Here’s a picture I took of the rain drops on a plant outside of the church building. I “tweaked” it in Photoshop and now here it is for your viewing enjoyment.

Once you register, you install the program on the computers that you want to keep synced and start dropping files in the Dropbox folder. It really is that simple. You can also access the files from any internet enabled computer.

I can’t tell you how awesome it has been to do some work on a project on my laptop at home, and by the time I get to the office, it is already on my work computer. If you work on more than one computer, you need to get Dropbox. I am sure there are other sites out there that will do the same thing, but Dropbox is what I know, and it has always been good to me. If you want to sign up, you can use this link and both of us will get an extra 250 mb of space. It just keeps getting better and better!

Check out this link. 5 Reasons Why Your Ministry Should Use Dropbox.

Non-Legitimate Reasons:

1. Money: I understand that “we need money to survive”. I appreciate the fact that a church would pay me to do youth ministry. My issue is that all to often we are looking for the next big thing that usually carries the next big paycheck, and we are willing to jump from ministry to ministry to get it. I should say that there does seem to be a shift in thinking here, especially with young leaders who are willing to do with less so that the Kingdom may prosper. This is very encouraging to me.
2. Boredom: Have you ever been doing something for so long that it got boring? This happens in ministry all the time. At least it does to me. I get to doing the same things over and over again that I can do them in my sleep. The problem is that I get bored. I am no longer challenged or being creative. If this is you, leaving will only help for a short time. It’s time to dig deep into your well of creativity and search for ways to challenge yourself right where you are.
3. “This church just __________”: You all know what I mean. You feel like no matter what you do, the church you are in doesn’t get it, won’t change, is too messed up. We have all been there. This may not be your cue to leave. It may be your cue to persevere. Around the 18 month mark was the hardest time of my life here, but persevering has caused me to become a better youth pastor, a better leader, a better husband and a better person. I your church just (fill in the blank), stand strong. Hold on to God and continue to be obedient. It may be the best decision you make.

Legitimate Reasons:

1. Your passions have changed: The truth of the matter is that sometimes our passions for what we are doing change. Circumstances have caused new passions, or passions you didn’t know exist to stir up with in you. It could be that you have been given a chance to preach more for some reason and now you have a passion for preaching that you didn’t have before. Also, age has a big effect on this area of your life. As you get older, your passions may begin to change. It should be said that you don’t have to leave your current church to address your changing passions, but a change in job descriptions may be needed.
2. You are no longer able to do what is needed: What I mean here is that the ministry has changed in such ways that you cannot make what needs to happen, happen. This is a scenario that doesn’t happen all that often, but it can happen. It could be physical, educational or experience that is forcing you to make a change. The truth is that sometimes you are only on the same journey with a certain church for a certain amount of time.
3. Money: Okay, I know that I put this in the non-legitimate reasons as well, but the truth is that sometimes money is a legitimate reason to move on. I’m not saying that God can’t provide, but if you approach your church for a few extra bucks to make ends meet and they suggest that you “get a paper route” (which I know has happened), this may be an indicator of the kind of support you are/will be getting from the church. It may be time to find a place that will support you financially and spiritually.

Leaving your church is not an easy decision, and not one to make lightly. It should be covered in prayer and wise counsel. The truth is that all of these reasons, legitimate or not, may be an indicator that God is speaking to you. Are you listening?

Well, that’s my list. What do you think? Do you have any good or bad reasons for leaving?

My first project of the year was this video. It was done after our high school retreat. I hope you enjoy it.