In Admiration of Bi-vocational Ministers

This morning it dawned on me that three of the last six Sundays I have worshipped with churches that are pastored by bi-vocational ministers. That percentage reflects reality on the South Carolina District. A recent review of the status of the lead pastors on our district revealed that exactly one-half of our pastors are bi-vocational. Two years ago, 40% of our pastors on the South Carolina District were bi-vocational. The increase is not due to churches transitioning to bi-vocational pastors for financial reasons. The increase is due to this one fact: of the 10 NewStarts that have begun the last two years, 9 are pastored by bi-vocational ministers (the 10th is pastored by an individual who is retired).

The Apostle Paul was bi-vocational, serving as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:3). Our bi-vocational ministers, whether due to necessity or preference, are following Paul’s example of earning a living outside of the support of the local church that they serve. These ministers come to personally understand the challenges that our laity experience in the workplace. As a result, their preaching and their ministry often contain more and stronger practical applications than those of us who are not bi-vocational.

I have always considered bi-vocational pastors to be heroes. The danger, of course, is for these ministers to become overextended. Sometimes local church ministry alone can become overwhelming. Add to that the time and energy needed for secular work, and the load can become quite heavy. We are grateful for South Carolina’s fine bi-vocational pastors and pray that God will continue to bless them, their wonderful families, and their significant work both in the parish and in the public.