Down Another Road…
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
Amazing and Motivating Video – Finishing Strong
Take a moment and be inspired!
His name is Nick Vujicic.
Now that you have watched, how will it make a difference in your life?
Just a thought,
Chris
Exciting a People
It was 2003 and church camp was in full swing. The evening activity was so large the campers were split into two groups according to their ages; one group of ages 7 – 13 and another of ages 14-19. While all the staff and the older age group were getting directions regarding the activity, I was asked to corral the younger campers onto one field and wait until called upon.
While we waited the young people began to get anxious; after all, we were just standing in a field. They grew more anxious every second they had to stand and wait for the other staff to arrive and play their activity. As I watched a large number of anxious and hyper youth, my thoughts began running through my head of what to do to keep them from a riot. Then the idea hit me! The directors had been after everyone to pick up all the candy bar wrappers, water bottles and other trash throughout the camp. I told myself, “I bet I can get these kids to clean.”
As loud as I could, I announced to the group I had a game to play. At that moment, I had everyone’s attention. I quickly as I could, I ran across the field, picked up a candy car wrapper, ran back across the field and did a somersaulting dive toward the trash can and slam-dunked the wrapper. I stood up and with all the excitement I had I yelled, “OK! Who will help!?” Most of the campers looked confused, but all the youngest campers quickly ran, grabbed a piece of trash and slam-dunked it in the trash can. It took some of the older group to catch on, but pretty soon the camp was clean and everyone wondered how a group of 7 to 11 years olds could find excitement in picking up trash. The answer – EXCITEMENT!
Without excitement, as well as a desire, to get the job done, the job will not get done! Oh the job might get done without excitement and desire, but will it truly be the best job it could have been….I believe the answer is “no.” I have seen many Christians who are not excited about Heaven and as a result 99.9% of them do not work and labor in the Lord. Most are content to sit in a pew each week and listen to singing, preaching, praying, etc. and then go home to watch some football before their work week starts again. It is these people who look like they have been, as a county fellow once told me, “weaning on vinegar and baptized in pickle juice.”
What can you do to excite the people around you?
- Believe it Yourself! – If you are not committed to the beliefs which you live, then excitement will not follow for long. True excitement comes from a desire to instill your beliefs in the minds and lives of others. Believe and have faith in what you believe.
- Keep Working! – You have to keep working and growing in your beliefs. For Bible study, you have to keep studying. Some of the greatest discussions I have ever had with people is when they read something in the Bible they never knew was there. For instance, find the story of two bears eating 42 children because they made fun of a bald man. It is in there!
- Keep Motivating! – A great motivational speech stirs the emotions for a little while. We must keep motivating those around us daily! When Zig Ziglar was asked about giving motivational speeches and their lasting influence he said, “Motivation is like bathing, you need to do it daily.”
- Find One Today! – Find someone today to excite. First, look at your family. Excite your children about something they are interested in. Excite them about school work (yes, it is hard, but it does work) Excite your spouse (wait, did I just say that outloud?)
- Feed Yourself! – Everyone eats physical food to strengthen our bodies, what food have you eaten for you mental, emotional and spiritual success? Read articles and books that will motivate and challenge you to become greater. Listen to material in your car instead of the radio. Fill your life with people who will inspire and challenge you!
Enjoy
Chris
Podcast Feeds
Some of What I am Reading
I use Elegant Themes
