This topic contains 42 replies, has 16 voices, and was last updated by 
David Hayward 1 year, 3 months ago.
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yup…ex youth pastor here
welcome jason
AnonymousHiya,
I’m not an ex-pastor, but I’m a struggling pastor. A wondering what marketable skills I have to obtain a non ministry job pastor.
So, Hi.
hey Guru….welcome.
If you are a pastor, than I am confident you have plenty of marketable skills. It’s just how you ‘frame ‘ them on your resume…seriously.
it’s true. it’s all about phrasing.
Guru, ask Lizarina… she’s good at that kind of thing…
yes she is. we’ll try to connect you two.
@ GuruMike: I struggled with that notion of marketability for years. I felt defeated – only good and equipped for ministry. On top of that, internal pressure and external pressures nailed me to the floor. For over two years, I researched nearly every night online for anything else that I could do. It was a slow process of raw self-discovery that led me out of ministry and into some amazing beautiful things, I never imagined possible at the time. I had to ask myself a lot of questions and be honest with myself. There was also huge risk, but it has all been worth it! I hope you are able to give yourself permission to explore those deeper thoughts and questions inside – to dream huge and risk for the sake of something greater! I’m cheering for you!
@ Chad: Thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate the imagery of the “hostel” – a safe resting place. That’s been our place too. I love to hear how you refocused life back to home and family. Hats off to you.
Being honest with ourselves is the most important project!
AnonymousThanks all. I’m good at being honest with myself. Right now I’d like a job in which i don’t have to deal with people. lol
Hey Guru. I wrote this post a while ago on nakedpastor you might find helpful “Vocational Advice for Ex-Pastors”: http://www.nakedpastor.com/2012/06/24/vocational-advice-for-ex-pastors/
AnonymousI’m just now joining…. I was a United Methodist pastor for 20 years. That was after growing up a UM pastor’s kid and marrying a pastor! My husband became an RN, and three years ago I became a Spiritual Care Coordinator for hospice. It’s been wonderful, challenging, and full of growth, but I’m really ready to get out of Christian-related jobs altogether. I handed in my ordination 3 years ago, and this job was a good “raft” to land on after I left the Church and dealt with the grief. I’m really not sure at all about what kind of job I want to do, though!
Hi Pegasus, WELCOME!
I’m almost an ex-pastor, but not entirely out of the system because I need to preserve my 20+ year pension, so I’m keeping a low profile here. I’m re-inventing my skill-set right now too. Not easy in a tough economy, but I’ll do it. Message me if anyone wants/needs to talk.
Ex-pastor here as well… Served as both Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor… Our head pastor was in the national guard… I would serve as pastor when he was away… 8+ years in the ministry… this was from 91 – 99… Went to an Assembly of God College… Ordained and Served in a Independent Charismatic Church…
“I used to be a pastor… but I gave it up for lent…” is something that I say when people ask… lol ;-P
Peace & Much Love!
David
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