‘Calling Out The Called’ A response to a dire need
Craig Carlisle believes the congregational landscape is in crisis due to a dearth of pastors to lead churches. “Thom Rainer is the first I heard who called attention to this in 2011 when he wrote about baby boomer pastors [born 1946–64] retiring,” Carlisle, president of the Alabama Baptist Convention, told pastors from Metro Birmingham Baptist […]
Bivocational pastors juggle joys and challenges of career, ministry life
For the past 25 years, Keith Crouch has stood behind the pulpit of Belmor Baptist Church in Mooresville nearly every Sunday. And on the weekdays — at least up until he retired last year — he was also behind the wheel of a UPS truck. “At about age 29, I was serving as a deacon and […]
Financial Q&A for the Bivocational Pastor
The number one financial question among bivocational pastors is “Can all my income be in housing allowance?” Answer: “Yes, if that is appropriate for your situation.” The average bivocational pastor in Alabama makes about $19,000 per year from their church, so for many, it would be reasonable. Ministers should consider their particular situation as they […]
What should you pay your Bi-Vocational Pastor?
Many bi-vocational churches still operate under the old “lump sum” or “package approach.” “We will pay you $X.XX and you divide it any way you wish.” This can cause the minister to pay much more in taxes. Here are 4 easy ways to help your minister save on taxes, avoid confusion, help keep good church […]
Why be Bivocational?
Since being bivocational is a challenging lifestyle in any vocation, why would any pastor be bivocational? Here are few reasons: 1. Intentionally Bivocational Frequently a pastor is led by God to be intentionally “bivocational.” He is convinced that this is his calling – to serve only as a bivocational pastor. In fact, these pastors are […]
Basic Facts About Bivocational Ministers
1. Bivocational ministers are overworked and under paid. It’s not hard to agree that all bivocational ministers are overworked. Anyone in any profession who has two “full-time” jobs will be over worked. Because bivocational pastors are viewed as full-time pastors by their churches and, in many situations, the other job may be full-time as well, […]
Joys & Positive Aspects of Bivocational Ministry
1. The financial base for church ministry, as well as the pastor’s personal financial base, is usually stronger. Churches with bivocational pastors usually find that their financial base is stronger because there is not an expected obligation to pay a “full-time” salary and provide expected benefits. It simply means they can put more of their […]
Challenges of Bivocational Ministry
1. Self-Image Many bivocational ministers, especially pastors, often suffer from a low self-image of their ministry. Considering the historic role and current importance that bivocational ministry has in God’s Kingdom, it’s hard to imagine why any bivocational ministers, especially pastors, could have even occasional feelings of low self-image. There are those who feel that “fully-funded” […]