Before I came on staff to be the full-time family pastor at our church I served here as a bi-vocational youth pastor.
For several years I worked in 2 different ministries (a camp and a church) and my family has experienced first-hand the challenges of serving bi-vocationally. Working two jobs is difficult enough, but when one of those is a ministry it seems nearly impossible to lead your job, ministry, family, and community well.
Bi-vocational youth pastors, I am encouraged by your drive for ministry and students! Your meetings happen during the evenings when you should be home with your families, your weekends are covered with events, your vacation time is used for mission trips and camps, and you are not paid nearly enough to do what you do.
In our area of the city the majority of youth pastors are bi-vocational or simply volunteers. They are men and women who love students and have stepped up in their churches to make sure that students are growing up with a knowledge and relationship with Jesus.
I know the highs and lows you are experiencing in ministry. While I was serving in two ministries I had to remind myself that my current role was completely different from someone who was serving full-time as a student pastor. Your role may look different but part-time pastors can fully impact their communities.
[bctt tweet=”Part-time pastors can fully impact their communities. ” username=”chasesnyder12″]
It is out of my deep respect for you all I would love to voice a few encouragements that I had to be reminded of as I served bi-vocationally.
4 Encouragements For Bi-Vocational Youth Pastors
Student Ministry Is About Depth, Not Size
It is easy to get caught up in hoping for someone else’s ministry, budget, number of volunteers, facilities, and worship band. But we must remember (even for us full-time guys) that ministry is about depth, not drawing crowds. For our area the bi-vocational leaders excel at relational ministry. They have been in the community for years and they are not leaving! Keep serving Jesus faithfully and developing disciples who are growing deep spiritual roots!
[bctt tweet=”Student Ministry Is About Depth, Not Size” username=”chasesnyder12″]
Part-Time Pastors Are Real Pastors
The students don’t notice that you are part-time. You know how I know? Because they never preface talking about you by saying “Hey, there is my ‘part-time’ youth pastor.” They see you as their pastor, because that is exactly what you are. Whether part or full-time, we are equipping and encouraging students for the glory of Jesus. You are just as much a pastor as the guy across the street with the full-time student ministry.
[bctt tweet=”Part-Time Pastors Are Real Pastors” username=”chasesnyder12″]
Being Full-Time Will Not Make Your More Qualified
Remember, God calls you into ministry. If your sense of qualification and success rests on your job status then your ministry will be shaky at best. Our joy, calling, power, and direction all come from Jesus. If you are dealing with those insecurities now, they won’t disappear if you become a full-time student pastor.
[bctt tweet=”Being Full-Time Will Not Make Your More Qualified” username=”chasesnyder12″]
You Need To Set Boundaries
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries that protect your time, family, and other place of employment. If the church wants you go serve 40 hours a week then they need to make you full-time. Until that happens, do what needs to be done, serve how you know you should serve, and keep an open line of communication between you and your elders.
Now What?
Bi-vocational ministry is tough but God is doing incredible work in your churches because you are being faithful and obedient to Jesus.
Keep serving him faithful!
