Why Am I, Bi-Vocacional

“The Intentional Ministry”
Pastor J. Victor Perez
(Church planter)

Once I was asked as to why I was a bi-vocational minister?
As I listen I asked myself… why not be a bi-vocational.

The first thing that comes to my mind is that I have always been very intentional in all I do. What isthat means? Well it only means that in everything I do weather I am the construction labor coordinator or I was the painter or the finisher I have always try to be very intentional by being “ salt and light” to that particular place, event or duty I might have.
We have been taught to be bi-vocational means to have two ‘jobs’. As ministers and children of the Lord we have been giving twovocations that I recognized as bi-vocational. To be ‘light and salt’ from that point on I have drawn my conclusion that I only have one purpose and that is to be those two things, and the rest of what I do and who they label me is not as important as those two.

The definition of bi-vocational pastor (minister)

• Someone who earns part or all of his financial support from an outside agencyapart from the church or association or convention.
• Some work 20hrs outside the church others 40hrs and others even are retired and have the part time to serve.
• Some work on other ministries or as part of staff of other churches to help support the lack of funds from their community of faith.
• And there others like me who have always known that we could be more effective if wework and live among those who we pastor and lead.

“The advantages”

• Know what is going on with the community
• Contact with people save and unsaved all day.
• Opportunity to minister is 100%
• You will be light and salt among those who you are called.
• You will understand their needs and struggles.
• You will confirm their faith.
• Yourvisitation is everyday, all day.
• When everyone is working, you will be too.
• They will see you as one of them.
• Perspective changes (see things from their point of view)
• Financial is good; without putting the burden on the church.
• Depending on each church some will remain bi-vocational and others will be temporary.
• This is an intentional ministry“The call is to be a pastor so we must to smell like a sheep”-(mine)

“Disadvantages”

• Time with family
• Time for your self
• Time for the church

This is the strain of most ministers anyway! But it could be a very big issued for the bi-vocational minister too. The balance in the ministry is a must for that same reason we must be verydiscipline. I will not try to expend on this point I hope the advantages will indirect answer all of those concerns.

“The devotional life”

The devotional life must grow instead of decrease; the relationship with our Lord will be challenge, and the daily struggles of life will be a daily reminder of what the flock needs. Those called to be minister in the “secular world” like lawyers,bankers, teachers and even those in the construction and labor force areas will be needed to be intentional in all they do. It’s easy to forget why we are in that position. We must remember the passage of Esther for “for such time as this” and not forget that the One who called us to be soldiers is the objective of our devotional and love. Also it does not change that “your time” of devotion could bethe table in the break room, or the chair in the office or the hamburger place, or even as I have done many times in the company truck while waiting for the lunch hour to be over. Devotional time could be also with some of the co-workers and even some of those that already coming to church. I have taken my lunch hour with people that I want to outreach I could use a bottle of water, a soda, with a...