Bivocationalism

Bivocationalism has historical roots — and modern benefits

As church size declines, more pastors pursue second (and even third) careers for economic or personal reasons. Researchers and practitioners share guidance on how to make it work, advising that letting go of the stigma can be a first step.

By Leslie Quander Wooldridge Journalist

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Don't be afraid of a future with more bivocational ministers

With collaboration and clear communication, bivocational ministry can be an opportunity to innovate and thrive, says a professor and counselor for ministers.

By Jessica Young Brown Licensed clinical psychologist

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Nathan Kirkpatrick: In pursuit of a life-giving side hustle

The future of ministry is multivocational. How can we imagine a model of multivocational ministry that is less about simply making ends meet and more about pursuing passions and engaging creativity?

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

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Peter Doddema: I’m excited to see the potential in the rural church

A bivocational Episcopal priest in eastern Kentucky shares his joy at being part of a changing church.

By Peter Doddema Rector, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Harrodsburg, Kentucky

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It’s time to recalibrate expectations for clergy

By Nathan Kirkpatrick Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC

Denominations and congregations have based their expectations on full-time, paid ministry -- and yet the trend is toward part-time, bivocational and unpaid clergy.

Ken Carter: Rediscovering ancient-future practices of stewardship

There are three New Testament models of stewardship: the beggar, the patron and the tentmaker. Can we re-imagine these roles for a new age? asks a UMC bishop.

By Kenneth H. Carter Jr. UMC Bishop

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Jason Byassee: We may all be headed to bivocational ministry

Our institutions have to become more nimble, more entrepreneurial, more missional if they’re going to have futures, says a theologian and pastor. And that means a change in the nature of ministry.

By Jason Byassee Senior minister, Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Toronto

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Lynne Hinton: Pastor or writer?

Being both a minister and a novelist is a delicate balance for the author of "Friendship Cake" and other books.

Carol Howard Merritt: How decisions choke the young

By Carol Howard Merritt Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Spring City, Tennessee

How can we focus our institutions’ resources to invest in the young?

Cheryl Sanders: Finding identity in the world

Pastoring a church you grew up in has its benefits and challenges, says a pastor and professor of Christian ethics at Howard University. Still, the focus must be on charting a course for the future.

N.T. Wright: Working on a building

Institutions are essential to the church’s mission, but they are not reality, Wright says. They are merely the scaffolding and plumbing that make possible the building called community.