Christian Photographers Community

     Okay guys here is the situation. I have lived in my current city for 15 years. My wife has lived here all her life. I have yet to find a descent church in the area. My wife has church hopped for a good majority of her life. We have found this Baptist Church that we both like. (Me being a Baptist myself its a church where Gods word is taught and lived out.) The problem is that the pastor wont let us join the church. Reason being is that my wife comes from a charismatic background and believes in the gifts of the spirit.(I am not looking for a theological debate.) Still, I agree with the church on that stance, however, the pastor has known us for well over a year and knows my wife wont go against the teachings of the church. Another thing is that my wife feels like she doesn't fit in with the other ladies in the church, and sometimes the guys in are life bracket seem like a good ol boys club.(We are considered Newlyweds.) At the same time my wife has been out of work for almost a year and I just finished up my degree. We are currently looking for jobs, but aren't having much luck.
     I have thought about moving for quite a while. The problem is that my wife didn't want to move so I kept quiet about it and haven't mentioned it for a while. Then yesterday out of the blue, she mentioned that maybe we should move. Another problem is my my wife's mother. She has lost her husband and only son within a year of each other. My wife is her rock and the responsible in the family. She has an older sister, but she runs from any responsibility like Usain Bolt in the 100 meters. The pastor at our church says we should stick around and help her out, still I think if we stay I will be working at McDonald's. I didn't go back to school and finish up my degree to flip burgers. The question is should we even be considering moving to a different city and look for new opportunities or should we stick around.

Perhaps what you should do is job hunt on the internet and see what you can find.  In the meantime continue to pray about the job situation.  My father in law had a saying, "Don't throw away an old pair of boots till you have a new pair to put on!" .In other words don't move and give up the job you have till you know beyond a doubt that you have a new one.  I will continue praying.

True, but Iam out of work too. That is the problem. Are you saying that I should continue looking in the same town I am at? Still I apreciate your advice 

No look on the internet at other towns and schools.

ok will do.

Our Father has the perfect place for you .. and your wife.  Trust Him and continue to pursue work opputurnities as Judy has suggested .. It will work out as He has planned for you ... if it is a struggle then I would suggest it is not what He has planned for you.  Patience .... and prayer .... God will be glorified in all that you do if you trust in Him.  I'm praying .... 

I was very concerned after reading your post so contacted a pastor friend of mine and he's written me back with a suggestion.  I'm going to post it here:

He said that...

"They might suggest that the pastor put them in a special discipleship program rather than just keep her in "no-mans land".  Let the pastor have an opportunity to teach them and each ask pointed questions.  If that does not work, they may have to consider a move for all of the reasons that were mentioned."

I will continue to pray for you as you seek the Lord's will in your life and as a married couple.

My only advice is that you and your wife continue praying that you see the Lord's leading.  And I will be praying that for you.  If you are open, He will lead you to the church, the location, and the job He has waiting for you. When you have accepted His will, whether or not it is what you think you want, you will find His peace.

 The thing that gets me is that my wife and I have been in Bible Study with him and have sought council from him several times. He knows us well enough that we wont do anything.

Pat asked me to  throw in my two cents' worth, so here it is.
Your primary obligation is to your marriage and to each other, and for that reason the projected move may indeed be in order.  I do agree, however, with the pastor's suggestion as well.  What, if anything, has the mother said about it all?  That might have some bearing on it.

 My Wifes Mom hasn't said anything yet. My wife is afraid to move because she has been pretty emotionally unstable since her husband and son died. That is probably the biggest reason why my wife and I are reluctant to move. Still I know very well if God wants us here, he will provide everything so we can stay. However Columbus Ohio has a tough job market. Most recent graduates of Ohio State University  over the past couple of years have left town after or within a year of graduating. So I really don't know. Still I know that God will provide everything. Once again guys thanks for praying for me.

I am adding my prayers for you as well. 
Becky

Thanks guys