Being a bi-vocational pastor is not something I initially set out to do, but it’s something that, over time, I’ve come to see as part of God’s unique calling on my life. For some, the idea of balancing a full-time job with pastoring a church might seem overwhelming, but for me, it’s a role that God has used to shape me and my ministry in ways I never expected.
A Call to Serve, Not Just to Preach
I didn’t always know that I would become a pastor, let alone a bi-vocational one. Initially, the idea of ministry was clear to me: I wanted to preach, teach, and lead others to Christ. However, over the years, I’ve learned that being a pastor is much more than standing behind a pulpit. It’s about being with people in the everyday moments of life—helping them navigate challenges, offering prayer, and being a presence of comfort and encouragement.
Being a bi-vocational pastor means that I don’t just get to serve the church through preaching and leadership, but also through the work I do outside of the church. The nature of bi-vocational ministry has stretched my understanding of ministry to its core. I am not just called to lead on Sunday mornings; I am called to be an active part of the community, to live out the gospel in both my work and my church life.
I work as an accountant during the week. It might seem like an unusual combination with pastoring, but I see it as an opportunity to live out my faith in two distinct contexts—at church and in the marketplace. Both roles allow me to share the love of Christ with others, just in different ways. At work, I can model integrity, patience, and kindness, while in church, I can shepherd, teach, and provide spiritual guidance. These two worlds are different, but they complement each other in profound ways.
The Joy of Multi-Dimensional Ministry
One of the biggest rewards of being a bi-vocational pastor is that it allows me to be deeply invested in two communities. I have the privilege of getting to know people at work who may never step foot in a church but who, by God’s grace, might be impacted by my presence and my testimony. Similarly, my congregation benefits from my professional life because it gives me practical insights into challenges that many of them face in their own careers and workplaces. Whether it’s managing stress, navigating ethical dilemmas, or just learning how to balance work with family life, I can relate to the struggles of both my church family and my coworkers.
At times, the balancing act can be difficult—there’s no doubt about that. Between preparing sermons, meeting with members of the congregation, managing my work responsibilities, and being present for my family, the demands can feel overwhelming. There are days when I wish I could just focus on ministry full-time and not have to worry about deadlines or spreadsheets. But in those moments, I am reminded of the beauty of this bi-vocational calling: it keeps me humble and dependent on God.
Learning Humility and Trust
Being a bi-vocational pastor has humbled me in many ways. There are days when I wonder how I’ll find the energy or time to do everything that needs to be done. But in those moments, I’ve had to lean heavily on God’s grace. I’ve had to trust that He equips me to do the work He’s called me to do. When I’m feeling drained or weary, I remind myself that God has a purpose for me in both my work and my ministry. He is faithful to strengthen me and provide what I need for each day.
I also find that being bi-vocational gives me a better understanding of the challenges that many of my congregation members face. Many of them work full-time jobs, juggle family responsibilities, and still find time to serve in ministry. I can identify with their struggles, and I’ve come to appreciate how God uses each person’s unique position in life to serve His kingdom in powerful ways.
In some ways, it has helped me be more empathetic and relatable as a pastor. I’m not just a “professional” minister who only understands the life of the church. I understand the grind of balancing work and life, the pressures of providing for a family, and the weariness of trying to serve God while juggling many different responsibilities.
The Challenge of Time and Energy
As much as I enjoy being a bi-vocational pastor, it does come with its challenges—particularly around time and energy. There are days when it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do. But I’ve learned to rely on God for strength and wisdom in how I prioritize my time. I’ve also learned to delegate and lean on the church leadership team to help carry the load.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining balance—balancing work, church responsibilities, family, and self-care. There are times when I have to say “no” to certain commitments or take a step back from church activities to recharge, which can be hard, especially when there are needs in the church that I want to meet. But I’ve found that taking care of myself and maintaining healthy boundaries enables me to serve more effectively in the long run.
A Calling to Faithful Service
Ultimately, my decision to be a bi-vocational pastor is rooted in my calling to faithfully serve wherever God places me. Whether it’s in the office or in the pulpit, I am committed to being a servant of Christ. And while the logistics of balancing two roles are challenging, I’ve found that my work in both arenas complements one another and brings me closer to God’s purpose for my life.
Being bi-vocational is not for everyone, and it’s not an easy path. But for me, it has deepened my understanding of God’s calling and reminded me that all of life is ministry. Whether at church or in the workplace, I am called to serve Christ and His kingdom, using whatever gifts and opportunities He has provided.
In the end, it’s all for His glory.