When Opportunity Knocks

Over the past two months, I have started a new adventure that has given me more opportunities to engage people in my community. In 2021, there was a shift that my family needed to make, which would take me from being in the local church full time to being what is known as a marketplace pastor. Market place pastors are not a new idea or a fad that will fade away. A marketplace pastor works in the church but makes a living by working full time in the marketplace. Many Biblical individuals worked on the side to make a living while spreading the message of hope. The most prominent individual would be Apostle Paul. Paul was a tentmaker by trade, and he also traveled to share the gospel.

The new adventure that I have been on for the past two months has taken me from being in the church to a new field of Health Care working for a local Hospice Agency as their Volunteer Coordinator and Chaplain. Entering a new area has been challenging, especially after 20 years of full-time ministry. Some might look at this and think, "you are crazy. Why don't you quit and find another ministry job?" In the words of author Tommy Barnett in his book, "What If?", "I feeling the Lord wanting me to get a sense of what the people in the congregation were walking through in their everyday lives." This was in his early years of ministry after he stepped out for a season. But it would not be until a few years later that he would step back in and lead one of the largest and influential churches in the nation.

After reading the words from Tommy, I started to realize, sometimes we - pastors and full-time leaders - can find ourselves losing connection with the community God has called us to. For me, it is the community that I have called home for the last 11 years. Since being in this community, I have been launched to be Chaplain to the local USCG Air Station, be involved in Habitat for Humanity as Faith Relations, and partner with the local food bank who supplies the church to give food out every week.

Change may be a little tricky at first, but it is only for a season as you step out. Pastor, leader, volunteer, it is essential to stay outward focused, keeping the pulse on what is happening in our communities. Since I started working for Hospice and being the lead pastor, I have had many opportunities to engage people right where they are. I have also had times to connect with people in their homes either to volunteer or as a Chaplain to join and pray. I truly believe that God is expanding my boundaries and when opportunity knocks, why not step out and see where the door of opportunity leads.

What opportunities are knocking at your door? What are you waiting for? Step out see what God has in store.

Here is to a new year and new opportunities!

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