Why I Am Thankful to Be a Bi-vocational Preacher — And Why You Might Consider It

by John W. Boyd

I love gospel preachers. I admire men who devote their full vocational lives to ministry, and I am grateful for the sacrifices they make for the kingdom. This article is not an argument against full-time preachers in any way. Instead, it is simply a reflection on why I am personally thankful to be a bi-vocational preacher...and why others may find blessings in this path as well.

At different times throughout my childhood, I watched my dad work full-time in secular work while also serving as a preacher. To be honest, at the time, I often asked myself, 'Why?' He is a great preacher! Why would he not just do that!?

I think that I now understand why…

For the past few years, I have worked in retail management while preaching regularly. Holding both roles has stretched me, humbled me, and strengthened my faith. It has also given me a perspective that has blessed my preaching and many of my relationships.

Here are some reasons I am thankful to serve as a bi-vocational preacher.

It Keeps Me Connected to the World My Congregation Lives In

For over 15 years, I have worked in retail management. I’ve been the person who had to make difficult decisions about scheduling, hiring, promotions, and job performance. I’ve worked late nights, early mornings, holidays, and unexpected emergencies…just like many in the pews have to do at their jobs.

Because of this, I understand firsthand the pressures that Christians face in secular workplaces:

• dedication to work and dedication to God and family
• being evaluated by performance metrics
• dealing with difficult coworkers or customers
• navigating ethical dilemmas
• feeling the strain of limited time and energy

When I preach about perseverance, integrity, stress, or temptation, I am preaching as someone(and at someone) who feels those realities each week. I believe that shared experiences have helped me speak more practically and realistically to the everyday struggles of God’s people.

It Protects My Independence in the Pulpit

One of the greatest blessings of being bivocational is that my family's financial survival does not depend on whether people like my sermon or stand for the truth that I have a duty to make.

Simply put…I can not be bought

Paul said to preach the word “in season and out of season” (II Timothy 4:2). Sometimes preaching out of season means saying things that are needed but unpopular.

When a preacher’s livelihood depends on a congregation’s approval, the temptation to soften or avoid certain subjects is understandable. Working outside the church alleviates that pressure from my heart. I do not feel “owned” by anyone but the Lord. I can teach plainly, lovingly, and boldly, because I know that God, not human approval, is my source of security. I hope all preachers can feel this way, but for me, bivocational work makes that easier.

Both Full Support and Tentmaking Reflect a Biblical Pattern:

Scripture fully backs up preachers being supported by the church:

• “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7).
• “So also the Lord has directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:14).

Preachers being supported by the church are right, good, and biblical!

However, Scripture also supports the decision of some preachers not to rely on the church for financial stability. Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). In several cities—Corinth and Thessalonica —he chose to work with his hands to avoid placing a burden on young congregations or to maintain his gospel influence (Acts 20:33–35; I Thessalonians 2:9; II Thessalonians 3:8).

Both paths are biblical. Both serve the Lord. And both can be powerful tools for Christ's church.

It Opens Doors for Evangelism That I Never Expected

One unexpected blessing has come from coworkers discovering I preach.

I don’t announce it, but people find out. Someone sees a sermon online, a conversation occurs during a break, or a coworker asks a spiritual question on their way to lunch. This has created opportunities for conversations about faith, Scripture, suffering, forgiveness, and eternity.

Some of the best spiritual discussions I have had took place during a series of ten-minute work breaks. I believe that when people see a Christian’s faith in a secular environment, it can soften hearts and create openings that many full-time preachers may not get.

Being a bivocational preacher is not superior to full-time ministry... It is different. It brings its own challenges: time management, fatigue, and divided responsibilities. But it also brings the unique blessings that I’ve mentioned here

I am thankful God has allowed me to serve this way. If you are considering preaching, consider that bivocational preaching may not only be possible but may also become a great blessing in your life.