tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15247127.post4480362632536731580..comments2023-06-22T07:08:38.329-06:00Comments on D'Caffeinated Pickle: I lose...Increasing...http://www.blogger.com/profile/04415949902147061601noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15247127.post-81521105798182720822007-05-29T09:21:00.000-06:002007-05-29T09:21:00.000-06:00thanks MarkI think your "find new ways to minister...thanks Mark<BR/>I think your "find new ways to minister" is excellent perspective. It has been often difficult for me to understand why people are so non-chalant toward ministry involvement. I know that the answer is complex but there clearly is a correlation btwn involvement and spiritual vitality. And let me be clear that involvement may not be in the church or its programs. <BR/>Personally, I am looking forward to the 'new duties' (to quote Nacho Libre) but I am recognizing areas of spiritual familiarity that will be altered - significantly.<BR/>At times in seminars, conferences, and books I have heard/read the admonission to "feed your forgatten soul". The implication has been that somehow there is a disconnect between your ministry life and your spiritual journey. I just can't imagine how this is possible or preferrable. Anyways...<BR/>Thanks for your encouragementIncreasing...https://www.blogger.com/profile/04415949902147061601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15247127.post-46395253895992730632007-05-29T06:49:00.000-06:002007-05-29T06:49:00.000-06:00I can identify with much of what you speak about. ...I can identify with much of what you speak about. I find that most youth pastors (including myself) went through a major identity crisis after "graduating" from youth ministry (in my case going back to school). It seems that we get a lot of our self-worth from what we do and when that is given up/taken away we develop some angst. Big changes always affect us in big ways. If I'm not a youth pastor then what am I? The biggest thing I noted when one is involved in intense ministry for 40 hours a week for several years and then one goes down to almost no ministry, it can be traumatic for you spiritually. Paul says "keep your spiritual zeal serving the Lord." I think that much of our passion for God comes from ministering to others (in some way) so the best way to manage the transition is not to take a break from ministry completely (which is tempting) but to choose to find new ways to minister during the transition. That's what I wish I had done. Excellent post and good luck with your future!<BR/>-MarkMarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15292824227963056711noreply@blogger.com