If Someone Would Offer me $200,000, I'd Leave the Ministry Right Away.

If Someone Would Offer me $200,000, I’d Leave the Ministry Right Away.

Posted on May 03, 2010
Viewed 2376 times
(53) comments

Hmmm... That's an interesting quote. Take a moment to read this: a recent study by Tufts University is telling stories about pastors who do NOT believe what they preach. In fact, some are true atheists...

Baptist Press recently did a story on this. Check out this quote:

"Ambiguity regarding who is a believer in Jesus and who is a nonbeliever, the report said, is a result of the pluralism that has been fostered by many religious leaders for at least a century."

Here's a bit more from the article:

One pastor, a Methodist, said he no longer believes that God exists, but his church members do not know that he is an atheist. Most of them, he said, don't even believe Jesus literally rose from the dead or literally was born of a virgin.

Another pastor, from the United Church of Christ, said he didn't even believe in the doctrinal content of the Christian faith at the beginning of his ministry, but he continues to preach as if he believes because it's the way of life he knows.

A Presbyterian pastor in the study said he remains in ministry largely for financial reasons and acknowledged that if he were to make known that he rejects most tenets of the Christian faith he would obliterate his "ability to earn a living this way."

A Church of Christ pastor explained how he continues to lead his church despite losing all theological confidence.

"Here's how I'm handling my job on Sunday mornings: I see it as play acting. I see myself as taking on the role of a believer in a worship service, and performing," the pastor said.

He describes himself as an atheistic agnostic and said he still needs the ministerial job and no longer believes hypocrisy is wrong.

A Southern Baptist pastor included in the study said he was attracted to Christianity as a religion of love and now has become an atheist. If someone would offer him $200,000, he said, he'd leave the ministry right away.

You can read the whole article here.

As I was reading this article, I thought... sure... there are always finge people... even pastors who leave the faith.

But the quote from the guy who said if someone would offer him enough money, he'd leave the ministry made me stop dead in my tracks.

Why?

Because I think a lot of pastors, while they haven't lost their faith (entirely), would leave the ministry in a heartbeat if they had the chance. But they feel trapped.

They'd leave the ministry for a number of reasons: the stress; the toll on the family; the 24 hour work clock; the low pay; church politics... you name it. But they don't leave because they don't know what else in the world they are skilled to do.

They say 'every man has his price'. What's yours?

$200,000?

Church work is an admirable vocation. But if you're not called to it... can I say this nicely?... get out.

If you're at the point that you don't believe what you preach anymore... get out.

If you're at a point where you'd take another position because it pays more money, has better hours, or has better, nicer people... get out.

And if you're convinced that you have no other marketable skills and the church gig is the only thing you know how to do... quick... take some online classes and learn a new skill.

And if you HATE what you're doing... please, by all means, quit today.

Am I wrong? Let me know.

Todd

Comments

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Peter Hamm on Tue, May 04, 2010

CS… You ROCK!
A. Amos Love on Tue, May 04, 2010

CS

You write about…Pro 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest thou also be like unto him.

Hmmm?

Mt 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca,
shall be in danger of the council:
but whosoever shall say, Thou fool,
shall be in danger of hell fire.

It�s okay CS. I�m not offended.

The best I know how - I love you in the Lord.

And - I forgive you.

Pro 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love…

Pro 10:12
...but love covereth all sins.

Mark 11:25*
And when ye stand praying, �forgive,�
if ye have ought against any:
that your Father also which is in heaven
may forgive you your trespasses.

Jesus loves me this I know…
A. Amos Love on Tue, May 04, 2010

Peter

You’re forgiven also. No offense taken.
Peter Hamm on Tue, May 04, 2010

Amos,

At least we didn’t quote Matthew 7:6 on ya.
A. Amos Love on Tue, May 04, 2010

Peter

Thought you might like to check out these pastors, and others,
who are also struggling with what is going on today in �Christianity.�

This was a while ago, but someone just commented today.

The blog is run by a pastor. TC Robinson is okay in my book.

Seems many struggle with these things.

�The Pastor: Obstacle To Every Member Functioning�

http://newleaven.com/2009/10/29/the-pastor-obstacle-to-every-member-functioning/

Be blessed…

Trampled under pigs feet - Hmmm? thanks for not…
Mark on Tue, May 04, 2010

The church has been in decline for years and more Americans than ever before claim they are not affiliated with any religion. More Americans are also claiming to be atheists than ever before.

Why is this happening?

I just explained it to you but all Peter can do is call me a troll.

Bravo, Peter!

Well this troll is going to smile and enjoy watching all your churches slide further into the toilet.

You don’t listen, you don’t repent. You deserve what you get.

I’ll bet ya didn’t see that coming! LOL!
Peter Hamm on Tue, May 04, 2010

Mark,

My sense of smell obviously remains keen.
Gary H on Wed, May 05, 2010

When I worked a secular profession I tried to do my best. But sometimes there were ups and downs. Whenever I recognized someone who abused their privileges, ripped off the company, or badmouthed the company - I would suggest they carry their happy self to a job more suited to them. I would do the same to a fellow minister in a heartbeat. Not necessarily for them to quit but to regroup and check themselves to not be a reproach on the Name. I agree with Todd some do need to quit.