And I just went back to "bible school", completed my first semester and I'm looking forward to my second semester. Its a work on your own, one weekend a month type of school and I'm lovin it. Intend to get my associates degree and possibly go on to get my bachelors.