Family helps pastor balance jobs
Gainfully employed as an engineer in Canonsburg and also an ordained minister, Martin Miller of Muddy Creek Township said without his family he wouldn't be able to lead Berachah Chapel, an independent, fundamental church following Baptistic doctrine in Darlington, Beaver County, He has been pastor there since 2000.
"The founding pastor died from cancer, and the interim pastor knew of me kind of secondhand and asked me if I would speak there," he recalled.
"I did, and then they asked me to be their pastor. I said, 'You don't even know me yet.' Then I called them back and said I was interested. They said they knew that already, even before I did."
The chapel has one service per week and Sunday school. An evening service was added, but because of some health issues and the distance — 20 miles each way — Miller said those have been cut down.
He's worked for almost 30 years in machine shops in various engineering jobs because "my first job is taking care of my family," Miller said. "What enables me to be in ministry is their support."
He and his wife have five sons, all of whom have been involved in music, delivering the message some Sundays or leading the opening of Sunday school.
"My wife has played the organ, has helped with singing for special things. She helps with meals, and we joke that a lot seems to take place around meals."
Mostly she keeps the lines of communications open, he said. "Because of the distance of the church, and I travel for work sometimes, she keeps me informed. She bridges the gap."
<i>Some area pastors work at a second job because smaller or independent church congregations, while being vital, are unable to support a full-time spiritual leader. Other ministers choose to work, and their congregations — and employers — are accepting of that. Area pastors and their second or even third jobs are explored in this story for Labor Day.</i>
