Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 4

Jose stayed in the rehab house for three years even though the program was nine months, emphasizing, “They didn’t pay not even one penny… I really was there because the Lord put it in my heart”—how does that unpaid, sustained service confront modern assumptions about ministry needing salary, platform, or personal advancement?

Another way to ask: Jose served in the rehab for three years without pay because he felt God led him. How does that challenge the idea that ministry needs money, fame, or personal gain?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
Based on Jose’s testimony, ministry can be sustained by calling rather than compensation: he served for years without pay simply because he believed God “put it in my heart.” That confronts the modern assumption that meaningful ministry must come with salary, recognition, or a career path.

Support from Transcript:

The rehab program was supposed to be limited: “the program… was for nine months.”
Jose stayed far longer: “I stayed in that house for three years.”
He emphasizes lack of financial incentive: “I didn’t get no pay… They didn’t pay not even one penny.”
He frames his motivation spiritually: “I really was there because the Lord put it in my heart.”
After “graduated… they gave me a certificate… you are free to go,” he refused: “No, now I don’t want to go. I want to stay.”
His service included practical labor and care: “doing some projects,” “helping… new people coming in,” “doing whatever I could.”

Discussion Follow-ups What would change in how we view “success” if long, unseen, unpaid service is a normal response to God’s call? How do our expectations about pay or platform affect who is willing to serve?

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