Employee of the Quarter

There was a time, not terribly long ago, when I actively hid the fact I was a bivocational pastor. I can vividly remember a prominent Bible College and Seminary professor threatening his students with, “If you don’t pay attention, you’ll wind up bagging groceries as a bivocational pastor.” I also recall another ministerial mentor discouraging any sort of labor or entrepreneurial pursuit outside the four walls of the church as a “distraction” condemning folks to a “life of mediocrity” as a result of being too busy to demonstrate excellence in any single role.

Those words long served as my foundational view of what it meant to pursue multiple streams of income after ordination. For quite some time, I shied away from openly revealing the truth that I worked other jobs, led other organizations, and started businesses while simultaneously serving the church.

Today, I have a very different take on bivocational ministry. Throughout the past decade, God has not only opened my eyes to the many benefits of the tent-making approach to pastoral leadership, He has convicted me of my responsibility to advocate for the boundless opportunities to touch lives and expand God’s Kingdom found therein. It’s far from easy and requires many strategic decisions both personally and organizationally to be successful. However, when done correctly and with intentionality, bivocational ministry is not only possible, it’s incredibly fruitful.

I intend to spend more time writing and speaking on the necessary steps to be successful as a tent-making/bivocational/covocational pastor in the future. I have put some foundational work into launching a consulting ministry to aid and support both pastors and churches exploring this style of ministry.

And, just to be clear, this is not an approach to ministry limited to struggling churches facing an inability to afford full-time salaries. While bivocational ministry certainly speaks to these concerns, going “bivo” is an intentional decision to be considered by churches of all sizes and pastors in numerous circumstances regarding the most impactful way to fully leverage all of God’s resources (financial, personnel, property, etc).

Today’s post is merely to publicly reject those early, foundational beliefs instilled in me at a young age by seminary professors and mentors. Not only have I been making a meaningful impact as a bivocational pastor for many years, I was recently recognized for excellence in my work by my peers and colleagues by being named “Employee of the Quarter.” There’s a lot of laughter in my office right now over the way I can’t seem to stop talking about the fact I was given this recognition. I promise, there’s not a bone in my body trying to brag. It simply means so much to me, I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. After years of being hesitant to even mention I work outside the church, after being told going “bivo” would only ensure mediocrity in every professional pursuit, this recognition serves as incredible affirmation that I am, indeed, on the right path.

I love the work to which God has called me. I love the unique path I’ve been on throughout the past 20 years. It certainly hasn’t been easy. I’ve had more than my fair share of discouragement and frustration along the way, but it’s worth it. Pursuing multiple streams of income and taking on multiple titles/roles while simultaneously leading a church and serving the Kingdom of God is hardly the most commonly tread path, but for creative and courageous leaders desperate to make a difference traditional, professional ministry simply will not permit, it’s the only way to go.

That’s what being named Employee of the Quarter means to me…