Finding a Church Job: It’s not me, it’s you

This is part 9 of a blog series called Finding a Church Job.

You found a job opening, survived the interview, and they want to take the next step or even offer you the position.

Great news, except you aren’t sure if you want it. So how do you decide?

The last thing you want is to end up at a church that is a bad fit leaving you and the church frustrated.

Obviously you pray like crazy and pay attention to where God is leading, but what about the times when you don’t get much clarity either direction?

Take Your Time

This might go without saying, but never make a decision on the spot. You owe them a timely decision, so let them know you will be taking a few days or at most a week but give yourself some time.

Primarily in the moment it is hard to think past yourself. You need the time for prayer and thoughtful conversation with those that will be affected by the decision.

You also have to fight the emotion of the moment. Everyone likes to be liked and it is easy to get swept up in the moment and excitement of something new. If it is where you are supposed to be there will be plenty of time for excitement. Cool it and go home first.

Be Honest With Yourself

If you don’t want to run a puppet ministry, getting paid to run a puppet ministry isn’t going to change how you feel about it.

Particularly with first jobs it can be easy to sell yourself on the position. You think you’ll learn to like the things you don’t. You think you’ll be able to work with the personality types you have clashed with before. You think you are going to finally grow up and mature just because you have health insurance.

Nothing will be perfect but you have to understand who you are, who you aren’t, what’s important, and what’s not worth it.

Through this whole process of finding a job at a church don’t be afraid to walk away.

As you have made these kinds of decisions what are the questions you are asking?