New guy

[Monty]

Hi lablover,

I haven't been around much lately. Depression seems to be rearing its ugly head yet again.

I was wondering what your jobs were.
Especially wondering which one is your passion.

Take care

[lablover]

Monty, I have been both the pastor of a local church and a hospice chaplain. My passion is being the pastor of the local church. I would have kept both jobs (my church is small) if the hospice I worked for could have used me part time, but they couldn't (or wouldn't), so I resigned that position (yesterday).

[shatteredhopes]

(((((((lablover))))))) I applaud you for taking a risk and resigning the full time position...I don't know, but would imagine being a hospice chaplain when you are going through a major depression could exacerbate the problem...don't know that its always true but you've heard the old saying follow your passion, the money will come? So you have a small church...my mom's church was so small it didn't even have a regular pastor just a few retired pastors who would preach, then they eventually found two other small churches without pastors, merged, now they are all together, have a wonderful pastor, and are happy as clams...a membership drive doing things with your church in the community might also increase the congregation size and consequently your hours...

Don't know if you are in the USA or what your state's regulations are, but many ministers make good extra money performing weddings and re-commitment ceremonies...some people advertise on the web or in the phone book and weddings are relatively small time commitment and a happy occassion...do you write? There are of course religious publications always in need of writers on various religion and spirituality topics, and on the web there's a site where you can write on religious topics, and if your articles are ranked well, you earn writing credentials that allow you to enter the marketplace, which regularly has topics on religion and spirituality and one article can pay $120 or so. Also, understanding depression as only a sufferer can, eventually you might want to do some spiritual counseling...a nonprofit mental health association used to offer for small fee pastorial counseling...sometimes there's things the mental health profession just can't deal with...the spiritual aspect of mental illness can be very real, difficult, and cannot be adequately treated by the mental health profession in my experience...I'm sure you know and can find ways to pick up some extra cash to make ends meet if needed, and I know from personal experience, we can learn to live on much less....

Anyway, hadn't seen you post in a few days, hoping you are okay, and wishing you light and peace in your day...

[lablover]

Thank you, Shatteredhopes. I do write a little, and am hoping for something along the lines of what you were speaking of. Also saw an ad online for a "speech editor." Going to check that one out. I have been very honest with my little church about what I've been going through, and they've been very supportive of me. I believe God can do all things.

May the Lord help you to rebuild your hopes and dreams.

Lablover.

[crystalgaze]

Hi there lablover! It is so good to hear they are supportive of you. Oh gosh, what a relief! Keep looking & don't give up! You can do it!

[Monty]

It was interesting to read what your passion was.

I was brought up a Christian Scientist, which is a rather isolating religion.
Now I attend the United Church of Canada at one of its local congregations.

Can't explain what the difference it made to my life to make that change.
It is like coming into a big, family. Quite the opposite of the individual study that the CS church fosters.

My earlier religious teachings contributed partly, to my low self-esteem.

I now know what it is like to belong in a religious community.
Have greatly influenced my thoughts towards God.

Glad that you quit your hospice job so that you can spend all of your energies on your passion. Instead of just being stuck with a job.

[lablover]

Sometimes I'm afraid that I'm not hearing God clearly, that I'm acting out "my will be done" rather than "thy will be done." Even then I have to trust God, He's bigger than my failures or my successes. I thank you for your kind words.

[crystalgaze]

Don't be afraid! Just try to be calm & I'm sure you will hear it!

Just do your best! (((((((((( lablover )))))))))))))

As long as you are doing something you love, I don't see how you could go wrong! Hang in there!

[lablover]

Thanks. The only way it can go wrong is if I'm not able to support my family financially. My wife and I both work. We have a child in college and another one in high school. What we're hoping is that I can find a part time job to replace my full time job (I know it won't replace it completely financially, but I do need something in addition to what the church is able to pay me). The other hope is that when my small church receives more of my time and attention it will grow, maybe eventually ending the necessity for a part time job, but that will most likely take time (though God has been known to multiply rather than add). I had to go with the one that was my passion, though, it's been my long term goal to help my church become a life changing, soul changing force in our community.