Bi-vocational ministry is on the rise in the American church, and that’s not a bad thing. The reality is that smaller churches are increasingly unable to pay a full-time, livable wage to pastors, but these churches still need pastors. Though many churches view the move to bi-vocational ministry as a step backward, even something to be ashamed of, there are numerous benefits to this model that churches should consider. Here are seven reasons churches should embrace it:
The church has more funds available for ministry.
The less money spent on salaries means more funds for other aspects of ministry. Chuck Lawless captures this idea well: “In most churches with full-time staff, the largest percentage of their budget goes toward personnel. The church that has fewer personnel commitments, though, can free dollars to reach their neighbors and the nations.”
The pastor has more contact with the unchurched.
It can be easy for a pastor to become walled off from the world outside the church. Bi-vocational ministry positions pastors to evangelize unbelievers and model a missional lifestyle for their churches. As Thom Rainer writes, “Perhaps the best way to break out of that Christian-only huddle is to be employed in a secular position.” Pastors also risk not being able to relate to the culture. Bi-vocational ministry allows pastors to be immersed in our culture for the sake of the gospel.
The pastor has greater freedom to lead.
Bi-vocational pastors often experience greater freedom to lead because non-supportive leadership does not threaten their total livelihood. Unfortunately, church bullies use the pastor’s salary as leverage when the pastor wants to lead the church in a direction the bully doesn’t approve. Thus, the pastor often must choose between faithfulness to God and providing for his or her family. That is an unpleasant but clear and present reality. If a pastor has a job with other income, he or she may feel the freedom to move forward without succumbing to such pressure.
The church is “equipped for the work of ministry.”
Because the bi-vocational pastor has limited time to give to the church, more laypersons, of necessity, become involved in the ministry of the church. Since bi-vocational pastors can’t do everything, they need good leaders to help carry the load. So, they must disciple and equip men and women to do ministry (Ephesians 4:12). As Francisco Bendfeldt notes, “Every pastor needs to learn how to delegate well for the good of the church. Bi-vocational leaders are blessed because they don’t have a choice. They must delegate tasks, and this is good for the health of the church.”
It relieves stress on the pastor.
While not always the case, having a second job can help create a sense of balance by offering a change of pace. With reasonable expectations from the church, this kind of pastorate can provide a mental break from the demands of ministry, which can sometimes be emotionally and spiritually exhausting. The variety can make the work feel less overwhelming. Many bi-vocational pastors find that having another job can actually be a welcome relief from the ongoing pressures of ministry. Having a secondary role allows pastors to “step away” from ministry and avoid the risk of burnout. Ministry can often be a 24/7 responsibility, and a second job can provide necessary space and time away from constant church-related issues.
It helps the pastor better identify with church members.
This model helps pastors to feel empathy for their congregation. Many have forgotten what it’s like to hold a regular job–how tiring the workday can be and how unrealistic it is to expect constant availability for church activities. Ministers who also work secular jobs likely have a better grasp of these challenges. They understand what it’s like to clock out after eight hours, rush home for dinner and then head to an evening church event. Balancing both roles helps a pastor set more realistic expectations for laypeople’s involvement.
The church develops more reasonable expectations of the pastor.
Congregations may be more realistic in their expectations when their pastor also works outside the church, as many members will recognize the limitations on time and energy. This realization can spark important conversations about priorities. A dual-role pastor forces both the leader and the congregation to focus on what truly matters, allowing for a narrower and more clearly defined set of responsibilities.
This approach should be celebrated.
Churches may consider this model for various reasons. Some lack the financial resources to support a full-times pastor, while others intentionally adopt it to hire additional staff or allocate more funds to missions and outreach. Regardless of the motivation, today’s job market offers more flexibility than ever, making it easier to blend secular work with ministry. A pastor in this position should never be viewed as second-string, nor should a church see itself as second-rate. This form of ministry has a rich biblical and historical pedigree and brings unique benefits to both the pastor and the congregation.
