Dedication and perseverance are undoubtedly two of the most essential qualities needed for long-term, committed Christian ministry.
In the Bible, James writes regarding perseverance, "You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
But what about when it's time to make a fresh start and try something new? Perhaps you need a new challenge. Perhaps you feel stale and it's time to let someone else take over. Perhaps where you are simply isn't working out and it's best to move on.
As we enter a new year, how do we know whether we should keep plugging away in our ministries, or if it's time to make a fresh start?
Two ministers who have made that difficult decision share their thoughts on making a fresh start.
Neil's new role
At 49, Neil Atwood has almost 30 years of full time paid lay ministry experience in eight churches.
Neil's time at Toongabbie Anglican has been very fruitful, but with long-time rector Phillip Basset retiring next month, and 35-year-old Raj Gupta coming on board as Phillip's replacement, Neil felt it was the right time for a change.
"In my mind I didn't want to make things awkward for the incoming person. I knew the nominators were looking for a younger man and I knew a guy in their first senior minister position would probably want the opportunity to choose their own staff," he says.
Neil will commence his role as the new Associate Pastor at Springwood and Winmalee Anglican Churches from the end of January.
"When I saw the position advertised it struck a chord with me. [The rector] Graham Crew seemed happy to get a person a little more experienced for the role and my wife and I have had a house in the mountains for 20 years now, so it came together nicely."
Neil will be leading Church @ 5 and Factory Night Church congregations.
"It's a fresh opportunity for me as both congregations seem keen to move to the next level," he says.
"I also look forward to being on a larger staff team as I have always been in smaller churches. Graham encourages staff spending time at the ministry centre to share ideas and learn from each other."
Neil says prayer was integral in making the decision to leave to Toongabbie.
"We spent a good part of last year praying through the implications of a change in leadership at the Toongabbie. Meeting with the nominators to pray was helpful for me understanding where they were heading."
Mark moves to SMBC
Mark Tough has spent the last seven years in full-time parish ministry, most recently as rector of St John's Minchinbury. However, from this week, Mark is moving into a different type of ministry role as he becomes Academic Registrar at Sydney Missionary and Bible College.
"I will be responsible for everything on the administration side of the college from enrolments and time tabling through to the maintenance of students' academic records and liaising with the Australian College of Theology," he says.
Mark says he will miss the people at Minchinbury, but admits that a ministry involving constant contact with people is a challenge.
"I've realised that one of the worst things about parish life for me is living in a rectory next to a church and having my work place in my home because I can't switch off," Mark said.
"Even on my days off I was really struggling to take my mind off church issues."
Mark says the behind the scenes ministry role at SMBC is more suited to his personality than parish ministry.
"I've also come to realise that am a shy person by nature, which makes the people side of ministry very draining for me," Mark says.
"I discovered that when I was getting drained that I would start to withdraw from people. I was at the Jelly Bean pool at Glenbrook with my family recently and I was just too tired to have fun with them."
Mark says he had people outside the church praying for him feels confident with his decision to change ministry roles.
"I don't mind exploring different opportunities. I am not content to stay in a place if I am unhappy. I mean no disrespect to the people at Minchinbury because I will miss them dearly and my leaving is no reflection on St. John's, but it's better for me and for them if I move on to a role that better suits me."
