Down Another Road…

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 15, 2010 in Uncategorized | 7 comments

Over the past several weeks I have battled with a possible future career move that I struggle with every now and then. I believe the time has come to share the struggle with you and to solicit your prayers regarding the possible move. For years I have struggled with the idea of leaving local work in several years and pursuing another full-time adventure. Please understand, I would not leave preaching, because it is in my heart and soul, but I would leave the aspect of local work and take on another role. I would still find opportunities and congregations to preach on Sundays, youth rallies, meetings, etc. but I would not do so as a located minister. I guess you could say it would be the role of a traveling evangelist, but with a “tent-making” position as well.

Carrie and I have talked about the possibility of such a venture several times throughout the past couple years. Each time we felt the time was not right and we set a goal for the next ten years. I believe that goal is reachable and we are praying for an opportunity to achieve it. Beginning this year, I am starting on the journey to become a motivational/professional speaker. I am not leaving my ministry at the Mount Pleasant Church of Christ. I am still the full-time minister located and working with the congregation to save souls, I am just seeking to expand the role of speaking to a greater crowd of businesses and organizations. I will fulfill my roles as the minister of the congregation first and then as a motivational/professional speaker.

In the future, I pray this venture leads me to finding a full-time income as a motivational/professional speaker so I can relieve the church of the financial burden of supporting  me. I am not against paying a preacher, in fact, I am all for it. I am all for paying a preacher because he preaches instead of paying him to preach. I am for paying a preacher enough to support his family and not make him a pauper at the end of his life. This possible career move is not as a result of income, it is as a result of a hope that many more will be influenced and challenge to live better.

I have begun to put together a website, The Gallagher Institute (http://www.gallagherinstitute.com) in hopes of creating a base to direct others too. I encourage you to take a look and see what I seek to do in improving others lives and challenging them to live better each day.

If you would like to assist me in this venture I would appreciate it. Here is where you can help:

• Pray for my family and I. This is not a path I would like to take on my own, but with my wife and my three children. We need prayers for God’s guidance during this time.
• Send me your input: I appreciate the thoughts of my friends regarding such a matter. I have consulted with some close, personal friends and their encouragement has been great.
• I am putting together some packets of information to send to potential organizations regarding the benefit of a motivational lesson and work.
• Remember, this is not just for businesses and organizations, I am still looking to hold gospel meetings, youth rallies, teacher workshops, seminars, etc.

What if it does not work?

• If the motivational/professional speaking venture does not work, then I can say I gave it a shot. I would rather go through life and try, than sit in a rocking chair years from now and wish I would have.
• If is does not work, I am still (and always will be) a servant of the most high God. He is truly in control and I am just here to serve Him; whether in a pulpit each Sunday or a pedestal somewhere else.
• Romans 8.28 allows me to deal with much the worlds has to offer.

Like I said previously, this has been on my heart and I wanted to share it with you.

Just my thoughts,

Chris