Choosing Secular EMPLOYMENT (Vs) being an IBO–BIVO?
By Shannon Smith
I hold all pastors in high esteem who seek to give to those in their world the very best they can from the Lord. But, the Intentional Bivocational Pastor and the Layman, who has been called to pastor the local church, now that’s someone we should really look up to. They knowingly begin to pastor the small church realizing their need of a full time job to supplement their income. They also somewhat realize the commitment of time it will require to fulfill their vocational obligation and to carry out the ministry. Yes, double blessed of course and also doing double duty. If a structured plan is not devised, the demands felt by the bivocational pastor (and his family) can be overpowering and even fatal.
It seems that today between 30% and 75% of our churches are pastored by bivocational pastors depending on which association you ask.
I want to talk about two things today, being employed in your secular vocation or being an IBO Bivo in your secular vocation.
As an employee, you are faced with following all the rules and expectations of your employer. In some cases this may be a wonderful arrangement. In most cases though, you are restricted from being as free as God may have wanted you to be. Maybe you have to make choices that aren’t the choices you would have made based on your moral and ethical beliefs. Sometimes the work schedule and conflicts with the unexpected demands of the ministry are more than employers want to concede. Many times the hourly wage is not enough to warrant the time invested. Often the employer does not compensate for the level of responsibility. If your vocation calls for multiple days away from home, that’s added stress on the family and less involvement within the church and community. As a result, maybe our circle of influence isn’t all it could be or should be.
What is an IBO–BIVO? An Independent Business Operating Bivocational Pastor. An IBO–BIVO can be a professional in one or more vocations. What needs to be determined is, 1) is there a need or a demand. 2) Consider the Value of the product or service being offered. 3) Your abilities and a support team for your endeavor. 4) A business plan, 5) Licenses or bonding and liability insurance may be needed.
As an IBO–BIVO first and foremost “God comes first”. If we seek His good and perfect will and are good stewards of our time, then, our wives, our families, finances and other priorities should fall into order. If “God comes first” then ministry is at the heart of everything we do. Every interaction with a client is a chance to be a positive witness. Every “Hello” to a church member or a stranger on the street will have reason. Whether we are ministering to our family, our church family or the community “God comes first”.
Many pastors have stated they would not feel comfortable trying to operate a business. Reasons range from an uneasy feeling trying to promote something, thinking it would conflict with their trying to minister. Some don’t want to be seen as a salesman or believe they can’t sell. Others have stated they are simply too busy between their job and the church and could not do another thing. I agree! Most of the time we’re not getting it done as it is, because of the lack of time.
To address some of these issues, consider this. Most of the time when someone has a problem with promoting a certain product or service, it’s simply because they don’t believe in it. If you don’t believe in it, in all honesty, how could you promote it? That’s a commendable trait. So, the first thing needed to become an IBO–BIVO is a product or service you fully trust and believe in.
The product can be anything from Handyman, Carpet Layer, Insurance Agent, Plumber, Locator or Windshield Repair Technician. This list can be quite extensive. By considering your local demographics and getting quality direction and council, wise choices can be made.
Some pastors don’t want to take money from people unless it’s the weekly payroll or salary from the church. Earning an honest living is not the same thing as taking a handout or simply getting something you don’t deserve. If you were supplying a needed service and there was a demand for it, then setting a fair and reasonable price would be a value to those in your community and would be appreciated. Secondly, if you, as a pastor/businessman do prompt, commendable work, then those in the community would want to seek you out. A reputation for quality service will set well with the community when they begin to consider a church or a pastor.
If you are employed in the workforce now, are you conscientious? Are you responsible in your job performance? Do you have a fair amount of responsibility?
If you can deal with responsibility for someone else, why aren’t you doing it for yourself and keeping the profits you’re making for someone else? If you were more profitable, would you need to work so many hours? Think about it!
Lastly, many bivocational pastors put in 80 or more hours a week leaving little time for family. Many pastors are trapped in jobs with little or no circle of influence and secular vocations that pull them out of their communities. If you know of a pastor who fits this dilemma, please share this with him or contact us on his behalf. The devil just loves it when we’re not able to impact like God intended us.
Our company, Fas-Break Inc. has been working with Bivocational Pastors and Committed Layman for years. There are options out there! If you would like to discuss some of them, please don’t hesitate to contact Kerry Soat or myself via e-mail or by phone.
Nationally, Fas-Break could use a thousand Windshield Repair technicians today. This has produced positive results for many Christians. What would you like to do?
www.fas-break.com/bivo
1-888-443-3007 1-800-777-5169
Shannon Smith Kerry Soat
shepherdsfriend@msn.com soat@msn.com
Shannon Smith - P O Box 550 Fremont, NE 68026 - 402-727-0444