“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.”These words by A.W. Tozer are relevant as we look at bivocational ministry in the 21st century.
Bivocational —meaning “having more than one job” — sounds like a lot of work, especially working as a minister and holding a secular job. We search for meaning and fulfillment in our vocations. We long to see growth, achievement, and success. But in ministry, how do we measure success — by comparing ourselves to the church down the street or across town? Is the bivocational pastor less effective for the kingdom of God?
Scripture provides an example of a successful bivocational minister. God called the apostle Paul to minister, but Paul was a tent maker as well. Being a tent maker allowed him to support himself and maintain freedom in his ministry. Because he did not have to rely on people for his financial support, he had more freedom to preach as God led him (1 Corinthians 9:12–23). As you can tell by reading Paul’s writing, being bivocational also gave him great sermon material.
In the past when I was with other pastors at seminars or district council, I would mention I was bivocational. They would say something like, “When will your church get to the place where you can get back into full-time ministry?”
My response? I would often say, “Don’t feel sorry for me, because I get to minister to hurting people outside the church every day.”
I believe being bivocational is full-time ministry. I believe God is calling a new generation of ministers who can take the added responsibility of bivocational ministry and turn it into opportunities to be salt and light to a lost and dying world. Read more
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