In early American history, bivocational pastors were the norm. They shepherded small churches and, at the same time, held full-time, salaried secular jobs. “Bi-vos” (bivocational pastors) make up a large percentage of pastors today. In the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), at least 50 percent of churches are led by bi-vos.
Economics have played a large part in the recent resurgence of bi-vos. A 2006 study by the SBC discovered the annual cost of supporting a bivocational pastor was $17,385, compared with almost $60,000 in pay and benefits for a full-time pastor. Some small churches simply cannot afford to fund a full salary and benefits.
The designations “bivocational,” “part time” and “volunteer” refer to what a church pays a pastor, not to the tremendous ministry responsibilities he assumes in the church.
In fact, a better distinction between a bivocational pastor and full-time pastor is this:
Both are full-time pastors; however, one pastor is fully funded for his full-time work, while the other (the bi-vo) is only partially funded for his full-time work.
Bi-vos have the same concerns as fully funded pastors. But they experience different problems.
People often have mistaken perceptions of bi-vos. Some consider the bi-vo pastor inferior to the fully funded pastor (as if the bi-vo was not able to get a fully funded church position).
But that is a myth.
Bi-vos usually have overly demanding work schedules since they work two full-time jobs. One bi-vo said, “My biggest concern is trying to do everything that is required of me by both jobs.”
Lack of time proves a problem for most bi-vos. One bi-vo pastor said, “I’m a full-time CPA in a public accounting practice, and I can’t provide the needed amount of pastoral care that even a small congregation deserves. Time just doesn’t allow it.”
Secular employers often fail to understand the time a bi-vo needs to lead his church.
One pastor explained, “Many times, the primary secular employer isn’t going to be understanding enough and the church isn’t going to be understanding enough about the time demands of the pastor. He simply cannot be at two places at once, and both employers expect to be his first priority.”
What you can do to help your pastor:
– With your pastor’s permission, organize a prayer support group to pray for his specific needs as he strives to work two full-time jobs. (Three jobs when you consider his roles as husband and father.)
– As a member of the church, be available and willing to help your pastor with the work of the church.
– Be sensitive to his personal time needs as well as to his family time needs.
– Contact your pastor at his secular job only in case of a legitimate emergency.
– Encourage your pastor to seek fellowship with other bi-vos in your city, state or denomination.
Denise George is the author of ‘What Pastors Wish Church Members Knew’ and numerous other books. Denise and her husband, Timothy George (founding dean of Beeson Divinity School), are members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church. For more information, visit www.authordenisegeorge.com.
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