EDITOR’S NOTE — An estimated 55% of Alabama Baptist pastors serve bivocationally or covocationally. Many more serve as bivocational ministers in other church roles. In this series, TAB will share some of their stories, adapted from information provided by the Alabama Baptist Fellowship of Bivocational Ministers.
First in a series — Andy Frazier, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Sumiton, since 2015
Q: How long have you been bivocational?
A: I have served bivocationally 17 of my 23 years in ministry.
Q: Describe your work outside the church.
A: I am a self-employed farrier (horseshoer) and ministry consultant.
Q: How many people helped you start your ministry?
A: We had 27 people to begin our church revitalization in 2015.
Q: What type of facilities did you have for gathering as a church?
A: I am serving at an established church, more than 40 years old, in a wonderful location with a large, yet poorly maintained, facility.
Q: How long did it take before you started seeing growth?
A: We started growing around 4 to 6 months into our ministry at Grace, but the church experienced significant growth after a year.
Q: What percentage would you estimate is transfer growth and evangelistic growth?
A: Sixty percent of our growth is new believers, and 40% is transfer of members.
Q: What type of outreach has been the most effective for your ministry?
A: Making disciples who share their faith and invite others to church has been the most effective means of outreach.
Q: What has been your greatest discouragement?
A: My greatest discouragement over the years has come from divisive members stirring up trouble.
Q: What has been your greatest encouragement?
A: I absolutely love to see someone being discipled and then see that same person go and disciple others.
Q: What are the most important lessons or suggestions you would offer bivocational pastors today who also want to reach the lost and grow a local church?
A: Be patient. Love and lead your family well. Trust in the power of the word of God, the Spirit of God and the plan of God to make disciples. Find other pastors to do life with. Never ask your people to do anything you’re not willing to do or are not already doing yourself.
Click here for more information on the upcoming bivocational pastors conference set for February 20.
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