Mission Trip or MBA? (Full Version)

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bigd1982 -> Mission Trip or MBA? (6/15/2009 8:32:08 PM)

I have been planning on going on my first short-term mission trip in August since early March. I also was recently admitted to go back to school full-time to pursue an MBA. I was not aware of a mandatory week-long orientation program that is during the same week as the mission trip. I figured I could go on the trip and then start school when I got back. Not so. I am tired of my current career (sales) and want to do something different badly. I think an MBA will be the opportunity I need to make a career change and further myself. However, over the past few years I have thought possibly about seminary. I guess I feel going on a mission trip could confirm that. I am thinking about requesting deferral to the MBA fall 2010 so I can go on the mission trip and see if God might be leading me in a different direction. However, I know I can not wait around in the same job for another year. As a result, I have been thinking about ditching the mission trip to get out of my current career. However, I hate to miss the trip, especially since sometimes I think God may have a different field other than business in mind. Other believers tell me to do what gives me the most peace and to make a decision with your heart, which I think I have, but I do not want to stay in my current circumstance. The economy is horrible right now so it is difficult to find another job, especially when I don't want to be in the field I am in. I know a mission trip will always be there and so will the MBA. Logically, the MBA makes more sense, but for reasons I can't fully explain, I really don't want to miss this trip. Anyone have any insight? I'm only 26 but I am challenging myself to make decisions from the heart and not from the norm (chasing the corporate ladder, etc.)



stimulus -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/15/2009 11:09:14 PM)

I'm going to vote for the MBA - which surprises me. You need to do what you feel God is leading you to, and all I can give you is an outsider's opinion. However, I don't think it's a good idea to delay your education in favor of a very short trip (ie, one or two weeks?).

Then again, it doesn't sound like you're sure you want a career in business. Hating sales isn't a great reason to pursue an MBA. You could go to seminary, but you could also get a master's in any number of fields, or you could develop a new career without going to graduate school.

Have you ever thought about teaching business overseas, or using your business\sales skills to support a ministry? If you desire to use your life in ministry, and that's what is making you rethink the MBA, please know that there are a wealth of options in missions (and local ministry) for people with professional skills. There are many nations where traditional missionaries can't go, but business teachers and owners can. Meanwhile, they help develop churches.

Sorry I can't be more help!



bigd1982 -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/15/2009 11:46:27 PM)

Thank you stimulus... Yeah, I think most people would say go for the MBA.. Part of the problem is I paid my deposit before I applied and I already had some financial support rolling in before I was accepted. Not to mention I sent out about 20 letters stating I was going on the trip. The trip leader said I could back out but that I will still be responsible for the $1800 I am raising, which is understandable. This will come out of my pocket as I don't think it is right for my supporters to be paying the way for people they don't know.
I don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life in business but I do see the benefits of having business knowledge, both in the business world and in ministry. God may want me to get an MBA so I can use the new knowledge I gain to help run a ministry, either part time or full time. I just hate to miss out on the trip but I know there will be more trips in the future. If I go back this fall I need to call the offices tomorrow as I need to be moved in and ready to go by the end of July. I know if I stay close to God then He will use me whether I am in business or full-time ministry.



rgod -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/16/2009 12:11:01 AM)

My first question is what kind of a mission's organization is going to require you to pay $1800 even if you aren't able to go? That just doesn't seem to make any kind of sense to me - but maybe that's the norm.

Have you checked with your school, told them of your situation, and can you find out if other arrangements can be made concerning the orientation? If so, then you could still go to the school for your MBA AND go on the mission's trip.

If the school can't change, most mission organizations have trips that run at different times during the year. Why not see if you can go on another trip that might be offered a little later in the year? You should be able to transfer your funds, no problem. At least explore the option and then pray about it. That way, your supporters won't lose their money and you won't lose yours (although I really think you can contest this - it just doesn't feel right somehow).

Also, I agree with stimulus wholeheartedly. A "secular" degree can open lots of doors for ministry, sometimes more than a "ministry" degree can. Personally, I would just pray, pray, pray and ask for God's guidance. It is hard sometimes in situations like this - one day it is MBA all the way, the next day - missions trip.

Since you have to make your decision tomorrow, can you call the school and tell them that you have to see about making arrangements for orientation because there might be a schedule conflict - and see if they'll let you postpone your decision? Perhaps they'll at least give you until the end of the week ...



bigd1982 -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/16/2009 12:56:27 AM)

I have explained my situation but I also threw in how I think I might be more prepared if I start next year. Honestly, though I think if the mission trip was not an issue, I would probably be going back to school. I have told the school twice I am going to defer. After the first time the director of admissions asked me to call her. After talking with her she gave me another weekend to decide and she even upped the scholarship amount and offered relocation! Even after the weekend I still "think" I had more peace about waiting until next year. You know, I have been a Christian all my life but it wasn't until I graduated that I became more involved in church and ministry. While I have enjoyed it, I am finding it is harder to make decisions because I want to do what God wants me to but I still have a hard time figuring that out. It's kind of hard to believe God didn't want me to at least seriously consider school otherwise He would not have opened the door. So many believers I know here don't really have professional jobs and I don't know that they desire to. There is always the famous verse stating it is easier for a humble man to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. I think this can be taken out of context because God also needs people to make money who can then give back. I think it's when we let money rule us and corrupt us that being rich is bad. I guess this thought has sort of killed my drive and ambition to go after things in the secular world. Yet, I am at a point in my life where I want a change and right now the MBA is the big change available to me, assuming it still is available this fall I think if they really want me to attend they would still let me start this fall. I just need to explain and convince them that is what I want to do. Who knows, by taking the risk of quitting my job to go back to school full-time could prepare me better to take the risk to do a long-term mission trip sometime. Who knows.. The whole following God through life decisions thing can be so difficult. Especially when you have seen the joy of living simply and being around people who love God and are not necessarily after fame and fortune. I don't know about you, but sometimes I think making decisions like this one (something secular vs. something related to missions/ministry) is extremely difficult when following Christ. It would seem He would always want you to do the more "spiritual" thing.



gcsmithjr -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/16/2009 7:52:18 AM)

I thought I'd share two comments about your situation.

First of all, if you really think a mission trip is going to confirm your direction to go to seminary I would challenge you to re-think that path altogether. I can almost guarantee you that you'll come back from the mission trip fired up and energized to do ministry, but that shouldn't impact your long-term decision. Seminary is a long, difficult 3-year commitment that is expensive and challenging. It is something that you should only pursue if you have a clear and overwhelming sense that God is calling you in that direction.

Second, if you're really struggling this much to make a decision about a 1 week trip vs. going back to school full time for 2 years, I'm not sure you're ready to go back to school. There will be other mission trip opportunities (think Spring Break) and the fact that you're even considering putting off graduate school for a 1 week trip tells me that you're not really that sure grad school is the right thing for you.

As Stimulus said, wanting to get out of sales isn't a great reason to pursue an MBA.

I think you need to take a step back and make sure that you're running to something, not just running away from something...running away from something you don't like is a really bad way to make career and life decisions because you run the risk of constantly running from one thing to the next.

Have you thought about finding a career counselor who can do some aptitude testing with you to help you sort out how you're wired and what the best career path might be. You might check out the IDAK group - they have an incredibly comprehensive online career assessment tool that might help you sort some of this out.



-Justyna- -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/16/2009 5:01:19 PM)

I vote for the Missions trip. I am 27 and about 2 months short of graduating with my MBA. Yes it took me 3 years and its been a long long 3 years. I dont regret my choice of getting the MBA, but I still feel unsatisfied. Now I want to do a PhD in something that will help others, instead of a MBA that will only help me in the end....[&:]. Anway, thats just me, maybe you are different, but I say go for the missions trip. A MBA is not all its cracked up to be. And employers are not going to be knocking down your door to employ you when you have one....[&:]

IMO, go on the trip. [:)]



10SNE1? -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/16/2009 5:41:33 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: -Justyna-

I vote for the Missions trip. I am 27 and about 2 months short of graduating with my MBA. Yes it took me 3 years and its been a long long 3 years. I dont regret my choice of getting the MBA, but I still feel unsatisfied. Now I want to do a PhD in something that will help others, instead of a MBA that will only help me in the end....[&:]


I strongly disagree with this type of thinking. A solid Christian working in a secular business environment should never feel that his/her education will "only help me in the end". I believe that it is just this type of thinking which leads to the "Christian ghetto" mentality and a bunch of kids heading off to Bible colleges to major in "Missions" instead of pursuing real world careers. If you are "called" to be a missionary, then why not get a degree in education or medicine or even business? You will then be able to reach out to others with compassion care and be more likely to find open doors for sharing your faith.

And if even if you don't actually "go into missions", your workplace can be your mission field. Personally ( and this is how we approached higher ed with our four kids), I believe that Christian young people should be encouraged to go the best colleges and universities, get the diplomas which will open the doors to the best, more influential positions in their fields and then get busy modeling the love of Christ to the world.

There is nothing wrong with getting a great paying job! Where do we get this idea that God wants all the world's material resources to fall into the hands of those who have no interest in using them to advance the Kingdom? [&:]



-Justyna- -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (6/17/2009 3:39:16 AM)

Even if you got the best paying job, and went to the best school..it doesnt mean your life is going to be great. It also doesnt mean that you are going to be satisfied. I am not by any means saying I got the best education this world has to offer....(I didnt go to Cambridge or Harvard) but I do have my education under my belt at this point, and I can testify that it has not filled me nor has it satisfied me. That is the point I was trying to make in my last post. We are not called to chase jobs and degrees....they will pass away. But what you do for the kingdom of God will last for an eternity...[:)]



stimulus -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (7/1/2009 12:35:38 AM)

What did you decide, big?

quote:

Second, if you're really struggling this much to make a decision about a 1 week trip vs. going back to school full time for 2 years, I'm not sure you're ready to go back to school. There will be other mission trip opportunities (think Spring Break) and the fact that you're even considering putting off graduate school for a 1 week trip tells me that you're not really that sure grad school is the right thing for you.


I agree with this statement. I understand that you may be out $1800 to cover the trip's expenses if plane tickets, hotels, and the like can't be canceled, but if you want to go to grad school, that isn't a huge sum of money to let go. It seems like you were just going to grad school because it was better than work, and on the missions trip because 'I might as well,' and now you're trying to decide between two options when you don't feel very strongly about either.

You're right that the business knowledge will be helpful, whether you pursue a career in business or ministry. I also agree with your assessment that not many Christians can or will pursue truly professional jobs, and I think you should use your talents to do what God has uniquely gifted you for. Apply them to missions and ministry, but use your gifts.

Currently, I work at the headquarters of a denomination's missions department, where I manage a public relations team. My bachelor's degree is from a secular university, even though I always wanted to be in missions. As a teen, God clearly directed me to pursue a professional education that I could use to support the work of cross-cultural ministries - not to a missions program at a Bible college. These days, I'm dreaming about graduate college, and I've asked my colleagues for their suggestions on a field of study - missions or public relations. Every person I've asked - people with years of experience in missions, people who recruit for our denomination - have told me to get the public relations degree. The rationale is simply: they need people with real skill, not just more preachers. One suggested I earn a degree in both, so I would be well prepared for cross-cultural ministry, but they have all agreed I should develop and apply my gifts to missions, instead of neglecting to use what God has given me in favor of something that seems more 'spiritual'.

I realize you aren't choosing between graduate programs, but I think the same line of reasoning can be applied to your situation. If you are interested in business and earning an MBA, do that. If you're called to missions, use your MBA in missions. Only go to seminary if you're interested in pastoring, teaching, and preaching and called to the ministry.



rgod -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (7/1/2009 8:55:22 AM)

quote:

There is always the famous verse stating it is easier for a humble man to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. I think this can be taken out of context because God also needs people to make money who can then give back. I think it's when we let money rule us and corrupt us that being rich is bad. I guess this thought has sort of killed my drive and ambition to go after things in the secular world. Yet, I am at a point in my life where I want a change and right now the MBA is the big change available to me, assuming it still is available this fall I think if they really want me to attend they would still let me start this fall.


I think you are right that this verse was taken out of context and that you are spot on concerning the love of money. All sorts of people in the bible were rich - Abraham, Solomon, Job, David, just to name a few. God needs people everywhere - and yes, for us to limit ourselves to one narrow range of choices because we desire to serve God - is counterproductive. We are supposed to be salt and light in the world, not a bunch of salt particles grouped together in the church saltshaker which never gets poured out. Use your talents to witness to everyone in your path - and it is overseas on a missions trip, then do it there too.

quote:

I vote for the Missions trip. I am 27 and about 2 months short of graduating with my MBA. Yes it took me 3 years and its been a long long 3 years. I dont regret my choice of getting the MBA, but I still feel unsatisfied. Now I want to do a PhD in something that will help others, instead of a MBA that will only help me in the end.... . Anway, thats just me, maybe you are different, but I say go for the missions trip. A MBA is not all its cracked up to be. And employers are not going to be knocking down your door to employ you when you have one....


The fulfillment doesn't come from getting the degree, or even having a specific job title - but it is about letting the Lord use you in the place where he has put you. It is normal to feel a let down when you are close to graduation or just afterwards. Also keep in mind that the MBA is coveted by a lot of non-profits - more than a PhD. You can do a lot to help others with an MBA. You can go an a missions trip and feel just as unfulfilled if that is not what God has called you to do.

quote:

And if even if you don't actually "go into missions", your workplace can be your mission field. Personally ( and this is how we approached higher ed with our four kids), I believe that Christian young people should be encouraged to go the best colleges and universities, get the diplomas which will open the doors to the best, more influential positions in their fields and then get busy modeling the love of Christ to the world.


I agree with this wholeheartedly.


quote:

First of all, if you really think a mission trip is going to confirm your direction to go to seminary I would challenge you to re-think that path altogether. I can almost guarantee you that you'll come back from the mission trip fired up and energized to do ministry, but that shouldn't impact your long-term decision. Seminary is a long, difficult 3-year commitment that is expensive and challenging. It is something that you should only pursue if you have a clear and overwhelming sense that God is calling you in that direction.


I agree that you should only go to seminary if you have a clear sense that God is calling you there. I disagree that missions trips will leave you fired up and energized to do ministry. When I was thinking about being a missionary I went on a few trips - the last one was two months long. I was miserable for most of the trip because it had become increasingly clear to me that I was not called to be a missionary - but that I am called to be a writer and to support other missionaries. Church ministry was the same for me. I loved the people, it was fulfilling to share Christ with people - but being a missionary or being clergy was not where I was supposed to be. I knew about a month into both experiences that I needed to be out with people - and that I needed to touch people using my writing gift.



I agree that you shouldn't be running from something, but rather to something. But I also don't think that you should look the situation as being MBA vs. Missions. You CAN do both - although it might not all be in September of this year.



LizzieJ. -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (7/1/2009 11:30:12 AM)

quote:

I believe that Christian young people should be encouraged to go the best colleges and universities, get the diplomas which will open the doors to the best, more influential positions in their fields and then get busy modeling the love of Christ to the world.


Jesus and his 12 disciples sure make a huge mistake.

(man I felt the love in your post[;)])

Signed,
"Christian ghetto"



LizzieJ. -> RE: Mission Trip or MBA? (7/1/2009 11:37:10 AM)

quote:

Who knows.. The whole following God through life decisions thing can be so difficult. Especially when you have seen the joy of living simply and being around people who love God and are not necessarily after fame and fortune. I don't know about you, but sometimes I think making decisions like this one (something secular vs. something related to missions/ministry) is extremely difficult when following Christ. It would seem He would always want you to do the more "spiritual" thing.


I notice you have a divided loyalty thing going on here. Remember what Jesus warned us of. Where your treasure is there your heart is also. You cannot serve both God and mannon.

Yes our old evil desires can come upon us. But God does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand. Nor does he not provide us with a way to escape.

In my own life I have discovered that when God is asking me to do something Satan is one step behind offering me another way.



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