I will never forget that night I borrowed a roll of toilet paper from the church I was serving at. (Yes, this may seem odd, but I promise there is a point to all of this)
It was my first year of Divinity School, I was in my sixth year serving as the church's Youth Director, and I was balancing holding down another job as a part time employee at a university. All of that is to say, that both time and money were in short supply. On this particular Wednesday evening, I had planned to stop by the grocery store following church to pick up some things, but some unexpected tasks came up while at church, so I was unable to leave in time to make it to the store before it closed.
Before making the 45 minute drive back to my apartment from the church, I stepped into the bathroom to wash my hands, and noticed a stack of toilet paper rolls on the counter someone had left in anticipation of restocking the men's room. Seeing this stack reminded me that I was completely out of TP myself, and it would be a few days before I would be able to make it the store again. So I decided to take a roll home for myself to get through the next few days, but not before I got permission to do so.
I walked down to the pastor's office, explained my predicament, and politely asked if I could have a roll of the church's toilet paper. To which he responded with a great bout of laughter and said "Absolutely." He kindly thanked me for asking but added that it was not necessary before inquiring to know if there was anything else I needed.
Being a 20-something, trying to start out on your own in life and ministry, while working part-time jobs and balancing the demands seminary can be difficult. Often times it means weighing needs against wants, and determining what is a necessity. It usually means declining things you would like to do with friends or others, and also going without things that others are able to freely enjoy. Though there were a lot of trying times for me financially and professionally starting out, those were far outweighed by the support of the congregation where I served and the love of my family.
I cannot begin to express enough how vitally important it is for young ministers starting out to feel loved and supported, and its not always a matter of money, though that certainly is a tangible way to show your appreciation. I hear all too often of men and women who step away from their desire to serve in ministry because of burn out, or the financial burdens that comes with the call of God.
Just as the Apostle Paul was grateful for the support he received throughout his ministry (ex. Philippians 4:10-20) I too am eternally grateful for the support I have received from individuals and congregations throughout my ministry. I would encourage you to continue to acknowledge the young ministers in your life, because you never know when they will need it most!
It was my first year of Divinity School, I was in my sixth year serving as the church's Youth Director, and I was balancing holding down another job as a part time employee at a university. All of that is to say, that both time and money were in short supply. On this particular Wednesday evening, I had planned to stop by the grocery store following church to pick up some things, but some unexpected tasks came up while at church, so I was unable to leave in time to make it to the store before it closed.Before making the 45 minute drive back to my apartment from the church, I stepped into the bathroom to wash my hands, and noticed a stack of toilet paper rolls on the counter someone had left in anticipation of restocking the men's room. Seeing this stack reminded me that I was completely out of TP myself, and it would be a few days before I would be able to make it the store again. So I decided to take a roll home for myself to get through the next few days, but not before I got permission to do so.
I walked down to the pastor's office, explained my predicament, and politely asked if I could have a roll of the church's toilet paper. To which he responded with a great bout of laughter and said "Absolutely." He kindly thanked me for asking but added that it was not necessary before inquiring to know if there was anything else I needed.
Being a 20-something, trying to start out on your own in life and ministry, while working part-time jobs and balancing the demands seminary can be difficult. Often times it means weighing needs against wants, and determining what is a necessity. It usually means declining things you would like to do with friends or others, and also going without things that others are able to freely enjoy. Though there were a lot of trying times for me financially and professionally starting out, those were far outweighed by the support of the congregation where I served and the love of my family.
I cannot begin to express enough how vitally important it is for young ministers starting out to feel loved and supported, and its not always a matter of money, though that certainly is a tangible way to show your appreciation. I hear all too often of men and women who step away from their desire to serve in ministry because of burn out, or the financial burdens that comes with the call of God.
Just as the Apostle Paul was grateful for the support he received throughout his ministry (ex. Philippians 4:10-20) I too am eternally grateful for the support I have received from individuals and congregations throughout my ministry. I would encourage you to continue to acknowledge the young ministers in your life, because you never know when they will need it most!
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