Hold your heads up high

If you have been following the Ed Stetzer blog I mentioned earlier you have read a few comments that really denigrates bivocational ministry, especially by one writer.  He keeps referring to ministry as the highest calling and seems to look down on those who work for a living to serve a bivocational church.  I think it's telling that in an earlier post he admits that he tried bivocational ministry for a time, and it didn't work for him.  If one isn't called and gifted for such ministry then it won't work, but that doesn't mean that it's not an acceptable call for the rest of us.  While it's impossible to read emotions and attitudes in a blog post or e-mail (which is one reason they are dangerous to write), his arguments sound a lot like those I've heard all my ministerial life.  They show a lack of understanding of the nature and call of bivocational ministry and they show a ministerial arrogance towards those who accept such a calling.  Unfortunately, it is still the case that too many fully-funded ministers look upon bivocational ministers as second-class citizens who aren't good enough to serve in a fully-funded church.

This post is to reaffirm your calling to bivocational ministry and to encourage you to keep your heads lifted high.  Bivocational ministry is neither superior nor is it inferior to fully-funded ministry.  It is simply a different calling to address a need that exists in the church today.  If God has entrusted such a call on your life then you should feel honored that He trusts you with that responsibility.  You should also know that He has uniquely gifted you to fulfill that call, and that He will give you the strength and wisdom to serve your church and perfom your other duties as well.

I write often about missional churches, and the bivocational pastor lives and serves in the midst of the mission field.  We're working on an assembly line or in an insurance office or flipping burgers in the middle of the mission field God has given us.  We are working side by side with people for whom Jesus Christ died, and we have opportunities to live our faith in front of people who would never consider stepping inside one of our church buildings.  Our work closely resembles that of the missionaries who serve overseas and work alongside of the people they have been called to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To me, to see ourselves as missionaries to our immediate unchurched communities places bivocational ministry in a whole different light.

There is no doubt that bivocational ministry can be very difficult at times.  Not everyone can do it, but for those of us who have been called to this ministry we need to recognize there is no higher calling.  You are a valued servant in the Kingdom of God.  Refuse to allow those who do not understand your calling or the work you do to get you down.  Keep your eyes upon the One who called you and you'll have no problem holding your head up high.  God bless each and every one of you.