God calls some people to work in ministry while also working either part or full time in secular jobs to supplement their income. Bi-vocational ministry is when a person serves in a ministry while also being employed in a secular job.

Here are different situations for Bi-vocational ministry:

1. A modest budget
2. A smaller community
3. A limited congregation or support base
4. A church-planting pastor and staff

There are many examples of Bi-vocational ministry throughout the Old and New Testaments:  Amos, Daniel, Nehemiah, Luke, Priscilla, Aquilla, and Paul.

There are a few disadvantages to Bi-vocational ministry which almost always come down to time and self-esteem.

There are many advantages to Bi-vocational ministry:

1. It enables some churches to have a staff that they would not otherwise be able to afford.
2. It enables new churches and ministries to be launched with qualified leaders.
3. It enables bi-vocational ministers to be able to relate to church people and understand what it’s like to work in a secular workplace.
4. It enables ministers to remain more connected with unchurched people and have unique outreach opportunities.
5. It enables church workers to serve with a greater level of commitment and sacrifice.

Bi-vocational ministry is needed, viable, and vital to the Kingdom of God. How God provides for our needs is not nearly as important as being where God wants us to be. If you intend on pursuing Bi-vocational ministry, you need to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are called to this kind of ministry.

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Related posts:

1. Explore the Call Episode 19: The Three Faces of Ministry
2. Explore the Call Episode 18: Custom-Designed for Ministry
3. Explore the Call Episode 12: God’s Will and Praying in the Spirit
4. Explore the Call Episode 3: What Pastors Do
5. Explore the Call Episode 27: Starting Your Library

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 12:33 PM and is filed under Explore the Call Podcasts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

Tags: bi-vocational, bi-vocational ministry, bivocational, bivocational ministry, call of God, Ministry, part-time, volunteer