I have considered myself a change agent for most of my years in ministry. One change I have been resistant to is the bi-vocational pastor. The resistant most likely goes back to my earliest years of ministry. While serving in a well known ministry the executive director, a man I respect very highly, discouraged me from a type of bi-vocational ministry.
He used the Scripture in James 1:7-8, For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Unfortunately, this respected leader, I believe, was missing the point of the context, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:5-6). The context is not about two positions or bi-vocational ministry, rather it was about who is your Master.
The commonly called bi-vocational ministry is actually “Not a New Type of Pastor” but is one model exemplified in the New Testament. This model is not a requirement but can be a very rewarding choice and a service to the Kingdom.
I must confess that I have often discouraged churches and pastors from bi-vocational ministries. The difficulties of smaller churches being able to support a full-time pastor is one of the reasons for the number of churches closing the doors. One potential solution for some of these churches is to reconsider the potential of bi-vocational pastors and ministry team leader members. The good news is in recent years there has been a growing effectiveness of these pastors.
A first question about any change or anything that takes us out of our comfort zone is the question “is this biblical?” Actually, the answer is pretty clear from Scripture. The Apostle Paul is the clear example as he served as “tentmaker” to enable him and the churches to become effective ministries (1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
In a current church coaching ministry we have come to considering the option of a bi-vocational pastor. This has led me to do an in-depth study and research on this subject. The resulting message series was entitled, “1 Master 2 Ministries.” The basic challenge is to see bi-vocational ministry as serving one master in different places. A realization is that we need to consider wherever we spend time should be looked at as a place of ministry. Double mindedness only comes when we are unfaithful to our Master, The Lord.
Actually, I like how the North American Mission Board (Southern Baptist Convention) has redefined bi-vocational as “Co-Vocational.” We should not look at this as one ministry and one non-ministry position. We should actually be considering wherever we are as ministry serving one Master.
The next few Equipper blogs will consider both the biblical and practical implications for the pastor and the church when one serves one’s master in two ministries, “Co-Vocational.”