A client came into us expecting a dramatic pivot. After 13 years as a Global Communications Manager at a nonprofit working in Africa, he was burnt out and convinced he needed a totally different career. He’d been carrying a calling toward ministry for years, had explored seminary, had even looked into moving to Africa as a missionary, and door after door kept closing. He just knew something had to change, but the path forward just wasn’t clear yet.
What he didn’t expect was that the discernment process would bring him right back to communications, just at the right place, with the right mission, and with a completely new mindset. And honestly, that’s one of the most beautiful outcomes we get to witness in this work!
When The Doors Chased Kept Closing
Meet our client, James!
For years, he had quietly carried a sense that he was meant for something more ministry-focused. He explored seminary, looked into becoming a pastor, and even worked toward moving his family to Africa as a missionary. Every single door closed.
By the time he found us, he had been at the same organization for 13 years, was running on empty, and had no idea which direction to go next. He knew something had to change. He just didn’t know what that looked like yet.
That tension of feeling called somewhere but watching every path shut, is one of the hardest places to sit.
1. Clarity doesn’t always lead you somewhere new
James came in with a wide net, applying to nonprofit hospitals, corporate communications roles, and everything in between. As he went through discernment, nothing clicked as a dramatic pivot. And instead of seeing that as a failure, he let it be information.
The process didn’t give him a new career. It gave him back his confidence in the one he already had. He realized he wasn’t actually done with communications. He was just done with where he was doing it, and there’s a big difference between burning out on your field and burning out on your environment.
If you go through discernment and land back in a similar lane, don’t dismiss it. Ask yourself what’s actually broken. Is it the work itself, or is it the organization, the mission, or the culture? Sometimes that one question changes everything.
2. Less think, more click
Once James narrowed his search to nonprofits and started applying, he hit the wall that almost every job seeker hits. Overthinking every single step. Rewriting emails that were already written. Second-guessing every application. Spending two hours a day and barely moving the needle.
The shift that changed everything was simple: “Less think, more click!“ Send the message. Apply to the job. Stop self-selecting out of opportunities before anyone else has even seen your name. James had to consecrate the process to God, not just the outcome, and that humility of trusting a system that wasn’t his own is what got him moving.
If you’re spending more time thinking about applying than actually applying, set a timer and commit to action. The goal is to keep moving because serendipity can’t find a still target!
3. Bold action needs bold prayer
In February, James prayed a specific prayer. Deliverance from where he was and open floodgates for what was next. He wasn’t vague about it. He asked God for what he actually wanted, like a kid asking his dad for the Lego Millennium Falcon, not just a cup of water. He’d had to let go of a small version of God and embrace the one who actually loves to give good gifts to his children!
That same week, two ministry organizations reached out. Not two generic nonprofits, but two ministries closely aligned with James’ heart. By Friday he had two interviews. One wasn’t the right fit. The other was Vapor Ministries, where he starts in a few weeks.
Tell God specifically what you want, what you’re afraid of, and what you’re trusting Him with. Then watch how He responds, and pay close enough attention to notice it when He does.
4. Consecrate the interview, not just the outcome
Before his first interview with Vapor Ministries, James prayed something that stuck with us. “This is yours, God. If I bomb it, if I never hear back, if I move to the next step, it’s yours.” That prayer freed him from performing and let him actually show up.
By the time he got to the full-day values-based interview, three hours from home and a full day of conversation and a live presentation, he wasn’t trying to be impressive. He was just being honest. He told them where he’d struggled. He acknowledged the sacrifice the role would require. He got the offer the next morning, on a Saturday, because they didn’t want to wait.
Before any interview, pray it over. Give it to God before you walk in. Prepare well, show up fully, and then let go of the result. A values-based culture will hire the real you anyway, and that’s the only person who can thrive there long-term!
This is for you if…
If you’re hoping for a massive career pivot and the process leads you somewhere that looks similar on paper, hear this. That is not a consolation prize. Sometimes God’s plan isn’t to change your career. It’s to change you, and then move you to the place that’s actually been waiting for you.
James is still in communications. He’s still working in Africa. But three years ago, he wouldn’t have been ready for this job. The process of getting here, the prayers, the humility, the community, the bold action, that was the preparation. The job was always His to give.
Your story is special too, even if it doesn’t look as dramatic from the outside. Pay attention to the details. Ask the Lord to show you His hand in it. He would take such delight in that prayer! If you need help figuring out your next faithful career step, book a free 30-minute career strategy call with us at The Called Career.
