Fifty Something

I was at a coffee shop with some ministerial buddies when one of the guys began to bemoan his station in life. He had served churches in many different capacities and is quite a talented guy, but can't seem to find another position. He didn't really want to "put his name out" because that just didn't feel right to him. What's more, he was sure no one was interested in hiring a fifty something guy without a full head of hair and few to many pounds.

I knew what he was saying. There have been times that I have moved from one ministry to another. I have never been all that comfortable with the system. Do you just send your resume to every church you hear is open? What is the real difference between that and calling someone like the state promotional director to serve as an intermediary? Somehow you have to get your name in front of the committee which will make a recommendation to their church. Now, just how do you do that?

I have known a few fellahs that just said they would pray and leave it in the Lord's hands. I have generally observed they are the ones who either have a network of friends who go to work for them or they end up selling insurance and working the night shift at Walmart.

Clearly, we need a better system. I would only suggest that the preacher brotherhood become a bit more caring about one another. Point in case, I have talked to three friends about "finding" a ministry position for my unemployed acquaintance.

I really don't know how this friends situation will resolve. I do know there is a crying need for good pastors. I can only hope that our imperfect system will work for this fifty something friend.