Friday Five: The perks of the job.

Kathrynzj has come up with an interesting Friday Five: What are the ‘perks of ministry’ for you?

1. I got to get up every day and go to work at something I really believed in doing. I had many ups and downs in my career but I never had a moment when I doubted I was called and gifted by God for the work I did. This did not mean that I had all the answers, but I knew that if I remained faithful, those answers would come. I never had that confidence in teaching or being a professional musician.

2. A decent pension. I give thanks everyday that my denomination has a decent pension plan.

3. Flexible schedule. Except for Sundays and funerals, I liked being able to dictate my own schedule. It meant for some creative planning with my secretary, but I always put in more time than was prescribed. And as I grew in the ministry, I was able to find the time to care for myself as well.

4. Intellectual stimulation. I once heard Alec Baldwin say that he went to church every Sunday because he liked to “hear what ‘professional thinkers’ had to say.” I also had a bishop who believed that you preached with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. I do not understand how clergy get ‘in a rut.’ Each day holds something different, whether it is someone in the hospital or finding a new way to reach Sunday school kids. This is not a profession in which one get’s bored.

5. The simple joy of meeting God each day and getting paid for it!

6. BONUS:  All the people I have met.  I have met and been touched by famous folks and the homeless, believers and unbelievers.  I would never had the chance to meet all the people in any other profession that called me to integrity and wholeness.