Engineering vs. Ministry - Part 1

After one year of full-time ministry, I want to take some time to point out some of the changes and challenges of leaving the engineering world to jump into ministry.

As an engineer, I was confident of my ability to solve problems. I knew that I could come up with a design for every project that I was working on. It wasn't arrogance, but I knew that I had the training and knowledge to do my job. It might take hard work and research, but I had no doubt in my mind as I worked on each project. My job was enjoyable, but predictable.

As a pastor, I constantly realize that uncertainty is part of my life. I doubt my abilities to lead a growing church. I doubt that I can find a solution to every problem that arises in the church. I doubt that I know what I'm doing. And that doubt is a good thing, because through that doubt in myself I learn to trust Christ. I'm understanding more and more not to trust in my ability, but to trust in God working through me.

For me, engineering equaled certainty and predictability. Ministry now equals uncertainty and unpredictability. But I'm truly living life now, instead of just working for a paycheck. So to anyone actually reading this, what is holding you back from following God wherever he is calling you?