A young preacher who has just accepted a new position writes that when he first interviewed at the non-creedal church, he expressed his honest beliefs about the work of the Holy Spirit and concerning the role of women in the church which he knew were different from the church's traditional views. About half the church agrees with the preacher and half hold to the traditional understanding. The preacher puts a high priority on loving God and loving people. However, some members stated at a recent congregational meeting that "we believe [our traditional church] doctrine and if that doesn't work … [Read more...]
LAZY PREACHERS
A sister in Mid-America writes that she loves her minister and his family but that the man is simply lazy. Wouldn't it be better, she asks, to divert the considerable sum of money paid in salaries to preachers every year to needy people or other good works? * * * Neither Scripture nor common sense encourages people to support someone who will not work, whether that individual stands behind a pulpit or sits quietly in a pew (2 Thes. 3:10-12). Since preachers are normal people, they manifest all the traits of human beings in general, both good and bad. While larger churches of most varieties … [Read more...]
LAW AS A CALLING
A gracEmail subscriber writes that his son is interested in becoming an attorney. "Many people have a negative view of lawyers," notes the dad, "considering them to have but little concern for truth and justice if those things do not further their own agenda or personal gain." Can I offer any advice as a Christian attorney? * * * I know many lawyers who try to follow Jesus Christ and to do what is right. I know some others who do not. The same may be said concerning salespeople, business folk, industrialists, financiers and even career clergy. The practice of law offers unique opportunities … [Read more...]
GOD GUIDES AND PROVIDES
A gracEmail subscriber writes that he is worn out in his work for God. He started a local church about a decade ago, and has no help in carrying it on. He preaches, leads singing, serves Communion, teaches Bible class and leads prayers. Can I offer any encouragement? * * * There are at least two reasons why you might be worn out. It might be that God has called you to the particular task you are doing, but that you are trying to accomplish it in your own strength. Or it might be that you are relying on God's strength, but in a work to which he has not actually called you. Dedicated … [Read more...]
SEEKING CAREER GUIDANCE (2)
A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * As you pray and seek God's guidance, you might conclude that the new offer is a temptation to pull away from the job which God has called and gifted and equipped you to perform -- and which gives you great satisfaction. You might conclude that God's provisions, though unscheduled, are … [Read more...]
SEEKING CAREER GUIDANCE (1)
A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * I know what it means to have a family, a job that barely pays the bills and no light at the end of the financial tunnel. That described my situation from 1972-1982, when God appeared to open a door for me to move from North Alabama to a new career in Texas. I think you are asking the … [Read more...]
CAREER AND GOD’S WILL
A gracEmail subscriber writes to say that he took a job which seemed to come in answer to prayer, but that he never felt assured that it was God's will. He finds it fulfilling and lucrative, but it takes him away from his family and church far more than he wishes. How can he discern the Lord's leading in this matter? * * * You suggest that you never had firm assurance of God's will in taking the job, although you sensed that it was the correct choice at the time. You do not say how your wife (who, I hope, is your spiritual partner) feels about this situation. And you are apparently having … [Read more...]