It's a triple threat of bad situations. On one hand, I'm not finished with my M.Div, so I can only claim that it is in progress. That also leads to #2, I need to work near a Seminary (preferably Talbot, as I don't want to have to go through the application process again; nor do I think I have time to apply anywhere else). Those two things paired with my limited official experience in the ministry is what leads to this coup de gras of my job search.
Regardless, I am determined to find reasonable employment in the ministry. Its what I've felt called to for these past three and a half years, and although my resolve waned earlier this year, I have redoubled my efforts. In the early months of 2009, I thought that I would find real employment in the public market, applying for various PR jobs as well as a few positions with Wells Fargo, Target, etc. With each job application eventually breaking down somewhere before the actual hiring of me, I realized that I had been avoiding applying for an actual job in the ministry. It wasn't until early March that I realized it had been fear crippling me from seeking work for Christ. That isn't to imply that one cannot work for Christ without being employed by the church - far from it.
Now my applications are out there. I've applied with several churches in Southern California as well as a pair in Arizona. I'm told that Phoenix is a beautiful place. I got to spend some time in Scottsdale last year, and loved it there. Only God knows where I'll wind up. There are a few certainties, though. I know that I am going to finish my M.Div. I'll be moving down to Los Angeles at the end of August - an ABSOLUTE latest. I want to be there a few weeks before school starts. Talbot in the fall, there's another thing I can count on. I am looking forward to finishing this formal education of mine, and continuing on with my real-world education, down in the trenches.
So that's it. I must respond in-kind to what I'm facing. I present to you my triple-threat response to what life is dealing me right now. Determination: I will finish my M.Div. Support. I have my friends and my family at my back, helping to see me through. Beyond just the willpower to see things through, I have tangible support from the people that I love. And lastly, God's will. I still believe that it is God's will that I serve in ministry, and I am willing to do whatever it is in His name to see that through.
Strength and Honor,
David
