Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

As a Christian workplace minister for over fifty years, I finally learned to do this. I had this epiphany while having lunch with another minister and asked his advice about a job I was flying to Philadelphia to interview for.  “If they offer you more money, take the job.”

That answer did not flow with what I felt Jesus wanted me to do. For years, I had been looking for what He wanted me to do as ministry, not by what I would make from a position. I wanted to leave the company I was with, and I knew that it would be hard to turn this job down.

I had been praying for a different job for years. When this interview became available, I thought it was what I wanted. What you want is difficult to walk away from. I would like to say that I always choose what Jesus has for me and ignore my own desires, like more money. However, that’s not always the way I rock.

I decided to talk to a minister friend of mine and asked him to join me for lunch. I explained to him that I was going for an interview and needed advice about how to be sure it was God’s will. His advice was to take the job if they offered me more money.

Not exactly what I was hoping for. I thought as a minister he would give me advice on how to tell what God wanted me to do. I had heard others speak of ministers using the amount of money they were offered as a reason for taking on a new position. I knew that my family would be provided for no matter where I was led to go.

We all need money to pay bills and live on. My problem is why more of us do not voluntarily help others. I am a writer and speaker. If you contact me to speak to your group, all I will charge is for travel and lodging. I recently turned down a chance to join a speaking group that offered me as many chances to speak as I might want; they did not seem to want to give me the discretion to choose events. If you ask me to help you write your memoir, call me, and we will set times for phone conversations or personal meetings.

You can also use a bartering system to help yourself as you aid others. What can you use to trade with? Do you have a service business or one that manufactures or produces things? Bartering was a common currency in frontier days. It can help reduce inflation in our current climate.

I know many of you volunteer and help family and friends with their projects when you are asked. I suggest that you begin looking for those who need assistance when they do not ask. I always did this in the workplace where I was. I considered it part of my ministry. Remember that Jesus said we should do as much as we could for even the least of His children.

©Copyright 2026 by Charles Kensinger