Occupational Survey

I am curious as to what occupations are represented by LOGOS users. I know that the forums only represent a small percentage of all the users, but answers can serve as a starting point. I would be in whether you are a

Pastor
Student (level and school)
Educator (level and what area)
Laymen and occupation (either general, e.g. engineer, or specific, e.g. photonics engineer working for Kodak, or somewhere in between)
Retired (please give previous occupation)
Other (please describe)

Only give what you feel free in providing.

Just curious - thanks.

My answer - all of the above

I am a 1980 graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I then pastored for 4-1/2 years before taking a position teaching Computer Science at a Christian college. My education then included a MS in Computer Science Education and a MSEd in Community Counseling. More recently, I again took on the role of a part-time pastor. When I was accepted for Social Security Disability four years ago, I left the my Computer Science teaching position. With the disability, I am semi-retired. I still have a small congregation at a senior apartment complex and would like to find another part-time pastoral position, if possible. In addition, I currently am considered a student at the Rochester Institute of Technology where my wife and I take part in the local OSHER Institute of Lifelong Learning.

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Comments

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127606#Comment_127606

Now you have me wondering from a biblical point of view do you believe there are part time Christians as well as full time Christians and what would the difference would be?

I meant the statement as a vocational statement not a theological statement. I don't want to get into a discussion of who is or is not Christian, the relationship between works and faith, etc. Suffice it to say that I've known many people who so separate their religion from their daily life that I'm tempted to call them an-hour-per-week Christians. There are also many people who tell God what they are going to do and ask God to bless the endeavor rather than asking God what he wishes them to do - a stance I find overly egotistical and nickname me-first Christians. Then there are the cafeteria Christians who believe what they find convenient to believe. Or my favorite, choir Christians who select their congregation based solely on the music they wish to sing. And don't forget the group I refer to as professional converts who turn their conversion into a cottage industry. So just place full-time Christian into the perspective of my other classifications and recognize that there is good and bad in all these Christians. One could easily create a Christian cartoon series based on my "classifications".

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127614#Comment_127614

I think most of
the time our problem is, we don't point our finger to ourselves, it is easy to
judge others, but to judge ourselves is very far. I am not free of this as well,
may God help us. I don't know how it is understood, but myself, why I said
full-time Christian is not for boasting, or it doesn’t mean that I am doing for
the Kingdom of God as I am supposed to do, what I mean is ,I have
nothing to say else , all that I am is by the Grace of God I am a Christian. It
is because of His loving care not about me. I am glad to say that. I am glad
that I have found a place where I can fill in the blank.

Blessings in Christ.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127625#Comment_127625

I don't know how it is understood, but myself, why I said
full-time Christian is not for boasting, or it doesn’t mean that I am doing for
the Kingdom of God as I am supposed to do, what I mean is ,I have
nothing to say else , all that I am is by the Grace of God I am a Christian. It
is because of His loving care not about me. I am glad to say that. I am glad
that I have found a place where I can fill in the blank.

Well said.

Garrett Ho

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127627#Comment_127627

I don't know how it is understood, but myself, why I said
full-time Christian is not for boasting, or it doesn’t mean that I am doing for
the Kingdom of God as I am supposed to do, what I mean is ,I have
nothing to say else , all that I am is by the Grace of God I am a Christian. It
is because of His loving care not about me. I am glad to say that. I am glad
that I have found a place where I can fill in the blank.

Well said.

I haven't added my occupation to this thread, but I do want to point out that the OP asked about occupations. For those that say "full-time Christian" is this the response you consistently give when asked about your occupation?

I can't tell whether people are boasting or not - it isn't my responsibility - but it seems to me that the answers that explain how people earn their living most closely answer the original question.

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127637#Comment_127637

I can't tell whether people are boasting or not - it isn't my responsibility - but it seems to me that the answers that explain how people earn their living most closely answer the original question.

I think you have misunderstood me ,I am not saying anything
against othrs,I respect all comments, I
am glad who they are and what they have, I had
I have something to mention I would have mentioned. What I am saying is
all what I can say is I am a Christian, this is not work of man, it is God’s
Grace ,these precious brothers and sisters have a part of being a Christians
they have ,what they can say ,but I
myself what I can say is I am a Christian. I haven’t said that they are boasting.

Blessings in Christ.

Floyd Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127637#Comment_127637

the OP asked about occupations. For those that say "full-time Christian" is this the response you consistently give when asked about your occupation?

The original poster (that would be me) also praised the response given by those who answered the question "full-time Christian" and I even claimed the label for myself.

If listing an occupation is a form of bragging, then it would be better to not answer the question - in fact if your occupation provides a reason to brag, it might be better to change ones occupation so that there is no reason to brag.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127637#Comment_127637

I can't tell whether people are boasting or not - it isn't my responsibility - but it seems to me that the answers that explain how people earn their living most closely answer the original question.

There are all sorts of reasons why many people cannot answer "how they earn their living" in a traditional manner - retirement, disability, supported financially by others or pre-existing resources .... Their "employment/vocation" is what they do with their time not how they earn their living. An acquaintance who inherited shopping malls would describe himself as an international supporter of the arts - he travels extensively buying art from struggling artists in poor countries, sets up art cooperatives, et. al. Another acquaintance earns a living as a bar tender but his real vocation is the preservation of Tibetan folk tales collected from Tibetan herdsmen. Another friend usually teaches English as a second language between gigs as an unpaid translator for an international aid agency out of Brussels. My point? Real occupation and financial 'occupation' need not match - the three friends above would identify themselves as art patron, folklorist and international aid worker respectively.

If you find the answer "full-time Christian" offensive, I'll gladly switch to "full-time Christian volunteer/worker/practitioner" [:D]

JimTowler

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127027#Comment_127027

I'm a spacecraft propulsion systems engineer working for NASA.

I drop in and read this thread from time to time. Its great to see the range of backgrounds here. Some have shared deeply of various things, and I have held off saying anything for loss of words, hoping someone could say it better. And generally someone has, with words I would never have found myself.

Anyway, this is NOT one of those deep answers. [:)]

Its great that many on the forums attempt to help others seeking answers with using the Logos applications. I was thinking, next time someone complains or sounds too confused about all the menus, search options, clicky things, and commands to make the program dance. If the comments turn to something about it not being rocket science, maybe Patrick here can chip in and help.

Yes - a pointless long answer for a simple joke.

Hi Patrick [<:o)]

Duane W McPherson

Pastor

Retired Police Officer

dwm

Floyd Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127735#Comment_127735

Duane:

Welcome to the forums - God bless as you study His word.

Josh

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127614#Comment_127614

Now you have me wondering from a biblical point of view do you believe there are part time Christians as well as full time Christians and what would the difference would be?

I meant the statement as a vocational statement not a theological statement. I don't want to get into a discussion of who is or is not Christian, the relationship between works and faith, etc. Suffice it to say that I've known many people who so separate their religion from their daily life that I'm tempted to call them an-hour-per-week Christians. There are also many people who tell God what they are going to do and ask God to bless the endeavor rather than asking God what he wishes them to do - a stance I find overly egotistical and nickname me-first Christians. Then there are the cafeteria Christians who believe what they find convenient to believe. Or my favorite, choir Christians who select their congregation based solely on the music they wish to sing. And don't forget the group I refer to as professional converts who turn their conversion into a cottage industry. So just place full-time Christian into the perspective of my other classifications and recognize that there is good and bad in all these Christians. One could easily create a Christian cartoon series based on my "classifications".

Don't forget Chrieasters. Those who only go to church on Christmas and Easter.

Garrett Ho

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127644#Comment_127644

If you find the answer "full-time Christian" offensive, I'll gladly switch to "full-time Christian volunteer/worker/practitioner"

Oh, I don't find "full-time Christian" offensive at all. I just don't want any pressure (perceived or real) for others to follow suit when they'd normally provide some other response. [:D] It happens a lot on forums and social networks.

Matthew C Jones

I'm a stay-at-home dad. I retired in 1998 at 38 years of age.

Some things I have done are: radio broadcast engineer, rough-in carpenter (54 houses), dairy delivery (milkman), worked for Reagan & Robertson presidential campaigns, worked with Victor Reuther fighting union corruption. Also: Children's Hospital (medical records clerk), Independent Christian Church (preaching elder, youth minister, deacon, children's ministries, SS teacher), UAW Education Committee (developed computer & other educational programs), HUD (commissioner/executive director) during the Jack Kemp era, McDonald's International, Japan (translating, advertising & sales to the US Navy), General Motors NAO (electrical repair, trainer) DELPHI Steering Systems (programming lathes, mills, transfers, testing machines, & triple-axis robots).

My time is spent on electronics, home sound studio, reading apologetics, Biblical archeology, and anything related to Japan. (I'm a Japanophile)

The things I like to do most don't seem to pay monetarily. I'm ok with that.

Ken Shawver

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/128898#Comment_128898

Data Operations Mgr (BS Bus Admin/System Design) - almost 20 years - software company that designs ERP/POS systems for Hardware/Lumber/Home Decorating stores (think Ace, True Value, Do it Best, etc).

Father of 6 (3 are now adults eldest daughter married last year)

Helped in two church plants. Musician (sax: tenor/soprano) in two Worship teams - totalling 10+ years).

Working on developing a discipleship ministry, something God put on my heart 10 years ago - yes I resisted and tried to make excuses - but God has a way of constantly re-directing you [:$].

Trying to get further education and looking into on-line seminary to attend. Any thoughts feel free to send me a message at kwshawver AT sbcglobal DOT net.

Blessings one and all.

Wayne M. Pask

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/125784#Comment_125784

Hi Todd,

Good to see another Boilermaker here. I got my M. S. in Environmental Engineering at Purdue. Then was Pesticide Residue Lab. supervisor at the Indiana State Chemist's Office on Campus for 11 years, moving to School of Science as an Academic Advisor, for 4 years while I was training to be a Certified Lay Minister in the LCMS. Served two LCMS congregations beginning in '97, and in 2001 entered Concordia Seminary, St. Louis to be certified for Ordination. Was ordained at Holy Cross LC, Ashland VA in 2004 and continue to serve the Lord there presently. I served in the USAF '71-75, Did coursework for Ph.D in Entomology at Purdue. Worked at the Wastewater treatment plant in Lafayette, doing industrial surveillance & compliance testing... Life's been interesting... Wayne

Wayne M. Pask

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/125784#Comment_125784

For Todd Phillips: I intended to reply to you, and got a general post in this thread. Purdue grad here also. Sem my post in this thread, Wayne M. Pask Replied: Today 7:06 PM (May 14)

Wayne

Michael Birney

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/128898#Comment_128898

I'm a stay-at-home dad. I retired in 1998 at 38 years of age.

Nobody explained to me how to do that - retire at 38. I keep telling my wife she needs to write a book, or a song, or whatever so that I can retire at 48, but so far it hasn't happened. But it sure sounds good.

Floyd Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/129130#Comment_129130

I'm a stay-at-home dad. I retired in 1998 at 38 years of age.

Nobody explained to me how to do that - retire at 38. I keep telling my wife she needs to write a book, or a song, or whatever so that I can retire at 48, but so far it hasn't happened. But it sure sounds good.

I did it at 55 - but not willingly. I had to apply for disability through Social Security. I still wonder (at age 59) whether it was the right thing to do - my wife and doctors all remind me that it was. It is still hard to accept.[:'(]

Scot Wright

I'm the rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Kirkland, Washington. I've been a priest for 22 years serving parish churches in Hawaii, southern California, and in the the Northwest.

Michael Lyman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/129158#Comment_129158

In school full-time at the Tennessee Technology Center in Harriman studying Web Design and Marketing and when I've finished that Networking, Repair and Security if I haven't found a job by that point. I've been on unemployment for over a year at the moment.

BS in Bible/Human Resource Management from Grace University in Omaha, NE.

Worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for 7 years, La-Z-Boy for 4 years, have managed Christian Bookstores and a gas station, drove a garbage truck for five years, home building and remodeling, landscaping... any kind of work the Lord provides.

Have started a church in our home and started a 1/2 hour radio program each week on WRHA, a local radio station and working on starting a Bible Study at the school.

Married to a great wife with a Master's Degree in Nursing, who in the providence of God, has been supporting our family during these lean times. Our oldest son, who now has his own Logos Collection, is attending school with me taking welding and we have two younger children who we home school.

Thankful for Jesus now more than ever and His perfect faithfulness. Where would any of His children be without Him?

Russ White

Internetwork Engineering is my primary money maker, specifically in the area of building and designing networks and network protocols.I'm also attending seminary on the side, teaching a small group (for the last 5 years or so), author, blogger, shooter, part time gunsmith, sometimes college professor, and probably a few others.

Russ

tom potter

I am a laymen I am also a trucker who enjoys studying the bible

Bryan Sherwood

I am a 1994 graduate of Kentucky Christian University. I spent about ten years in some kind of paid ministry position before moving back home in 2003. I have about ten weeks left before earning my Master's Degree in Information Technology and Library Science (emphasis in Digital Libraries). I'd be happy to work for a company that produces digitized content (hint, hint).

Bryan Sherwood

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/131575#Comment_131575

I'd be happy to work for a company that produces digitized content (hint, hint).

Bryan, Keep an eye on this page: http://www.logos.com/jobs

Although I don't see anything specifically geared towards your Masters, you never know when something will come up Do you speak Spanish or Chinese? [:D].

Bryan Sherwood

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/131582#Comment_131582

Thanks Matthew. Unfortunately, I only speak English and dabble in some Greek once in a while. [:D]

Mathew Haferkamp

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/131571#Comment_131571

Hey Tom, good to see another trucker on here!!! I am also a trucker(pulling a refer doing that LTL). I study almost everyday in the truck, using the internet when I can pick some up. Well drive with care out there.

In His Name

Joris Anthonissen

Student Medicine (Thoracic and Vascular Surgery)

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/132127#Comment_132127

Student Medicine (Thoracic and Vascular Surgery)

Thank you Joris,
would you like to mention in addition to that some more about your involvement
in Church Ministry or related to that?

Blessings in Chrsit

Mark Stevens

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127606#Comment_127606

I am the ambassador of awesomeness and humility.

Oh, and I'm a minister! [;)]

Jonathan Burke

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/132578#Comment_132578

Education.

* Bachelor of Arts with a double classics major (Greek & Latin, Greek & Roman art, architecture, literature, history, & oratory)
* Master of Information Management & Systems
* PhD student (next year)

Career.

* Professional researcher & information manager
* Technical writer & documentation editor
* Corporate trainer & department director
* Lay pastor & elder

Friedrich

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/132578#Comment_132578

I am the ambassador of awesomeness and humility

. . . . . [:|]

. . . yup, i can tell . . . [:P]

Friedrich

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/183375#Comment_183375

* Technical writer & documentation editor

i've done a little bit of this kind of work for an environmental consultant--her reports, etc. Kind of fun, really.

Jonathan Burke

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/183388#Comment_183388

i've done a little bit of this kind of work for an environmental consultant--her reports, etc. Kind of fun, really.

Yes, I've found it satisfyingly challenging work.

Matt Hamrick

I entered the U.S. Army in 1985 as an Airborne Ranger. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2007. Then I served as an associate pastor for a church in LA in 2007 and 2008. Then I started college in 2009 and that makes me a student. I am currently attending Boyce College at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. So, I am a soldier turned student.

Steve Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/184072#Comment_184072

Pastor.

I am amazed--and blessed--by the large number of lay men and women involved in serious Bible study on this site. You've GOT to be serious about Bible study to use Logos!

Jack Hairston

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190115#Comment_190115

In various congregations: Employment:

Deacon Chemist

Elder Accountant

Elder Micrographer

Designated Heretic Special Agent

Elder Software Engineer

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/183387#Comment_183387

I am the ambassador of awesomeness and humility

. . . . .

. . . yup, i can tell . . .

Hi my friend Dan, could you tell ,to the country ,where you are an Ambassador,it is very difficult for me to find it on the Map?

Tes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190271#Comment_190271

I am the ambassador of awesomeness and humility

. . . . .

. . . yup, i can tell . . .

Hi my friend Dan, could you tell ,to the country ,where you are an Ambassador,it is very difficult for me to find it on the Map?

Of course you can not tell to the country,but you can tell me.

Greg B

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190273#Comment_190273

Layman - self-employed Certified Public Accountant

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190604#Comment_190604

Layman - self-employed Certified Public Accountant

As I recall, there are some other Logos users that are CPA's.

Anthony Keating

Pastor, and it has been a long day!

Wilson Hines

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190654#Comment_190654

Spent three years going to Bible college in the early to mid 90's and quit. What a fool.

Spent until this summer in the family trucking business. What a fool.

Now full time student at the local community college intending on transferring in the fall to Campbell University for a B.A. in History (non licensure) for research. Then going to Dallas Theological Seminary for Biblical academics Th.M. concentration so I can find out there is 1 opening for every 20 theological teaching jobs.

I don't even care. I will work at a anything but trucking. I will even pump gas with my Th.M and eventual Ph.D. I don't care anymore. In fact, pumping gas would give me the time to think more.

Steve Johnson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190654#Comment_190654

Pastor, and it has been a long day!

I feel your pain! I hope Logos made it more fun, if not a little shorter. [ip]

John Murphy

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/190699#Comment_190699

Former U. S. Marine. Airline Pilot (A320). Semper Fi.

Accompanied by Cujo - Loud, Obnoxious, Messy, Beautiful, Lovable, Blue and Gold Macaw

Rick Harrell

Pastor

Sam McCloud

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127625#Comment_127625

,I have
nothing to say else , all that I am is by the Grace of God I am a Christian. It
is because of His loving care not about me. I am glad to say that. I am glad
that I have found a place where I can fill in the blank.

Very nicely put, I like reading statements like this no matter what the original topic might have been about. It's good when no matter what direction we go in or no matter where we look, we see Christ and when we do see Him we never want to look away.

God Bless

Michael Lyman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/127606#Comment_127606

After being "unemployed" for over a year and a half, I start my new position today as a routes sales and delivery person for a growing company. I am thankful to be working again and having another great opportunity to be a light for Jesus in this rapidly deteriorating world. I worked for Dr. Billy Graham for 7 years and most recently for the La-Z-Boy Corporation.

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

...that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you...

I'm thankful to be able to give my wife some rest from her labors and for new doors of opportunity to share the Gospel in word but first of all in deed.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

Michael J Klassen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/193551#Comment_193551

Pastor, freelance writer in Christian publishing, author, theological reviewer for study Bibles. I've been using Logos every day for 13 years!

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/193551#Comment_193551

After being "unemployed" for over a year and a half, I start my new position today as a routes sales and delivery person for a growing company. I am thankful to be working again and having another great opportunity to be a light for Jesus in this rapidly deteriorating world.

Congratulations on the new job, Michael! May you be a light to all whom you encounter and do your work well, to the glory of God.

Sarel Slabbert

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/193690#Comment_193690

Pastor for 11 years now. Starting my D.Th in 2011. Special focus on the imprecatory Psalms. Any resources you can suggest will be welcomed.