10 Suggestions for Bi-Vocational Pastors
One of my sessions at Exponential Conference this week was my friend Artie Davis and I encouraging bi-vocational pastors. The session, called “Flipping Burgers while Planting a Church” was to offer suggestions for those who trying to earn a living outside the church and pastor a church at the same time.
I shared 5 things to do and 5 things not to do. I would say many of these apply to all of us in ministry.
Here are my notes:
Do
Be accountable – let People speak into your life. You’ll feel more independent if you’re not dependent on the church for income.
Be disciplined – Stay healthy in all areas of your life.
Be organized – Have someone help you if needed, but develop systems to do everything you have to do in a week.
Be intentional – It’s hard work, but you have to keep both business and church worlds running well, and still be a good family man. It will require intentionality.
Be diligent – In all areas of your life, you must do your best. It’s your witness.
Don’t
Complain to church – About how hard you have to work. They should know you do, but not hear you complain about it all the time.
Lose sight of vision – The reason you are doing what you are doing is to complete the call God has on your life.
Let yourself burnout – Stay healthy physically, emotionally. Again, let people speak into your life who recognize when you are stretching yourself too far.
Allow one to outshine the other – Be good in all worlds…it will be hard, you’ll need God’s strength, but it’s your witness.
Neglect your family – That makes it even harder, but they are your first commitment.
I closed by explaining the concept in THIS POST. A key to doing more in life is that you have to get better personally.
Have you ever had to balance dual careers? What advice would you give?
