For some people, "doing ministry" is an excuse to avoid real life and growing up. It's also another excuse to not get a "real" job. In a completely unrelated topic, please send me any money you can (I take checks, PayPal, credit cards, money orders and even Bitcoins) in order to fulfill a "calling" I just heard.
Now, of course, there are many Christian brothers and sisters doing a wonderful job in spreading the gospel, so I don't want to group them all together and make generalizations. Those folks are doing a real an hard job. But with that in mind, here are some red flags that should raise some suspicion in you:
"Tourist Destination"
Bob and Mary are always taking short term "missions" trips to either Hawaii, Florida or the Bahamas. Their "missionary" photos are usually taken in a badly lit hotel room (on purpose), but you can clearly see the beach behind them.
"The Vanished"
Speaking of Bob and Mary, after sending you a beautifully written letter with at least seven Bible verses, you haven't heard from then again. Bob and Mary have not left their house in a year. They haven't even left town. They also ignore your calls.
"Debt Ceiling"
Your friend Bob just finished seminary school and has a LOT of debt. You may get some letters soon.
"Good Sunday"
At some point in your friendship, your friend Bob mentioned how awesome it is that pastors "only" have to work on Sundays.
"Prosperity"
Your friend's ministry hero and role model is Joel Osteen. That should be a given right there.
"Seminary Amnesia"
After spending four years in seminary school, Bob claims he has no life skills whatsoever, besides hermeneutics and theological treatises, of course. Want a job at Wal-Mart? No? Forgot how to push a cart? How about a job cleaning the church? No? Never heard of a mop either?
These six red flags should give you something to think about. Did I forget anything? Do you know anyone like this?
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