Bi-Vocational pastors often work harder than their full-time pastoral peers. Yet, they are often treated with disdain and contempt. In this post, I will define a bi-vocational pastor. I will also provide a Biblical defense of the practice of part-time pastoring. Finally, I will offer a glimpse into the sloppy stewardship of churches that unnecessarily hire an army of full-time ministers.
What Is A Bi-Vocational Pastor?
A bi-vocational pastor is a man who receives remuneration from sources outside of the local church. This additional source of income could be from a second job, a side hustle, or even a small business. Usually, this additional source of income is a financial necessity. Often congregations are unable to pay a full-time salary. Other times, it’s a matter of savvy stewardship.
Church Statistics
About 65% of churches in the United States have fewer than 100 persons in weekly attendance (Lifeway). It’s estimated that about one in four pastors is bi-vocational.
It’s estimated that the average church in the United States receives $242,910 in contributions each year (Washington Post). This is simply the average. The study included “churches” outside of Christian orthodoxy. Additionally, mega-churches based in Birmingham, AL; Alpharetta, GA; Edmond, OK; and Houston, TX further skew the data.
The National Association of Evangelicals conducted its own research. It interviewed over 4,ooo pastors in its study. It discovered that the median annual budget for churches was $125,000.
When Should A Church Hire Staff?
Does a church, with fewer than 100 members, need a full-time minister? When should a church hire a youth leader, worship leader, administrative assistant, or other positions? Should smaller churches refrain from hiring staff when it’s financially unfeasible? How many staff members are too many?
Pastors have an extremely challenging assignment. The church in the United States has both Laodicean and Thyatiran tendencies. We’re often lukewarm and have been known to embrace a false gospel.
Pastors plowing in these fields are often exhausted. The spiritual work is never complete. Is that a legitimate reason to hire a full-time pastor?
Churches often outsource work to a paid staff member for incorrect reasons. Pastors are not hirelings. They have a spiritual job to accomplish (Acts 6:3-4). Much of the other work could be done by volunteers leveraging their spiritual gifts. However, if members believe their offering is buying an employee they are wrong.
A church with less than 100 members rarely needs a full-time pastor. Plus, most cannot truly afford one. Resist putting anyone on staff with a church only in double-digits in attendance.
Office work, physical labor, hospital visitations, music, landscaping, and other things could be completed by volunteering church members.
Should Pastors Have Multiple Streams Of Income?
A church with a budget of $125,000 would be hard-pressed to pay a pastoral salary.
The Apostle Paul laid out a Biblical framework for bi-vocational pastors. He provided oversight to several churches, wrote several epistles, and reasoned in the synagogue each Sabbath.
Acts 18:3-4 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way and will continue to do so.
Parkinson’s Law
There is a well-known global ministry in Michigan that only hires part-time staff. Why? More money is available for local outreach and global missions. Plus, human nature must be crucified.
Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time allocated to it.
When a person is given eight hours to complete a task, the task often requires eight hours.
Pastors, generally speaking, don’t work as hard as St. Paul. Many spend as much or more time perfecting their golf game than visiting the sick.
Elder and deacon teams often demand a forty-hour work week even when the pay is paltry.
Bi-Vocational Pastors — One Better Solution
When a church cannot pay a full-time salary they should make other arrangements.
I have a cousin who pastors a small country church. He gets a stipend and some other agreed-upon benefits for being the pastor. He also has his own construction business. From April to early October, he’s slinging a hammer, preaching sermons, and visiting the sick.
This small church can pay the bills, fund community outreach, and global missions, and keep a pastor on staff. It’s a great arrangement for the pastor and pew.
Here’s an article that I wrote about the Grace of Giving. When believers feel their giving is genuinely making a difference they often give more.
Bi-Vocational Pastors — The Side Hustle Solution
A side hustle is similar to a part-time small business. A small business typically hires other employees to help with the work. A side hustle is typically a solo operation. It can be done in ten to twenty hours per week at the side hustler’s convenience. A set amount of hours are not required.
There are many legitimate side hustles for pastors. Not all have to be spiritual either. Keep your heart and mind open to things that fit well with your skill set. Perhaps they are spiritual in nature but they don’t have to be.
Should Pastors Have Part-Time Jobs?
Starting a small business or a side hustle can sometimes be problematic. If your church is paying a part-time salary and you’re working twenty to twenty-five hours per week you have time to work another twenty to twenty-five hours somewhere else.
I know of one rural pastor who drives to the city and works for a rideshare company. He’s making some decent cash on the side and has access to hundreds of new people each month. His customers share personal stuff and he adds them to his prayer list.
The Apostle Paul
Resist the urge to be the most important person in your city. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the teachers of the law for that behavior.
Serve your family.
Lead your church.
Make an eternal difference.
Don’t give up!
Imitate Paul as he imitates Christ (I Corinthians 11:1).