Our TGIF article here focused on the pulls and perils of bivocational pastors. Being a bivocational pastor comes with multiple challenges. But those challenges are accompanied by many rewards that benefit both the pastors and the churches they serve.
Unwrapping the GIFT
With the perils, there are also several positives. For many, bivocational ministry is a GIFT. Let’s unfold the acronym:
G — Godly witness in the community is enhanced. The leader serves in another capacity, such as a second job or as a student, increasing church visibility in the neighborhood.
I — Increased lay leadership opportunities. Lay leaders are encouraged and empowered to perform ministries when the pastoral minister isn’t available.
F — Financial relief for the church budget. Many congregations simply don’t have the financial resources to employ a full-time ministry leader.
T — Two jobs pay more than one. The ministry leader has an increased capacity to earn a reasonable livelihood.
Living the GIFT
Two bivocational ministers have a story to tell. Darrell Fletcher is a field strategist for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board for southwestern Virginia and a leader in ministry to bivocational leaders. He also operates a small farm. Jeff Kinder serves as the pastor of Rosedale (Va.) Baptist Church and also works as a bus driver for Russell County public schools.
G — Godly witness enhanced
How does the witness to the community increase by the church having a bivocational ministry leader?
Jeff notes, “It puts you into places that you would never be had it not been for your job. As a bus driver, I encounter a whole new world of people such as janitors, cooks, teachers, and administrators, not to mention the children with whom I have developed relationships.
“In a sense, you have a whole new congregation. Co-workers are always coming to me with prayer requests, problems they are dealing with, and exciting announcements of weddings and births.”
Darrell adds, “The bivocational pastor has a stake in the community. This helps the leader to identify with the area in which they live, work, worship, and lead.”
I – Increased lay leadership
What are the benefits of shared responsibilities for the laity when the leader has dueling responsibilities?
“I have seen it force people to step up and take responsibilities,” says Jeff. “There have been times when deacons have had to make a hospital visit because it was time for my bus run. It makes people grow in their commitment and really strengthens them. I can delegate so much easier because my people respect my time and for the most part, when they call on me, I know it is serious.”
F – Finances
How best can churches utilize their budgets when the burden of salaries is not overbearing?
“It takes anxiety off the pastor,” says Darrell. “It also takes strain off of the church. It frees the smaller church to offer more ministries since all of its resources are not tied up in salaries.”
T – Two incomes for the leader
In what ways do bivocational ministers benefit in knowing they can supply most of their own finances?
“I think it gives you a sense of security”, says Jeff. “You are not employed by the church or ‘the deacon board.’ You are called by God. I have seen where pressure has been applied to pastors in different ways. As the old saying goes, ‘You won't bite the hand that feeds you.’
“Also in the world we live in today, who knows what the future holds. My wife and I have got ourselves in a position in which either one of us could lose our job and still make it financially.”
Darrell adds that it helps the pastor stay in the community longer. “The ‘I’ve got to move before I starve’ mentality is more prevalent than most bivocational pastors will admit, but they usually won’t tell anybody about this and move on to a different ministry setting.”
The gift of the bivocational church to God’s kingdom
Darrell went on to share some important insights. “Bivocational ministry is not a stepping stone into a ‘real’ church. Maybe some of the problem in small churches today is because we view them as just that, ‘small churches.’ Maybe, if we could view all churches as viable centers for Kingdom work, then ministry leaders would not be tempted to feel as if they are starting ‘here’ to get ‘there’, or getting their feet wet to prepare for bigger churches.
“If we view any church in a ‘lesser’ light, then we run the risk of declaring God-given ministries and ministers as irrelevant and not carrying enough Kingdom impact to warrant our support.”
Bivocational ministry is as important the God’s kingdom as it ever has been.
Never give up on the small church or those men and women who are called to lead them. Bivocational leadership has historical and biblical relevancy. But for the faith community without full-time leadership, “tentmaking” is truly a gift!
Bob Dale is a leader coach living in Richmond. David Peppler is pastor of Muddy Creek Baptist Church in Powhatan, Va.