By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. (Ecclesiastes 10:15).
As indicated earlier from our earlier articles, it can be a daunting exercise to joggle the demands of ministry and business. It is, therefore, important that people who pursue such missions are empowered with the relevant knowledge to enable them succeed. In this chapter, we shall examine some tips for bi-vocational pastors and ministers on the roadmap to success.
Establishing some ‘ground rules’ and holding to them tightly can make it a joy to work as a bi-vocational minister in the long haul. If you are a bi-vocational pastor, here are 10 tips for surviving and thriving in the ministry.
- Understanding your ministerial calling
A major challenge in ministry is that many haven’t truly identified their specific calling from God. The term ‘ministry’ is often misunderstood, associated with preaching, wealth and popularity, leading to a disregard for other forms of service in the Kingdom. However, ministry simply means ‘service’. Any work done for God’s kingdom qualifies as ministry. This includes ministering to widows, prisoners or even marketplace players. Ministry success lies in being faithful to your unique calling.
In Acts 9:15, God chose Paul as an instrument to minister to kings and Gentiles. Similarly, every minister in business has a unique calling geared toward a specific area. As a bi-vocational minister, you must identify your specific calling. God empowers individuals to meet specific needs within His house. For instance, Nelson is called to marketplace ministry. Others are called into special healing crusades; others into children, women ministry, etc. These are all vital callings. Remember, God hasn’t called everyone to build a mega-church. It’s crucial to discern your specific calling and focus on fulfilling it faithfully.
- Setting priorities in bi-vocational ministry
As a bi-vocational minister, you can’t do everything. You must prioritise. Unlike full-time ministers, you cannot open your doors for counselling from Monday to Friday due to your business commitments. Dedicating a specific day for counselling is a great strategy. Remember your unique calling and adopt strategies for success. You likely have more tasks than time allows. Prioritise the most important ones and delegate or release those you can’t handle. Trust God to take care of what you can’t do yourself.
- Strive for balance
As you schedule out your week, make sure to block time for work, ministry, friends, family, sermon prep, rest and play. When one area is weighted heavier than others, evaluate if time needs to be pulled from one area and given to another to ensure nothing is about to fall off the many plates you are spinning. The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favour with him. (Proverbs 11:1 NIV).
- Build a solid team
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships” – Michael Jordan
Building a strong team is essential for success. No one achieves greatness alone. Surround yourself with individuals who understand your calling and can contribute to your success. There’s no need to overwork yourself. Delegate tasks and empower others to take on responsibilities under your guidance. Building a strong team not only lightens your workload but also brings diverse perspectives and skills to the table, leading to greater overall effectiveness and impact in your ministry.
- Manage your time
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” – William Penn, English writer
Time management is the key to success in bi-vocational ministry. Indeed, success in life hinges on our ability to manage time effectively. Mismanaging time squanders life’s opportunities. As a bi-vocational minister, mastering time is essential. You can achieve so much more when you maximise every second, minute and hour. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (EPHESIANS 5: 15, 16 AKJV).
Effective time management is crucial for bi-vocational pastors. Allocate specific blocks of time for sermon preparation, studying the Word, research and planning—and protect this time fiercely. This brings order to your week and reduces feelings of insecurity.
Plan to address customer complaints promptly and attend empowering conferences. Being a bi-vocational pastor is challenging, requiring commitment, reliance on God and strong faith. God’s Word has the power to transform lives, and bi-vocational pastors have the opportunity to preach and teach it effectively and responsibly. With dedication and careful planning, you can balance your responsibilities and make a significant impact in both ministry and your secular work.
- Create a restful culture
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. ~GENESIS 2:3 AKJV
Adequate rest is important as a bi-vocational minister. Regular rest is crucial for empowered living. As a bi-vocational minister striving for success, avoid overworking yourself. Your pursuit of success shouldn’t rob you of rest and recreation. With proper planning, you can make time for rest. Some people are constantly busy, with little time for rest. They struggle to imagine stepping away to recharge.
However, God designed everyone to rest, including bi-vocational ministers. Sabbath rest is essential for you and your ministry. It’s a form of worship; and as Walter Brueggemann puts it: “provides a visible testimony that God is at the centre of [your] life.”
- Develop your knowledge
Knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility. ~Robin Morgan
Knowledge is key to ministerial success. Same applies to business. Don’t expect to succeed in business because the anointing is working for you in ministry. Read widely and study about your industry. Success in any field depends largely on knowledge. Disdaining knowledge leads to failure and ridicule.
Ministry is no exception, it requires specific knowledge to excel in your calling. The anointing alone isn’t enough. You must actively seek the success keys through reading and studying relevant materials. You cannot do what you do not know.
A Barna study of 1,000 pastors found only 1 in 4 felt prepared for pastoral tasks. This doesn’t necessarily mean seminary; you can train yourself through online theology and ministry courses. These can equip you with skills like accurate Bible interpretation, sermon writing, effective preaching, word studies, and even basic Greek and Hebrew.
For further study on this subject, kindly get a copy of our book: Pastors In Business: Thriving As A Bivocational Minister; Strategic Keys To Success.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach, and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
