When I left full-time ministry after fourteen years, it was not a decision I made quickly or easily. Thankfully, I didn’t have to leave the ministry because of moral failure or incompetence. In fact, things were going better than ever.

That’s when I learned that sometimes God will lead you in a different direction when you least expect it.

The Call to a New Adventure

After serving with various churches and organizations, I landed a job at a local church, and I worked with their youth ministry for five years. We had an incredible team, experienced explosive growth, worked well together, and were impacting the lives of many students. And, a tremendous group of student leaders had just graduated—and I was preparing for another season of ministry. But that’s exactly when I felt God calling me to something new. It was a burden that I couldn’t shake.

I must admit that at first I was very confused. “Lord, what do you mean it’s time to make a change?” I felt the “call to ministry” when I was 16 years old, and after a challenging freshman year of college, I surrendered to that calling.

I spent the next fourteen years pursuing my calling wholeheartedly. Throughout college I served a local youth ministry and eventually became a youth pastor. I worked with two church plants to begin new churches, completed a seminary degree, worked at summer camps and spent years traveling as a speaker and worship leader. Eventually I landed at a local church and loved the work I was doing.

Finding My Way

When God started to move me in another direction, the transition was not quick. I spent over six months searching for the next step. I researched job openings online, worked with a recruiter and sent my resume to so many companies I lost count. All this work seemed to produce nothing. No interviews, no job offers, and no clue what was next.

Finally, I got a call back for an interview with a local non-profit. They were looking for someone to direct their online strategy including website, social media, and digital resources. When I interviewed with them, it was crystal clear that this was the next step for me. I truly believe that God brought all this together in His perfect timing.

God’s Got You Covered

It has been said, “Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.” I certainly saw that in my new job. All the skills and experiences I gained in ministry were useful in a completely new environment. God faithfully led me to a new stage and season of life. I had to lay some things down, but He gave me so much more in return.

God is still calling me into places that sometimes scare me, stretch me, and always cause me to grow. Lately, I’ve moved into a new job with a new set of challenges. God continues to show His faithfulness as I follow Him step by step. There’s definitely no place I’d rather be.

I’m reminded of the words of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” No matter where God leads you, even when the path is unclear or there’s a sharp turn in the road, God has a plan and purpose for your life. Following Him day by day is the only way we uncover our true calling.

In what area of life is God asking you to trust Him today?

Additional Resources

The Blueprint for Life eight week curriculum will help you understand how to live a life on purpose!  The study contains a life-planning workbook and ten audio messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Now available for digital download.  Click here to check it out!