I have been driving for UBER since May of 2016. Most of the time I like it, although there have been times I have been ready to hang up the keys and try something else. It has helped my family with extra money but it has helped me as a minister so much more.
I have worked away from the church on three different occasions in my life. I worked as a tow truck driver for my father in high school and college. I have worked at Starbucks; it was one of my favorite side jobs. I’m a full-fledged coffee snob now. These days I am getting my side hustle on with UBER. That’s what they call it.
As a minister I have found it to be quite fulfilling. It has opened up godly conversations with people that I would normally never meet or speak with. The conversations usually go like this: “Is UBER all you do or do you work someplace else?” Me: “No, I just drive a few hours a week. I also get to work at Westerville Christian Church where I am a minister.”
The conversation either continues with questions, confessions, or with silence. I don’t ask questions. The riders do a great job with that. A few times it has led to riders in my van in tears because their lives are out of control and what they have done for years is catching up to them in a really bad way. They have just poured out their life to me, a total stranger.
Basically what many UBER riders want is just hope. Someone who cares. Someone who will treat them kindly. Someone who will encourage them. Someone who will listen. As a minister I get great joy out of doing just that.
UBER is not for everyone. You hear a lot of profanity. You hear a lot of gossip. You deal with many people who have had a lot to drink. You put extra miles on your car. If you need a side hustle, and you want to see our world in a unique light and find another opportunity to witness, UBER might just be for you.
If you want to check it out or ask me more questions please comment below. If you sign up under my code then you and I will both get a bonus after you complete your first 20 rides. (I think I am closing in on almost 800 total trips since May. It adds up quick!) My UBER sign up code is K3YDNUE. You can sign up to be a new Uber Driver here. You can also use this code when you sign up as a new rider and get a $20 credit on your first ride. K3YDNUE
UBER, for me, keeps me in touch with a world away from my church office. It shows me the kindness of many people but it also shows me how lost some people are, desperate for anything to make them feel better. Many turn to alcohol, drugs and bad relationships. I don’t talk about God in every ride. I do talk about God when it seems appropriate and I am trying to encourage someone. What I do every time I drive is pray silently for every rider that gets into my car. For their protection. For their future. For their careers. For their families.
As a minister, UBER has helped me connect and understand our world better. How to talk with people. How to ask God for help in the moment. It’s more than money. It’s people. People who need encouragement and people who could use a point towards Jesus.
When I heard the rumor you were joing uber, I knew it was a God/Jesus/people thing. You’re amazing!
Just saw your post here and was encouraged by it since I too am an uber driver though a layman. I so identify with your observations and struggle at times with how best to reach the lost in my rides.
I typically place catchy tracts in the back seat of my van that occasionally sparks a question or two though I’m pretty sure some are taken home w riders.
I too pray sometimes for riders and by name as I believe I intersect people that never go to church and I’d never otherwise cross paths with. I’ve had a handful of fantastic divine appointments & conversations and a time or two when I’ve been able to pray with a rider.
Curious to know if you play Christian music or not w riders or your approach on this?
Blessings as you continue to be salt & light there. What a unique ministry!!