I thought full-time ministry was the only way to serve God. Turns out, I was wrong. The most impactful work I’ve done wasn’t in a church—it was in business, in my family, and in serving others where I was planted. – Joe Lewin
Joe Lewin’s story is one of reinvention.
He grew up believing that serving God meant working in full-time ministry. But when every door to traditional ministry seemed to close, Joe wrestled with what that meant for his purpose, his identity, and his ability to provide for his family.
From manual labor jobs like chimney sweeping to leading a nonprofit in Kenya, and from corporate marketing to building businesses from scratch, Joe’s journey has been anything but linear. He’s faced career shifts, unexpected job loss, and seasons of uncertainty. Through it all, he’s learned how to redefine calling, find purpose beyond a job title, and build a life that aligns with his deepest values.
This conversation is for those feeling stuck, wrestling with career uncertainty, or wondering, What’s next for me?
Two Ways We Experience Career Transitions
Joe highlights two very different ways transitions happen:
✅ The Slow Burn – You sense something needs to change and start preparing. Example: Joe hated chimney sweeping, so he spent years building skills for a different career.
⚠️ The Sudden Shift – Life throws an unexpected curveball. Example: Joe lost his job due to market shifts and had no choice but to figure out his next step fast.
💡 If you sense a transition coming, start preparing NOW. If change is forced upon you, don’t panic—start asking the right questions.
How to Navigate the Identity Crisis of Career Change
Losing a job or leaving a calling you once thought was permanent can feel like losing yourself. Joe experienced this firsthand.
When I lost my job, I wasn’t just questioning my next career move—I was questioning my worth.
He shares how he fought through:
🔹 Self-Doubt – Am I good enough? Do I have anything to offer?
🔹 Frustration & Blame – Feeling angry, lost, or unsure who to trust.
🔹 Faith Questions – God, what am I supposed to do now?
💡 Your job is not your identity. True security comes from knowing who you are outside of your title or paycheck.
How to Build a Meaningful Career (Even if You’re Starting Over)
Joe’s approach to career-building isn’t about chasing job titles—it’s about developing transferable skills and adding real value.
Three Skills That Open Doors in Any Industry:
1. Relationship-Building – If you can connect with people and make them feel valued, you can thrive in marketing, sales, leadership, and beyond.
2. Clear Communication – Whether through writing, speaking, or video, the ability to structure ideas simply is a game-changer.
3. Asking Great Questions – Whether in ministry or business, the skill of listening and uncovering real needs is invaluable.
💡 You don’t need a degree to be valuable. You need to learn how to take the skills you already have and apply them in a way that serves others.
Slowing Down vs. Survival Mode: When to Pause and When to Hustle
When Joe lost his job, he didn’t have the luxury of slowing down. But in past transitions, he’s intentionally hit pause to rethink his direction.
🛑 Slowing Down is a MUST When:
✔️ You have time to plan your next steps.
✔️ You need space to process emotions and values.
✔️ You’re feeling called to a bigger shift, but aren’t sure what.
🚀 When Hustle is Necessary:
✔️ You have immediate financial needs.
✔️ You’re in crisis mode and need to act fast.
✔️ You already know your next move and need to execute.
💡 Not every season allows for rest—but even in busy seasons, you can create intentional moments of reflection.
How to Pivot Without Starting from Scratch
Instead of applying to hundreds of jobs, Joe recommends relationship-driven career pivots:
Step 1: Serve First – Offer free help in the industry you’re curious about.
Step 2: Build a Portfolio – Document your work, even if unpaid at first.
Step 3: Start Conversations – Networking is 10x more effective than cold applications.
Joe’s personal example? He landed a 40% salary increase just by hosting a podcast and interviewing people in his target industry.
💡 The easiest way to open doors? Get in the room with the people who are already doing what you want to do.
How to Build a Career that Aligns with Your Values
Joe shares the core values that drive every career decision he makes:
📌 Kingdom First – Will this opportunity help me live out my faith authentically?
📌 Family-Centered – Will this help me be present with my wife and kids?
📌 Autonomy & Creativity – Does this role give me the freedom to build and innovate?
💡 When your values are clear, decision-making becomes easier. Don’t chase a paycheck—build a life that actually matters to you.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Wait for Crystal Clarity—Take the Next Step
Joe’s advice for anyone in transition?
🔹 You don’t have to have all the answers. Just take the next small step.
🔹 Your purpose isn’t lost just because your career shifted.
🔹 Your most meaningful work might be in a completely unexpected place.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next move, this episode will help you reframe your transition and find confidence in your next step.
Connect with Joe Lewin
- LinkedIn: @joseph-lewin
- YouTube: @josephdlewin
- Instagram: @josephdlewin
Everything just changed, now what?
In a season of transition, it’s hard knowing what to do next. Finding Your Way to Flourishing is your free guide to crafting your Next Step Statement so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.