In Sept 1996 I left a 24 year minstry in northwest Iowa to give my wife an oportunity to get experience in nursing home administration. During the past 3 years I have had 4 successful interim ministries but for the past year I have been REJECTED 28 times for a new located ministry. I am a graduate of Minnesota Bible College and a master of ministry from Kentucky Christian. I am 53 years old and feel that there must be some age discrimination or something working out there? Any one else having the same problem.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Answers

I definately believe that there is discrimination within the churches today. I am 28 years old an I am in the fulltime preaching ministry in MO. I graduated from Bible College in 96. When I was looking for my first ministry- there were many churches- whom would not accept me because of my age. I was too young or inexperienced. But, they would not give me a chance to get experience. They seemed to ignore the scriptures that God oftens uses the young (such as Samuel, David, Josiah etc.). But, I can personally see what the other spectrum is like too. My father was in the car business for over 32 yrs and an Elder for at least ten. He felt God's call early in life and ignored it. Finally he accapted the call and quit the car business and went into the Lords work. In fact we attended Bible College at the same time. He too had a hard time finding a "first" church but for the opposite reason- he was too old being 55. It seems in order to be an "effective" minister you have to be in your 30's to low 40's and have a perfect family. You can not have too nice of a car or furniture or even clothes. You must live on the edge of poverty (in my case below the P. level). Thus, you must be totally dependant not upon the Lord but the church board to throw you a "pig" or "chicken" every now and then. You cannot have health insurance nor even social security- for you must pay for all that yourself on your low income (which is impossible). You must lead the way in tithes and offerings- but not expect to get any Christmas blessing or bonus yourself. (My last church I got only a $100 in a bonus- I have three children. My Brother is a waiter- with no children- his work gave him $600 bonus- waiters are more important than Preachers.)You must not be handicaped or too overweight. You must be white. You must not golf or have any hobbies. Your wife must play the piano and be able to lead music. Your children must be well behaved and not hyperactive. Never must your children have ADD or ADHD. You and your family must be good looking. You and your children must not have earrings or long hair. You must always wear a tie. The list could go on.

I would say there is much discrimination- but, more than just age.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 1999

I am currently searching for a Sr. Ministry position. I have been rejected three times so far because of my age (55 years old). One church's profile wanted a minister aged 30 40 40 with 15 years experience. If that is the case this person would have had to become a minister at age 15. Even Jesus would not fill this profile! Another church wanted a man with school age children. What does that have to do with ministry?

-- Anonymous, November 24, 1999

What you gentlemen have experienced isn't all that uncommon. I think it is a result of unrealistic expectations in the churches, coupled with a secular business mindset which has crept into many churches.

I've faced the same things. I am 42 years old, and a seminary graduate (D.Min.). After completing a 21 year military career I acted on the call of God to pastoral ministry. What was the result? I never received a phone call from any church where my resume was submitted. I watched as non-seminary graduates or recent bible college graduates were called by the local churches. What was the difference between prospective candidates? While I had the greater education, I did not have the "experience." Which of course didn't make any sense, because as a former soldier my leadership and administrative ability far exceeded that of anyone emerging from a bible college or seminary.

My advice is to not get bitter or angry about this. (It will be easy to do.) What I did was to look at my options, then decide on a different course of action. I know I am called to preach and teach. So instead of waiting on a group of men to "call" me to what God has already instructed me to do, I started my own ministry so I could do it.

"The church" can appear to be the most petty, near-sighted, and hurtful organization in the world. But just remember that it isn't the church's fault, but that of the flawed people who happen to make it up. Don't blame God, or Christianity in general. And don't let short-sighted people keep you from your calling either. Keep doing what God wants you to do...and He will open the doors to where He wants you to be doing it.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 1999