Fulltime or Bi-vocational

I have a son who is in a Bible Study in his dorm at IU. One day the leader told the group he would give a dollar to the first one who could name the Apostle Paul's trade. My son was shocked that he was the only one who knew. That might say something about biblical literacy today but I actually want to write about bi-vocational ministry so I thought I would start out by bringing up Paul.

Bi-vocational ministry is getting a lot of talk lately and most of it is positive. It allows for more access for ministry because it removes a major barrier, finances, which is especially important if you want to minister anywhere other than upper-middle class suburbs. It also gets people in ministry out of their cocoon and into the "real" world where they come face to face with the problems, struggles, and pain that most people face. And since everyone is supposed to be a minister anyway what's the use in having paid full-timers? Many times I've thought about becoming bi-vocational myself because I sometimes feel a disconnect between those I minister to/with and me. Several people have suggested that bi-vocational ministry will continue to be, not just a significant avenue for ministry, but should actually be THE preferred route considering the more hostile society seems to be toward Christianity.

Big mistake. Certainly there is room for bi-vocational ministry and that will continue to be the case. There are definite advantages to it and that makes it the only feasible means in many instances. But to hold it up as the ultimate way to minister is mis-guided. I have intentionally avoided going into biblical basis for each side because I believe both are supported and encouraged. But full-time ministers are important too.

In one of his books, Eugene Peterson talks about the "poised harpooner." His metaphor is a chase boat from the whaling days where he describes the frantic rowing of the crew as they chase down a whale. The frantic rowing is contrasted by the lone harpooner who calmly waits for the moment to strike. Peterson points out that to do his job of guiding the skiff as it follows a whale and then throwing the harpoon effectively the harpooner cannot be frantically rowing too. If he was, they wouldn't know which direction to row, and if they did happen to run into a whale no one would be in condition to make an accurate throw.

I think in the rush to support bi-vocational ministry we forget this crucial aspect of the full-timers. This is especially sad when the decision is based on, not really a lack of finances, but, simply the fact that the congregation begrudges paying the pastor. That speaks more about a spiritual condition than a financial one.

Let me make clear that I hold many bi-vocational pastors in high regard. I think they are doing the right think for their context and I think that will be the case in the future. If I felt God wanted me to do it too I wouldn't hesitate for a minute. But I am perfectly at peace with being a full-time minister and I think we need to be sure that it maintains it's standing has a legitimate form of ministry too.