Options

I am torn between possibilities, distracted by opportunities.  There are so many avenues and areas of ministry that I might pursue that I have trouble settling on one.  I have been blessed with so much time to pursue my dreams that I don't know what to do with myself and worry that I am wasting my gift.  When I run into a roadblock or a project loses its novelty I am assaulted by so many other projects, causes, and ministries calling for my attention that I easily turn from the task at hand.  Focus comes hard.  Setting priorities is a challenge when all of the work is good.  Again, my abundance of time asks whether I need even to choose, or whether a more diligent use of time would make addressing all areas possible.  

Possibility:

 Youth Pastor

Passions: 

Care for young people, helping them seize opportunities and realize the richness of life.

Tasks: 

-Presence in youth programs (Sunday School, Confirmation, Puppets, Reel to Real, Youth Group, lock-in's, mission trip)

-Presence with youth members (at school events, sporting events, in one-on-one interaction)

-Leadership development (recruiting, resourcing and supporting adult volunteers)

Time Commitment:

10+ hours/week

Possibility:

Evangelist

Passions: 

Sharing the good news of God's grace with those who have not heard.

Tasks:

-Leave the office to spend time with non-members.

-Initiate conversation, build relationship with new people.

-Learn needs, share compassion, explore possibilities.

Time Commitment:

10+ hours/week

Possibility:

Preacher

Passions:

Preach the good news of the kingdom of God, encourage those who have chosen to follow Christ.

Tasks:

-Scripture study

-Sermon writing

-Develop skills for preaching

-Preach in worship (elsewhere?)

Time Commitment:

10+ hours/week

Possibility:

Church leader

Passions: 

Unite Christians in their common cause, unlock potential for common ministry

Tasks:

-Learn talents and passions of members

-Leadership development

-Connect members with others, opportunities, resources.

-Facilitate communication

Time Commitment:

10+ hours/week

Possibility:

Teacher

Passions: 

Share love of Scripture and of God, lead others to deeper knowledge and relationship.

Tasks:

-Develop/learn curriculum

-Advertise/recruit for classes

-Lead classes at various times through the week (esp. Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday)

Time Commitment

5+ hours/week

Ok, I am beginning to again feel overwhelmed. At the very minimum, I have identified 45 hours per week of ministry opportunities.  However, to do any of these things well would require a greater investment of time.  It seems that my worry that I have more time than I need is not borne out, and should be released.  

Next however is the question of priorities.  Each of these opportunities is good, and to focus on one means to release another, at least for the time being.  How do I determine which I am called to?