Part II: Wait With Action

There is an ever growing pressure for churches to produce more and more culture leading content not to just remain relevant, but to become influencers of culture.  The vast majority of churches however are not providing adequate resources  to ensure that the content it produces is done well.  Confused?  This phenomenon can be explained in several ways.  For greater detail on that dilemma, see my last post that gives three reasons why churches aren’t hiring technical artists.  If you feel strongly that God wants you to build a career using your talents and skills in a church setting, you’ve probably also reached a point of frustration with lack of opportunities present.  The key here is to not get discouraged.  I’ve got great tips that will help you wait with action!

Here are five things you should do while waiting, praying, and searching for a staff position at a church.

1.  Don’t Wait To Get Experience:  Churches, like any other organization will want to see a resume anytime you apply or interview for a paid position.  Most are specifically looking for relevant experience.  If you haven’t had a paid staff position at a church before, the best way to show you have relevant experience is through industry work experience or volunteering.  Volunteering in your community or at a local church is a great way for you to get valuable experience.  Ask around to see if anyone you know could use your skill-set for a project or two.  This is also a great way to get references who can speak on your behalf to potential interviewers.  If you have been volunteering at a church for awhile already, don’t be afraid to put that experience on your resume.

2.  Continue Your Education:  If you are in college, there probably isn’t a church tech major at a seminary and divinity school (yet), but you can certainly attend an excellent institution that offers a degree in a relevant field of study.    If you already have the degree, working towards a certification, license or other credentials further legitimatizes you as a professional in that field.  This will separate you from the average hobbyist or weekend warrior.

3.  Conference and Network:  One of the keys to finding a position is to grow your network.  Attending conferences and meet-ups put you in the room with people who are doing exactly what you want to be doing for a living.  This is the place where you gain great industry insights, connections, and encouragement.

4.  Don’t Turn Down Opportunities:  Sometimes an unlikely opportunity may arise that may take you by surprise.  Maybe it doesn’t look like what you thought it would, pay like you thought it would, or be where you thought it would.  Unless you have strong conviction that this is not the opportunity for you, don’t let viable opportunities go by while waiting for the “perfect job” one to fall in your lap.  It might not be your final destination, but it might be a step in the right direction that leads to greater opportunities.

5.  Keep Praying:  A career in ministry isn’t usually something people magically fall into.  It certainly isn’t the most lucrative of industries.  If God has given you a vision to serve his people vocationally, it’s likely he hasn’t shared all of the steps you will have to take to see that vision become reality. Prayer is key.  Checking in with God is the single best thing you can do throughout the entire process.  During the ups and the downs.

One of my favorite examples of someone who served God’s people in a non-ministerial professional capacity is Nehemiah.  We’ll break down how this guy broke into full time ministry in the next post.  Until then, I’m praying you get a really awesome opportunity to serve the people of God in a professional capacity.