Question for my Methodist friends (Long, sorry)

[yoopermom]

Hi I've just been laid off for the second time in five years from a teaching job. I have twenty years in teaching, and love it, but it's just not happening for me up here, unfortunately I've been scanning the want ads for *any* kind of professional position that might utilize my talents, and this is what just came up in the nearest town about 30 miles away...

"This position is for a Family Ministry Coordinator who will bring a holistic approach to minister to families, children, youth, young and older adults. A Family Ministry Coordinator should be a mature individual:Is able to relate to persons of all ages.Is committed to Christ and the Church.Preferably, has a Methodist background.Has a good standing knowledge of the Bible, and is able to clearly articulate the concepts of Jesus Christ.Has a heart for sharing their faith with others.Loves working with people, accepting families of varied backgrounds.Has good leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ability to recruit and motivate members."

Now the trick is...I'm Catholic, not Methodist. However, my parents divorced when I was ten, and my mother "reverted" to her original religion, being a Methodist, so I did participate in that church throughout my teen years (every other weekend). I feel as though I could do a good job for them with my qualifications, and don't feel that it would be a "betrayal" to my Catholic faith to take this position, but would I be considered for it, really? I know it says "preferably", but would they want me if I wanted to maintain my "dual religion" status? Opinions?

TIA!
Terri
(Mods: Please don't consider this a "religion" thread, I really meant it as an employment one, thank you...)

 

[johnsontrio]

I think all you can do is apply and see. I was always under the impression that Catholics were the exclusionary bunch but when I married, in the Methodist church to a Catholic man, the Minister of my church refused to have a communion service as part of the wedding. He was adamant that he was not going to offer communion to "a bunch of Catholics". He wasn't even present at the wedding but his decision still carried. We were married by the Assoc. Minister, who is now a Bishop, and a Catholic Deacon.

I would hope that they would consider you for the job if you are as well qualified as the other applicants. I would hope that they would offer you the job if you are more qualified or a better fit for their organization. Good luck in the job search.

 

[yoopermom]

That's interesting. I have a strong Bible background, and obviously tons of organizational/teaching/etc type experiences that would fit the position. However, if they don't think I can separate my religious background from what the position requires, I think it's a shame, but its their right, of course. Sigh.

Terri

 

[Beca]

I am a lifelong Methodist, as well as the wife of a son of THREE Methodist ministers (his parents divorced, and one remarried a minister).

Methodists are VERY inclusive. Every methodist church I have attended/belonged to has had people of many faiths worshipping, and no one seems to care.

I think the example of the communion, while being true, was not representative of the faith. Every Methodist minister I have heard has said, "At the Methodist Church, we believe in an open communion. Anyone who wishes a deeper relationship wth Jesus Christ may come forward and participate, regardless of faith. And, those who wish to remain seated at this time are welcome to do so as well." The taking of communion has always been a low-pressure activity in the Methodist church.

So, to answer your question....being Catholic SHOULD not exclude you from the job. Would a Methodist-funded position prefer a Methodist? Probably. But, I do believe that the qualities and attributes of the candidate would override any religious denominations. I think your application would be stronger if you were Methodist, but if you want the job....go for it!!

 

[darlak]

We are a pretty inclusionary bunch, but the simple truth is that it may well depend on the qualifications of the other appliciants as well. If someone with equal qualifications applies...who also happens to actually be Methodist, they would probably prefer to hire that person.

My advice is to apply anyway. That way you'll probably at least get to meet with them and get a fell for yourself about how accepting they may be.

 

[NHdisneylover]

It is worth applying for. I am not, and have never been, Methodist. However, I ran the church nursery (meaning I was the "lead" teacher in there with a rotating volunteer helper, I planned activites for the older children, made a shopping list for the supplies and snacks I would need, etc.) for a Methodist church for almost two years when I was in highschool/early college. It was a great job and I really liked everyone there (and yes all of hte adults knew I was not Methodist). I only left because I transfered to a college out of my hometown.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I'm not Methodist, but I read your post. I say.....go for it and apply! You have nothing to lose, right? If it's a job you want, give it a shot and see what happens. Good luck!

 

[lspst8]

Of course you can apply for the job, epseically if you found about about it in the wants ads.

I am a member of a fairly large Methodist church, and everyone that works at our church is a member of the church and regular attender. Even the janitors!

Assuming the choice came down to you and another appicant who was Methodist, I would guess the church would pick the Methodist person, epseically since the job has the word "ministry" in the job title.

Again, I'm just guessing based on my limited experience with my own church.

 

[DWGal210]

I would say go for it and apply. I went to a Catholic elementary school and I remember that quite a few of my teachers were not Catholic. It never seemed to be a problem; the only reason I noticed was that during Mass these teachers didn't go up for communion.

 

[RitaE]

I think the example of the communion, while being true, was not representative of the faith. Every Methodist minister I have heard has said, "At the Methodist Church, we believe in an open communion. Anyone who wishes a deeper relationship wth Jesus Christ may come forward and participate, regardless of faith. And, those who wish to remain seated at this time are welcome to do so as well." The taking of communion has always been a low-pressure activity in the Methodist church.

Yeah gave me pause too. The only thing I can think of is that a Methodist wedding doesn't typically include Communion like the Catholic Weddings I have attended. Odd. But at least for the United Methodists, Communion is always Open.

As for the OP, our Director of Student Ministry is not a member of our Church. It is more of a clerical type order materials, take attendance type of thing and not actually teaching or leading kids. We have a Youth Minister who is charged with that task.

She actually belongs to the Presbyterians down the street but their Service times don't conflict with our Sunday School time so it works out. It is a very low paying job to tell the truth and there weren't many applicants. She does a good job.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I say go for it! The Director of Religious Education at our current Methodist Church was Baptist when he was hired. I think they will care more about your faith background, your beliefs and your excitement and ability to share the faith.

As for the other topic, I have never been to a Methodist Wedding that included Communion in the ceremony. But official Methodist doctrine is that Communion is open to any and all that desire it.

Good Luck with the job search!

 

[yoopermom]

Just a little bump to say "thank you" to all who made the effort to post. I've always thought Methodists, in general, seem very welcoming to all, and I would truly understand if an equally qualified, but Methodist, person got the job instead of me. It doesn't pay much, true, but is in my field (in general), and I like the idea of working in a Christian environment, so we'll see. I'll keep you informed.

Thanks again!
Terri