By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
Welcome! Two weeks ago, we examined some benefits of bivocational ministry. In this article, we will further explore additional benefits of this important ministry.
- Bi-vocational ministry provides an additional stream of income
It’s no secret that ministry requires financial resources, and reaching more people often demands more funding. Engaging in business as a pastor allows you to tap into multiple income streams to achieve this goal.
Financial struggles can hinder your effectiveness as a pastor, making additional income crucial. This is a reality many pastors are yet to come to terms with. Ministry needs money to succeed!
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. ~Acts 20:33, 34 KJV
Your own side business or entrepreneurial venture not only supplements your income, but can also become a long-term revenue source, especially during uncertain times.
Unlike traditional second jobs, running your own business gives you control over your schedule and activities, allowing you to better support yourself financially if the church’s finances become strained. Relying solely on tithes and offerings may not be sustainable.
The church landscape is changing, with younger generations less interested in traditional models. They prefer smaller communities and passionate causes where they see the impact of their giving.
This shift necessitates alternative funding methods for churches, and pastors must adapt to finance their lives and ministry in this new reality.
- Bi-vocational ministry helps the church save more money
The church needs more money. In fact, the budget of most churches is always very tight, and adding salaries of more full-time workers would make it worse.
Let’s consider the church budget, similar to our personal finances. It’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial. Bi-vocational ministry significantly benefits the church’s financial health in every way.
By accepting a smaller salary, you lighten the church’s financial burden, freeing up funds for vital community initiatives. These savings can support noble causes like feeding the homeless, assisting widows or strengthening ministry departments. As James 1:27 (NCV) reminds us, true religion involves caring for the vulnerable, such as orphans and widows.
- Bi-vocational ministry provides more labourers for the work of ministry
Let’s face it; the work of the ministry cannot be done by only full-time ministers. We need more bi-vocational ministers in the workforce more than ever.
The harvest is plentiful; but the labourers are few. The saved money could also be invested in hiring bi-vocational ministers to lead departments like children’s or youth ministry, or even whatever the church wants to pursue or needs.
Think about it, if you saved US$30,000 from a full-time salary, you can hire a couple of part-time people who will take some loads off your work plate.
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” ~Matthew 9:35-38 ESV
- Bi-vocational ministry serves as good example for the ministry
Referring to his profit-generating endeavours, the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonians to “follow our example”. He said that it is “a model for you”. Indirectly, he was teaching that one can serve as a bi-vocational minister. He was telling them that God doesn’t frown on the concept of combining business and ministry. He accepts it and He is very pleased with such people.
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. ~2 Thessalonians 3:7, 9 NIV
- Bi-vocational ministry provides fulfilment
There are people who cannot abandon their professions totally to serve as full-time minister of the gospel. Even God Himself knows such people! They will never be happy and fulfilled if you ask them to do so.
It is in few exceptional cases that God would ask people to abandon whatever profession they are in to serve totally in the ministry. It happens once a while but it is not God’s usual way of dealing with people.
No matter what you do, there are people who cannot leave sports, entertainment, politics, etc. to do full-time ministry. Even after their call into ministry, you will still see them using these avenues to draw souls to Christ.
So, we could say that such people have been ‘called by God to serve Him in the area of sports, entertainment, business, politics, leadership and education. The church has made mistakes in the past by forcing people to abandon their vocations in order to fulfil their call, but we thank God for the light of His word.
- God loves tentmaking ministry
It is also clear from the scriptures that tent-making ministry or a bi-vocational ministry is God’s idea. He is never against it. There are people who still think that to show that you are serious and that God is happy with you, you must abandon your profession in order for God to accept you.
This is totally wrong! It is no longer news that most of the large denominations we have today are still being runned by bi-vocational ministers? Their being in sports, entertainment and business has rather been a springboard for their ministry growth.
- Tentmaking ministry does not affect one’s productivity
Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel after a transformative encounter with Jesus. He embarked on numerous missionary journeys, travelling extensively throughout the Roman Empire to establish new churches and strengthen existing ones.
He was a bi-vocational minister but that did not affect his performance in the ministry. As a matter of fact, he did better than all others. He is credited to have led very important personalities in business and leadership to the faith.
The Apostle Paul preached to both Jews and Gentiles, adapting his message to resonate with diverse audiences. Paul’s writings, which form a significant portion of the New Testament, have had a lasting impact on Christian theology and practice.
He established churches in major cities like Corinth, Ephesus and Philippi, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and community. Paul’s tireless efforts and unwavering devotion to his calling continue to inspire and challenge believers today.
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that Paul directly led these individuals to Christ, he played a crucial role in their conversion and discipleship: firstly, Timothy was a young disciple who became Paul’s close companion and co-worker in ministry. Paul mentored and trained Timothy, entrusting him with leadership responsibilities in various churches.
Secondly, Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira who became a believer after hearing Paul’s message. She opened her home to Paul and his companions, providing hospitality and support for their ministry.
Thirdly, the Philippian Jailer was a Roman official who was converted after witnessing Paul and Silas’s miraculous release from prison. He and his entire household were baptised and became followers of Christ.
Fourthly, Dionysius the Areopagite was a member of the Athenian Areopagus, the highest court in Athens, who was converted after hearing Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill.
He became a prominent figure in the early Christian community. While these are just a few examples, Paul’s ministry undoubtedly touched the lives of countless individuals, leading them to faith in Christ and inspiring them to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
- Bi-vocational pastors understand the struggles of lay people
Bi-vocational pastors not only understand the world and unsaved better, but they also empathise with their congregation’s struggles.
They know the challenges of working long hours, commuting, fulfilling family duties and maintaining relationships while balancing ministry responsibilities.
This understanding informs their preaching, teaching and pastoral strategies, making them more relatable and effective in their ministry.
Many Thessalonians Paul preached to believed Jesus’ imminent return excused them from work. This misguided theology prompted Paul’s famous words, “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
He encouraged them to follow his example of working hard, demonstrating the gospel through disciplined lifestyles (2 Thessalonians 3:7, 9).
As a business owner, you exemplify personal discipline. Use this authority to inspire others to utilise their spiritual gifts for ministry in the marketplace. Your bi-vocational experience bridges the gap between sacred and secular, offering a unique perspective that can empower and motivate others to integrate faith into their work lives.
- Bivocational ministry benefits smaller churches
Smaller churches often struggle with instability due to limited budgets, leading to frequent pastor turnover. However, bi-vocational pastors offer a solution. They can increase ministry impact without straining finances.
Bi-vocational pastors often have established roots in the community, making them more likely to stay longer than fully funded pastors. This longevity fosters stability and builds trust, which is essential for effective ministry, according to Darius Salter.
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]
