Resign Today
A few weeks ago I read a interesting post by Tony Morgan based on something his pastor (Perry Noble) said. The post got a modest 184 comments and counting…
Perry was leading a staff meeting for his church and he said:
“If you aren’t working your dream job, resign today.”
Tony went on to say this on his post:
The day before he shared that with the staff, Perry asked a few of us if he should be that bold with that challenge. We encouraged him to lay it all out on the line. In fact, we decided in advance that we would provide a three-month severance package for any staff member who agreed to resign within 24 hours.
We want staff leaders that are passionate about the mission of NewSpring Church. We believe that what we are doing is critical to the lives of thousands of people. People’s eternities are at stake. There’s an urgency to our mission that requires a team that’s fully engaged in our cause.
- We can’t afford to pay people to be bitter about their job situation.
- We can’t afford to pay people to try to figure out what God wants them to do.
- We can’t afford to pay people to wish they were someplace else doing something different.
After thinking through some of this, I have to disagree with Perry’s statement. It just doesn’t work for me.
The statement assumes that everyone is in a place in life where their dream job is attainable.
My life is a good example of this. Right now, I’m not working my dream job. But I am going to school so that I can work my dream job. But considering where I am in life right now (going to school), I am working the perfect job.
I think churches should pay people as they figure out what God wants them to do. I don’t think you should pay someone who isn’t sure they want to be in church ministry. But so much of leadership development (something both Tony and Perry talk about so often) is often about putting energy into people as God molds them into what He wants them to become.
Sure the quote makes you think, but in the end I don’t think it holds.
Are you working your dream job? If not, should you quit?
said: 
said: 
said: 
said: 
said: 
said: 
Tyler Braun.
I pretty much w/ him. If you’re not doing what you dream of doing, then you’re not living to the fullest of what you were Created to Be. Granted, I know that everyone has to make a living. I have had jobs I hated. But very very quickly I made changes so that my life began to accommodate living my dream job. In fact, where I work now? It’s in my niche and is thrusting toward my ultimate dreams, and therefore I will not stay there forever…In due time, I will go. but while I’m there, I’m receiving essentially free training, then outside of my work- I am applying it, I am living the life and preparing to live my life doing exactly what I want to do. You see, I believe in “doing it all” I believe in living limitless and won’t stop until I do. I’m an artist and a journalist, that’s who I was created to be. I could not really settle for anything less.
If someone is not doing what they love and are created for, they should be striving to quickly change their lives so that it accommodates what they’re meant to do rather than settle for something they’re just not sure about. And if that pastor, Perry, wants to help give them a push, I have the utmost respect for him!!!!The severance package is a good idea. I’d love to see how it turns out….Tyler, one my goals in life is to help someone live out their extreme dream. And I couldn’t do what I do w/o several people helping me out….financially, spiritually, emotionally etc. This is HUGE> he’s willing to take a risk to help someone be who God created them to be. To go after the things that penetrate their heart. That’s incredible.
Not so sure I agree with this. It kind of says “it’s all about me”. It’s all about what’s important to me, without regard for those that depend on me. It also says “my job is what I am”. Sure, it probably takes the majority of our waking hours, but I think you have to take into account your whole life, and then decide if you are doing the best with what God has given you.
I agree with you, Tyler. The problem with the premise that Noble and Morgan begin with is that we should be getting what we want, always, and that we know what we want, always. Its almost like writing a blank check to people’s selfish tendency, encouraging them to be choosey and to be stuck in the mindset that God has some destiny for them out there instead of a destiny that’s already revealed. I think this is a typical statement that comes from cultures of affluence and choice and individualization, best represented by American culture. It encourages, as Wayne says, “its all about me”. If its all about me, when its not my ideal, I won’t be loving where I am, but instead, always looking for my way out and ignoring those around me along the way.
I would submit that the job you feel called to do and the job you dream of doing may be two very different jobs. There is something to be said for doing the job you should do, at any given time, while continuing to dream…and being open to the idea that God may morph that dream job in order to guide you to where He can use you best.
I don’t ‘love’ what I do…but I dont dislike it. Life is more than just work. I am thankful though that I get along well with my co-workers (that and employee discount). That’s more important than the job itself. I’d rather have a great working relationship with people, rather than have the best dream job, but always have to deal with toxic environment.
Things are sometimes not cut/dry. Just like anything else, you have to look at the bigger picture sometimes.
@ Elaine I think you made a valid point.
I know for me specifically my dreams have morphed over time. And you go along and adjust accordingly.
@ Amos-I don’t nec. think it is selfish for someone to say, “Pastor, you know what? Your’re right, there are some things that I feel I am called to do or really dream of doing and I’d like to take you up on the offer. I’d like your blessing to go.” I think the Pastor is probably seeking these people and I doubt he’s promoting handing out a blank check.
@ Yonas- sure, I see exactly what you mean there. And I agree that at times we’ll have jobs that are probably not on our life goal list. Relationships are important. I just hope that in some aspect those relationships inspire you to go after the thing that gets you up in the morning…whatever that means or looks like for you.
I am working my dream job. I told my self many years ago i never want to have a job i don’t like. And i never had…(Errr…i did once, but i quit!)
Its important to remember though, with ‘dream jobs’ there is always something you aren’t going to like.
I was a raft guide for a lot of summers. Best-job-ever. I sit on a raft, guide people through white water (WHICH I LOVE) i get to meet new people everyday, hang out, play ALL DAY, and the best part? Get paid. its pretty good money. Its like an outdoor enthusiast/ extrovert, dream job for sure!
But i hated throwing boats. They are big. Heavy. Wet. At the end of the day the last thing i wanted to do was pick up my thousand pound boat and throw it on top of a 5 stack.
Your dream job will come with things you don’t dream of. Right now I’m coaching swimming, i told my husband last night, that i think i was made for this.
But i have lots of ‘dream jobs!’ & i wouldn’t (well i couldn’t) work a job i didn’t enjoy.
Kendra, that’s awesome! I love that you said you have Lots of dream jobs b/c I say…do it all!
As I took it, it means that if you are not passionate about what you are doing in a ministry context, QUIT! I have hated some jobs, but stuck with them since I was still passionate about it and not just taking a check. Some feel entitled to take a check. That is what I “think” Tony meant.
The other part of this story is that they offered to pay 3 months severance to any staff member who resigned. Some did.
I do think that it is easy to ask this if you already are in your dream job–Tony and Perry certainly are. Heck, I might not be until I am 55! Dreams are not entitlements either. Sometimes you have to put food on the table.
So, Tyler you are my hero. Great thoughts here and good to question this.
Being in ministry, I’ve had the chance to work with several who were burned out. There heart wasn’t in what they were doing. For that reason, their ministries suffered, their families suffered, and everyone around them suffered.
I can hear the question posed as a general “ministry” question. I want people on my ministry team to be here because they believe God has called them here. I want them to be passionate about what they’re doing. But I also agree that the question doesn’t apply in other settings.
I too struggled with this. I think I understand their intent, but I think there is a deeper issue to look at. I posted a comment on the site when it was originally posted that said something like “Where our church is presently is not my dream job. Whose dream job is it to rebuild your team and church, to pick up the pieces, to deal with deep issues of pain and grief, to do more work with half as many people and hardly any money?” Nobody’s! I felt like this WAS my dream job until three years ago when the wheels fell off the wagon. For the past three years it’s been tough. It has TRULY been no one’s dream job, but God called me to remain faithful even so. I prayed many times that God would move me somewhere else but He has not. So I serve and I wait and I pray and I love my church. And yes, it is hard. The hardest thing has been to continue to serve while friends leave the church and to try to continue to “produce” in ministry with many less people and pain besides. I say all this just due to our circumstances. I work at a really wonderfully unique church and I am thankful beyond words for my position there. I just mean dealing with the “stuff” is not a dream job!
It all seems silly in the light of eternity. I lost my entire staging team (only three people but still) so now I’m back building and designing sets, which I am no good at. I have no head for my sound team anymore. I am in desperate need of another guitarist and bass player. Mine are burnt to a crisp due to our stress. I had a projector go out yesterday. I knew it was coming. I warned our leadership it could not be put off two years ago. I don’t have the budget to replace it. So Sunday we will have one screen……when I think of truly important things and the heart of worship I think that these things should not bother me like they do. So sometimes remaining faithful is not glamorous, it is just a matter of sticking with it despite the circumstances.
I think it’s easier to talk about “dream jobs” when life is going well……but God teaches us alot in the darkness as well, perhaps more than we learn in the easy times of life.
Perhaps a better question would be “Are you serving where you are called to serve?”. That I can say yes to.
I’m definitely not doing my dream job. However I am certain that I am where I am should be and doing what I as suppose to do.
I understand what he is saying,- a dream job brings out passion in people making them more effective.
A dream job seems like the ultimate destination though. I think life is bout the process not the destination. Working jobs that shape us to be better people is usually an important part of the process. instead of saying “dream job” I would say if you’re not open minded, hardworking, or excited to do your job in some way, then find another”.
eric
Great discussion. I agree somewhat with what he was saying, and I respect that severance pay is putting there money with their mouth is – a lot of people don’t make the necessary move because of fear. I had the opportunity to switch to a “dream” counseling clinic but it took me a few months to make the change because fear of change.
Substitute “dream job” for “dream church”, ie. If you aren’t at your dream church find another one. Sometimes it’s appropriate to move or make a change, sometimes you have to stay where you are at and create the dream.
I’ve been transitioning to my “dream job” for the past 5-8 years; when we look back God has been preparing us to do what we’re doing every step of the way. My less than ideal job has paid for going to Multnomah and Western. I’ve wanted to quit 1000 times. I still have a board exam and 1.5-2 years of counseling hours till I get to my dream job and I bet God has some more curveballs in store.
Moses didn’t have his dream job, he hated it. I’m sure Paul would have enjoyed doing things other than being shipwrecked and imprisoned. David? Peter? James? Pretty sure they could have come up with jobs that would have fulfilled their wildest dreams, rather than what they were asked to do.
Nevermind the fact that in the current economic situation, having any job is a blessing. Sometimes you can’t just do whatever you desire, sometimes you need to take care of your family. i wonder how the people that were in that room, on staff and barely making ends meet with their family felt? Humiliated? Insignificant? Crazy?
After I read this on Tony’s blog I unsubscribed. I don’t care how it’s framed, honestly, it’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard anybody say. Ignorance beyond compare.
As one who recently landed my dream job, I’ll chime in.
I agree with you, Tyler.
When life is seen as a totality, with a trajectory God-ward, we realize that finding and having a dream job is less important than being obedient.
I would also add that the idea of “potential” has less biblical weight than the role of a “servant.” We like to talk about potential a lot, and there is some merit to it. Just that finding our identity in Christ, more than in my job, is a key to a God-centered life. When we focus on our potential, we take the Gospel and wrap it around our tiny lives, rather than viec versa: wrapping our lives around the Great and Mighty One who deserves all things.
A servant doesn’t seek to find one’s one potential, but rather empties one’s life for the sake of others (even for them to find their potential). I guess one could say that being a servant is the “dream job,” as the way up is down, and the greatest One of all came not to be served (with the greatest job) but to serve and to give His life for others.
When we see that all of life is preparation for glory and for being used by God, we see that nothing is wasted — no “small” jobs, no desert experiences, and certainly being faithful in duties others may seem as below us is all part of the total package. Glad Jesus didn’t quit when He couldn’t attain His dream job. He is now reigning in glory for His endurance (and yes, He’s God, so He gets a bit different path…)