1. Prayed... and then prayed some more
2. Activated resume with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
3. Activated resume with the Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee State Conventions
4. Called all my friends in leadership and ministry roles
5. Began networking with new leaders
6. Created http://jimcaldwell.me web site
7. Kept blog updated
8. Joined LinkedIn
9. Sent resume to several associations
10. Focused on spiritual and personal growth during this time
Think "out of the box" for me. What are some other ways (even if they sound crazy) to get my name into the hands of new people God might want to use to bring about my next ministry role? Please fill up my comments with ideas!
What about the Mississippi Baptist Convention -- you didn't mention it in your list. Have you revisited other ministry options such as chaplaincy, church planting, or missions? I know this is radical, but have you looked outside of Southern Baptists? God also works in other churches.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts Janet! Thanks.
DeleteJim, you're a great writer. Have you thought about freelance? I have some resources that could help get you going in that area. Call or email me. Also, check out http://mchapusa.com they are a chaplaincy organization that I think has a chapter here in New Orleans. Go to a CLASS conference, without a doubt. Christian Leaders Authors and Speaker Service. They are great and you'll come away with a HUGE amount of ideas and contacts, plus they will challenge speaking skills,and make you do more in that area than you ever thought possible, it's amazing. Well worth the $$. Lastly, I have to say that my secular job has brought as many or more ministry opportunities than I ever had in a church. Ochsner is doing a lot of hiring right now for their new computer system. You and I have a mutual friend who's considering an officer position in the military instead of chaplaincy because of the increased ability he would have to minister as "one of them." I think the same could apply. A job is just ONE way we minister. Our calling consumes our entire lives, beyond only what we do for a living. I know I'm preaching to the choir on that but it's just something I've been learning, thought I'd share.
ReplyDeleteGreat Thoughts! I appreciate all your help Becky.
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