This is a republication of a post on Mr. London’s blog “The Heart of a Pastor.” Original article found here: http://hblondon.typepad.com/blog/2009/11/have-you-found-your-niche.html
Finding your niche is important. Have you found yours in ministry?
A few years ago, I had a very positive experience. I had the opportunity to preach at one of the most successful Cowboy Churches in America. It was so interesting. The architecture, the dress, the rodeo arena, the cattle grazing beyond the parking lot, the music, the atmosphere — all of these things went together to create a “Cowboy Church.” The church was seven years old. The pastor was a former rodeo performer and racetrack chaplain who felt a burden for those who might not fit the norm of another church.
Montgomery, Texas, is not a very large place, but those who have been loved and fed by the Lone Star Cowboy Church flocked into the two services. I even preached in jeans and cowboy boots. It was a real blessing.
How about you, pastor? Are you living your dream? Have you found your niche? What is your niche? If you could pack it all up today and start fresh, what would the church you served look like? Perhaps, it’s right where you are. Hope so!
I know for a fact that a lot of us who have struggled at one place and succeeded at another most likely found our comfort zone in that place.
What does niche mean? “A place of employment or activity for which a person is best suited” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). What keeps you from your “niche zone”?
- Fear of failure?
- Finances?
- Denominational structure?
- Comfort in our present place?
- What people would think?
- Uncertainty related to family and long-term career?
- Is it God’s will or just a notion?
I talk to so many clergy friends who are “tied up” and unhappy with their situation, but they do not know what to do about it. Caution: You must not make a move without godly counsel, a clear response from the Lord and cooperation from your family.
I value and love my niche — how about you? The scripture says, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor. 7:22). When I hear some of my colleagues say, “I’m like a fish out of water at this place,” it saddens me. Have you found your niche?
Remember, we are available to you. Call our toll-free Pastor Care Line at (877) 233-4455, or write us at pastors@family.org. We are also available through our Web site at www.parsonage.org.
Have a great week!
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