by ChaseSnyder | Aug 22, 2016 | Leadership, Ministry
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!
by ChaseSnyder | Feb 4, 2016 | Leadership, Ministry
Smart leaders understand that there will be a time where they will need to step back and take a break from their role. In the simplest form this is why our employers offer vacation time. They understand that we work better when we are refreshed.
The same applies to church volunteers.
Every now and again volunteers simply need a break from serving.
Unfortunately, most people will not take a break because they feel guilty that they are giving up their post in the church.
Now I will say deciding to take an indefinite break from serving in the church is unbiblical and sinful! You should not do that!
God gifted you uniquely to serve others so that they may glorify Jesus. I don’t think the majority of volunteers serving in church are looking to quit serving forever.
[Read: 16 Ministry Quotes That Will Encourage You To Keep Serving]
However, most volunteers are not looking for a way out, they are simply looking to catch their breath.
[bctt tweet=”Most volunteers are not looking for a way out, they are looking to catch their breath.” username=”chasesnyder12″]
Think of this concept as a sabbatical from serving. Albeit this is a short sabbatical, but the principals hold true. Sabbaticals are meant to re-energize, re-focus, and renew leaders so they can jump back into ministry.
When our volunteers are spiritually refreshed our ministries are positively impacted.
[bctt tweet=”When our volunteers are spiritually refreshed our ministries are positively impacted.” username=”chasesnyder12″]
Wondering if you need a mini-sabbatical from serving?
Here are 6 signs that you need a break from serving at church:
- You Are In A Spiritual Drought
Are you lacking in spiritual passion, growth, and excitement?
Trying to serve the church when you are spiritually dry means you’re trying to do God’s work in your power. This always leads to burnout.
- You Dread Attending Church
Do you dread attending your church?
Are you avoiding people when you walk in the door, hoping to make it to your group’s room unnoticed then slip out the back door when worship is over?
Whether there is a broken relationship, unconfessed sin, or burnout, dreading church attendance causes negative emotions towards God’s church and His people.
- You Are Convinced No One Can Do What You Do
In your mind, you are indispensable. Without you, the church would fall apart!
When you start thinking you are essential it causes an arrogant view of yourself and leads to a small view of Jesus.
Don’t forget, Jesus is the head of the church (not you) and He builds and sustains His church (once again, not you).
- You Are Serving In Too Many Ministries
When you are spread too thin, you will eventually fail at all of your responsibilities.
It might be time for you to stop focusing on every ministry the church has to offer and see how God has uniquely gifted you to serve in one or two ministries. When you narrow your focus you are able to invest more deeply.
- You Are More Concerned With The Process Than The People
When your focus shifts from ministering to the people to maintaining a program, you might need to take a break and ask God to give you a renewed vision and mission.
An easy tell is to ask the question, “Am I protecting the program or providing for people?”
- You Are Unwilling To Submit To The Church’s Leadership
If you are questioning every decision simply because you don’t want it done “their way” then it is time for you to take a step back from serving.
There is no room for pride in the local church.
Here is how to take a break
- Communicate with Your Leadership that You Need a Break
A strong leader will understand and respect your decision and help make accommodations while you step back. Make sure that you stay in contact and set a definite time period for your rest.
- Continue to Attend Worship
If you need a break from serving take one, but don’t take a break from church. You are created to worship. Skipping out on corporate worship and small groups will only contribute to your spiritual drought.
Prayer has a unique way of encouraging and correcting us. Resting in Jesus means we commune with Him.
- Consider Your Talents and Giftedness
You might feel burned out because you were not serving in the correct area. Taking a break from serving will allow you to gain some clarity.
- Return with a Renewed Spirit
When you are ready, hop back into serving the ministry. But before you get too deep, remember what contributed to your burnout and establish some boundaries on the front end.
Now What?
Taking a strategic step back can set you up for some awesome ministry down the road.
So step back, take a couple week sabbatical, and prepare for God to use you for 40 more years in the local church.
