It’s absolutely true. There IS no such thing as a part-time church staff position!   Oh, your church has a bi-vocational pastor? Or a part-time youth minister? Well, he may be paid part-time for his church ministry, but his heart is working full-time. I remember when my husband, Steve, was a part-time youth minister during seminary days. There was nothing part-time about that job!  It was his God-given ministry, and he invested himself in it.

 

Last Sunday, we worshipped at Northridge Baptist Church in Fort Wayne IN.  Pastor Gary Green is a bi-vocational pastor with a full-time job as a 5^th grade elementary school teacher. A gifted and committed pastor, he has joyfully served in a bi-vocational role for many years.  Pastor Green dedicates his every extra moment to preparing sermons, ministering to church members, and leading his church to reach their community. Deacons and church leaders work alongside him, and God has used them to impact the community around Northridge. You can hear it in Pastor Green’s voice–he loves to pastor AND he loves to teach! God has used his teaching position as an extension of his pastoral ministry, and allowed him to influence many children and families for Christ.

 

The pastor’s wife, Vickie, is the church’s volunteer choir leader. And what a choir!  In a worship center filled with about a hundred folks, 28 of those sang in the choir. Though the number itself was remarkable, the faces were more impressive. As they enthusiastically led the congregation in praise and sang a beautiful choir special, every singer’s face reflected the words they conveyed. It was awesome!

 

Northridge is a small church with a big vision. They’ve built a large gym building and have just called a new part-time youth minister to help reach young people in their town. As I watched Pastor Gary and Vickie welcoming guests and loving members, celebrating Vacation Bible School results, and bragging about the homemade pies at the carry-in lunch, I thanked God for His call on their lives. I praised God for the many other bi-vocational pastors in Indiana, and the sacrifices they make.

 

Bi-vocational pastors have an almost impossible task. Pastor Gary plans to retire in a few years, and serve in a full-time pastoral capacity. Until then, he joyfully juggles his minutes and ministries.  If your church has a bi-vocational or part-time pastor or staff members, make a commitment to work doubly hard alongside them in ministry.

 

Well, come to think of it, I supposed we’re all a little like a bi-vocational minister. We work our regular jobs to the best of our abilities (and to pay the bills), but our highest calling is to serve our God in every area of our lives.

 

Okay. Okay. I’ll change my heading from “Bi-Vo? Oh, no!” to “Bi-Vo? Oh, yeah!”

 

Keep on shining!

This Fresh Idea was posted on Thursday, June 28th, 2007 | Uncategorized.