RBC’s series of Beacon articles this year showcases a wide variety of differing practices encountered among Rosedale Network congregations. We hope these articles promote thoughtful discussions and spark new ideas about the differing ways our churches are faithfully seeking to honor Christ as His Body.
This or That?
Part 6
Full-time Pastoring
I served as the lead pastor of Fairlawn Mennonite Church for six years in a bi-vocational role and then, for the next 20 years, as a full-time salaried pastor. Now I’ve transitioned out of that lead pastor role and currently serve bi-vocationally again.
Having been on “both sides of the fence,” I see benefits in both ways of serving, but for the purposes of this article I want to share some of the benefits I’ve personally experienced from being a full-time, salaried ministry leader.
First, the most important benefit of being a pastor with full-time support was my ability to spend more time with my family. I was able to prepare sermons, do visitation, and perform general administrative responsibilities during the day. Consequently, my evenings were more available to spend quality time with my family.
Second, I was able to focus more of my energy on the church because I didn’t have to balance it with other responsibilities. The church was my sole calling and passion. I didn’t have to struggle with divided loyalties and was free to concentrate on the needs of the church. Full-time ministry allowed me to give more focused time to study for sermons, pray for our church, and intentionally discern what God was calling us to do as a church.
Third, full-time ministry made it more possible for me to continue learning. I was able to stay connected to our Rosedale Network (RNOC) events by attending Pastors Conference and Multiply, in addition to other beneficial resourcing experiences. Being able to take part in these events helped me grow in my faith, leadership, and preaching, which was vital in equipping me for ministry. As a bi-vocational pastor, I was very limited in how many events I could attend, and I often had to choose between RNOC events and others that were offered.
I see both models working well. However, I believe I became a much more effective leader of my family and church because of the opportunity I was given to be in full-time salaried ministry those 20 years.
Duane Detweiler works as a coaching pastor at Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek, Ohio. He and his wife, Verda, also own and operate Salt Creek Coffee Co., a small roastery. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Bi-vocational Pastoring
At Maple Glen Mennonite Church, we lead with a team of bi-vocational pastors. This model has traditionally been used here, and there are numerous advantages to this model.
First, being a bi-vocational pastor guards against becoming stuck in the “Christian bubble” in which one is only surrounded by other Christians. Working in the community brings an authentication to the gospel and to the leader’s preaching because it is daily lived out in similar circumstances that many church members face each day. Leaders stay grounded in the reality of where most people live.
Second, bi-vocational pastoring allows more freedom to be “prophetic.” The pastor is not relying solely on the church for his financial support and can be less concerned that preaching the truth will get him “fired” or that he will lose financial support.
Third, it follows Paul’s tentmaking model of ministry. Paul had other means of making money than just receiving gifts from those to whom he ministered. It is important to have skills other than pastoring with which to make a living. Tentmaking allows the pastor more freedom to move on when God calls, rather than just “hanging on” because there are no other options.
Fourth, using the bi-vocational model brings more people into the leadership and management of the church. Since no one is full-time, the church absolutely cannot function without the laity being involved in the ministry and workings of the church. Responsibility shifts more from the pulpit to the pews.
The negatives of being a bi-vocational pastor can be summed up in one word—time. There is not enough time. Sermon preparation can be stressful for both bi-vocational pastors and their families. If a pastor has had a busy week without time for sermon preparation, Saturday will have to be dedicated to study. There are times my children are glad that it’s not my turn to preach because it means more time with them!
As lead pastor, I have numerous ideas, but I almost never attempt them because there is no way there would ever be enough time for effective implementation. However, at this point in the history of Maple Glen, the advantages of having bi-vocational pastors outweigh the disadvantages!
Tim Yoder serves as lead pastor at Maple Glen Mennonite Church in Grantsville, MD, and teaches psychology and economics at the local high school. He and his wife, Londa, have four children.
