Stuff
Over the last few weeks I have had a bit of a chance to think about stuff.
Since being told by rob that he didnt think I was suitable to do mts at this point in life I have had a chance to think about my options and so on. I think the most likely scenario is that I work for the next 2 years or so and then go straight to bible college (SMBC preferably). As I am now 27, I dont think I should wait 2 years, then do MTS, then go to college. One reason for this is that MTS is supposed to give you opportiunities to see what full time ministry is like and try your hand at various church type things. Well, at the moment at church I pretty much do exactly the same as Mark (of course he does other things outside of church for ECU) except preaching, and he is doing MTS, so I dont need to do it from that perspective. The other thing is that I would be in a far better financial position starting bible college this way.
So, between now and then I am thinking of changing jobs. Where to and all that stuff well I dont know. I have an option to stay at Dad's house in Sutherland for a year on the cheap. However, I also just applied for a 6 month contract (with option to carry on if it works out) working in North Queensland. It would be for about $45/hour and the flight up and 6 months worth of accommodation would be paid for! Pretty good and would be great to see more of Australia and save up some cash. There are lots of other options too like working in Sydney etc but I will see where God leads me.
Speaking of bible college, the question would be for how long and why. I think I would like to either go overseas or bush Australia possibly working as an engineer. Where and how and all those questions, would of course need to be worked out as they come up. With that in mind maybe I should plan to only do 1 year at college. If people at college think I should do more, I am happy to be convinced in that direction...
The trouble with doing stuff like that (overseas/bush) is that it would have a good go at making you give up due to loneliness. I think that putting conditions on God (such as "I will do this if you bless me with a wife") is totally dumb. However I also think you need to be realistic about the sort of person you are and what you can achieve in the situation you are in.
I guess we will see what happens...
posted by Stoobie @ 12:36 pm
3 comments
3 Comments:
Hmm Stu. Why would someone say you're not suitable? Sounds like you are to me - but then again, I only know the on-line Stu.
Sounds like a reasonable plan to me anyways to save for college. I think college is hard enough without some of the financial problems I've seen some friends have.
Cheers, George
I think it is just more of a 'dont know' from the dude. He doesnt know me very well and so talked to a couple of ppl for their opinion. These people I had specifically talked to earlier in the year when I was really down and virtually rock bottom.
Personally I think they have a one-sided opinion of me due to the nature of the relationship but I still have to respect their decision.
One guy thought I was too keen to do MTS and another thought it would be hard for me to work in the uni context. I think I would do a good job but that's ok.
Anyway, I think I dont really need to do MTS. In hindsight, working for a couple of years then going to college is probably the best way to go.
Still a bit rough to be knocked back, but what can you do...
Stu,
I applied to do MTS a few years ago at my church and was answered with a "No" and that really hurt. How are you feeling?? It was for similar reasons (that is, somebody had formed an opinion about me based on limited information and because I wasn't as good at hiding my life away as others, also somebody decided what my motives were before they asked. So I ended up doing all the scripture one day a week for the church anyway. At the time I took it really hard, and then I got really down, then I lost my passion to be involved with people for a while. I learned that I was a super sensitive person who got a lot of my love, affirmation and self esteem from people thinking I was a "keen Christian". It took me about 3 1/2 years to realise that I didn't have the thick skin that is needed to sustain those sort of blows and critiques from people through out my life (and sadly ministers DO cop it from other people all the time). I also learned just how much God cares and loves me even though he just wants me to be the quiet server at this point in life. But anyway that is just my story and may not be relevant to your circumstances.
Aside from how things turned out for me, I want to make the point that MTS is surposed to be a learning time (it would be different if it was leadership without the learning label) - SO IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO LET PEOPLE TRY IT WHEN THEY HAVE A HEART TO DO SO. IF THEY FAIL THEN SO BE IT (after all that's kind of the test in some ways). IF THEY ARE USING MINISTRY TO FILL A VOID THEN PATIENTLY WORK THROUGH THAT WITH THEM. Sometimes people arrogantly misuse the bible to the detriment of others, crushing their spirit. These people should trust God more when somebody with all the passion and also lots of baggage come through the door. I'm not advocating letting any old Joe do ministry just to protect their feelings, but I am very interested in the way people are treated.
This happened to me 6 years ago,and has made me very gentle and sensitive to people's feelings - the type of pew occupier that God often uses to support the strugglers.
I also want to ask you to not just react (as I did at first) but to really examine your heart and trust the God who does everthing for your good.
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