By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
Further, take heed that you faithfully perform the business you have to do in the world, from a regard to the commands of God; and not from an ambitious desire of being esteemed better than others ~David Brainerd
Having explored the concept of bivocational ministry in our earlier article, we will now examine some biblical examples of bivocational ministers.
- The tent ministry of Paul
There is no doubt that Paul spent some time making tents. The question is – why did Paul go back to making tents in certain seasons of his life after he started his apostolic ministry? The answer is that he only went back to making tents when it would help the advancement of the Gospel.
It is worth noting that Paul travelled to many places for years, and we only have three examples in Scripture of Paul making tents. It was the exception, not the norm, for Paul who was serving the Gospel full-time after he was launched from Antioch as an apostle. His apostolic ministry kept him travelling and preaching, and there were only a few instances where he was settled down long enough to even stop to work a normal job.
In Thessalonica, Paul chose to work while ministering in order to set an example for hard work and confront the laziness that seems to have crept into the church there.
Nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labour and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. ~2 Thessalonians 3:8-10
In Ephesus in Acts 20:33-34, Paul worked a private job while encouraging believers to stop buying idols of Dianna. If he had received support from those same believers, he could have been accused of trying to personally profit from the abandonment of the idols. This would have hindered his Gospel witness among the unbelievers there. So, Paul made tents in order to do more effective ministry in this particular season by not receiving finances from the Church. That’s wisdom!
Paul’s ministry in Corinth gives us the most insight into Paul’s view on receiving finances. We have a mention of it in Acts 18:4-5, and Paul writes extensively about this topic in I Corinthians 9. The foundation of Paul’s teaching in that chapter is the right of ministers to be supported financially by the Church.
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?
He then shares in verse 12 about how he voluntarily gave up this right for the sake of the Gospel.
12 Nevertheless, we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
It is clear that the reason for Paul’s tentmaking was not because full-time ministry is wrong or that receiving finances is wrong, but because it would have hindered the Gospel in Corinth. Yet he shares this while also trying to teach the Church there that they should be giving to support full-time ministers.
Paul continues in the chapter to reaffirm that there are labourers who should be supported for their ministry work.
1Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
So Paul makes his beliefs on the topic very clear here as well as in other New Testament letters such as I Timothy 5.
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer is worthy of his wages.” ~ I Timothy 5:17-18
Paul’s default mode was full-time ministry – funded by financial partnerships from the body of Christ. His constant admonition to churches and ministers was that ministry workers are worthy of their wages. Any other representation of Paul’s life and teachings on finances is simply not biblical.
- Jesus Christ as a pastor in business
Jesus learned carpentry before his public ministry. While scripture doesn’t explicitly mention him continuing this work during his ministry, it’s possible he did so to support himself and his followers. His choice of disciples from diverse backgrounds, including those with business experience like Matthew, suggests an openness to integrating work and faith. This aligns with the concept of bi-vocational ministry, where individuals balance secular employment with religious service.
Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.~Proverbs 22:29 NKJV
- Mary Magdalene as a pastor in business
She was a key financier in the ministry of Jesus, which suggests a background in business or significant wealth. While the Bible doesn’t definitively state Mary Magdalene’s profession, several possibilities exist:
- Businesswoman: Given her ability to support Jesus and his disciples, she may have been a successful businesswoman or merchant.
- Landowner: She may have owned property or land, which would have provided her with income.
- Fisherwoman: Magdala, her hometown, was known for its fishing industry; so it’s possible she was involved in that trade.
Her name resonates prominently within Luke 8:1-3:
“As He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”
In this passage, these women supported Jesus and the Twelve, suggesting their wealth and respectability, illustrating the commendable role of prosperous women in that era. This portrayal likely reflects the influence of affluent women in later times.
But who was Mary Magdalene? The New Testament depicts her as a prominent figure from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee, drawn to Jesus. During his darkest hours, she remained loyal, witnessing the Crucifixion. She was the first to see the resurrected Jesus and proclaimed the “Good News.”
Early Christian writings suggest her status as an “apostle” rivalled Peter’s due to her close relationship with Jesus, sometimes portrayed with physical affection. These records from the first to third centuries laid the groundwork for St. Mary Magdalene’s portrayal.
- Lady Joanna as a pastor in business
As a bi-vocational minister, Lady Joanna was a paragon of generosity and support for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Lady Joanna, another remarkable and affluent woman, dedicated her wealth to furthering God’s kingdom. As the wife of Chuza, the esteemed chief steward in Herod’s court, she leveraged her position and financial resources to strengthen the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Joanna’s generous contributions were crucial, as they likely prevented significant financial obstacles for Jesus’ ministry. May God’s grace continue to raise such individuals to support and empower the church!
Wikipedia details Joanna’s significant impact: “Joanna, mentioned in the Gospels, was healed by Jesus and became a devoted supporter of Him and His disciples. She accompanied Jesus and the twelve apostles, witnessing His miraculous resurrection. Joanna was married to Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee. As Jesus travelled, preaching about God’s kingdom, He was accompanied by women He had healed, including Mary Magdalene and Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward. Susanna and many others also travelled with them, providing for Jesus from their own means”. (Luke 8:2-3)
This narrative highlights Joanna’s crucial role in supporting Jesus’ mission. As a generous benefactor and witness to the miracles, she exemplifies the profound impact of using wealth for a higher purpose, illustrating the biblical principle of stewardship and pastoral entrepreneurship.
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]
