The Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches USA seeks to be a denominational HMO --- a health maintenance organization of ministerial leaders working to enhance the health of the entire body. As part of that work, the resource in your hands takes another look at bivocational ministry through the eyes of one who has recently shifted to it, in the conviction that in many cases both church and ministerial leader can benefit from such an arrangement.
In the assumption that the growing trend toward bivocational ministry within the ABC is not a problem to be solved but an opportunity to be appreciated, the Ministers Council has surveyed a number of our members serving both in a church and in another work setting. Responses indicate the blessings of increased fulfillment of multiple callings, decreased dependency on the church, expansion of life beyond the confines of church membership and concerns, and awakened response of laity to exercise their own spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ.
Jimmy Reader offers a thoughtful reflection on the journey of becoming intentionally bivocational, and concludes with a self-assessment questionnaire for churches which desire to reflect on whether the option is appropriate for their situations. May God bless you as you prayerfully engage in the process.
Cost - $3.00