Bi-vocational ministry is a difficult thing to juggle. I certainly don't have the expertise on the subject but, I do have some experience. I like to tell people that I am quad vocational. I technically have three jobs and I am finishing up my degree as well. One of the biggest struggles I face is turning my mind off. I have checklists at each job and with my school work. When the day is over, I am sometimes wondering if I did everything I was supposed to do. It can be difficult to be present at home when my my is still concerned with my day time checklists. For all ministers, it is important to spend time in the word. It can become difficult to keep up with devotionals among work responsibilities, school assignments, and lesson preparation. Here are a few practice I have adopted over the past few years for reading God's word and keeping up with students.
TAKE THE WORD WITH YOU
The YouVersion Bible app has been a game changer. It is very easy to follow a reading plan and set reminders on your phone. There are several different Bible apps and plans out there. I currently use the YouVersion Bible app and Spurgeon's Morning and Evening app on my phone. Aside from those applications, I keep an old copy of Grace for The Moment by Max Lucado in my desk at my first job. It is helpful to have the short devotional handy to help focus my day.
BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR TIME
Sometimes I arrive to work early just to have time to sit in my car alone and read from my Bible app. This way I don't have to worry about being late or rush through the reading. I am already at work and just have to walk in when I am finished reading. I really think that we sell ourselves short if we try to squeeze in a quick devotion. It is important to have time to sit and listen and reflect. I find that when I rush through, I am setting the course for the rest of my day. I am trying to fit things into my schedule and I am really only seeking to serve myself when I do that.
TECHNOLOGY
I am fortunate to work at a school where a lot of my students attend. I get to see a few of them throughout the week which is awesome. Sometimes, when you are working secular jobs, you don't get to connect at all except at church. Technology has enabled us to check in. I know this old school knowledge now but, it's still pretty rad (just to keep it old school) to be able to connect in some way with just the click of a button or two. Church snaps is an app that offers some cool ways to interact.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bi-vocational ministry has it's benefits. You truly get to do life with your students. Sure, it would be nice to have the opportunity to focus all of your energy on ministry, in fact you probably dream about how awesome your ministry would be if you could focus your time on just that. When a student is stressing about their schedule and time management, you can identify with them. Bi-vocational ministry affords us some credibility that isn't available to the full-time minister. We know that the full-time minister's job is hard, we know that it is more than hanging out and playing games. We experience a taste of it, while breaking our backs elsewhere. Bi-vocational ministry is a good example to students of how to manage multiple responsibilities and spiritual growth. Persevere!
Friday, October 24
Wednesday, October 22
Effective Listening
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
I believe that listening is a ministry in itself. Could we go ahead and coin that title? Listening Pastor... I'll admit, I have my days when I would not be able to meet the requirements of that position. Listening is powerful. I had a conversation with a friend last week and I was amazed at how well he listened to me. We were in the car and making small talk and I noticed how bad I was listening and how well he was listening to me.
There are so many distractions these days. We are distracted by devices, vices, and views. I have noticed myself and those I have been around thumbing on their phone or tablet while selectively listening to the other person talk. I have been a part of a conversation where a person pauses to light a cigarette or order a drink and turn back to ask me to repeat what I said. I have been a part of a conversation where someone had strong views and were not really listening to what I said and only responded with more gibberish about their stance.
Listening is so important. I honestly don't like when I find myself distracted by my phone or by a t.v when in conversation. My wife would tell you this happens often.
Listening is a vital part of ministry. Sometimes we have to reflect on what is being said in order to truly understand the cries for help. A quick discussion about something with a student could easily clue you in to a situation or a bigger picture in their life.
Last year there was an altercation that was about to come to blows between two students. I was new to the church and wasn't sure how to approach the situation other than separate the students. One of the students was a 300 lb. lineman on the High School football team. I wasn't prepared for what would unfold and the things he would talk to me about. He started telling me about a lot of pain and disappointment in his life. I had nothing to say but, i was able to listen. I was able to wrap my arms around him and show him I cared by taking the time to listen.
Listening can make the difference. We have all been on the receiving end of an outpouring of topics we may not care about. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught and cornered and had to hear about a student's love for minecraft, Justin Bieber, or you name it... and there have been times when I've cut things short and found an excuse to get away. Listening makes the difference though. When a student experiences us listening to their favorite topic, they will trust us enough to open up about the tough stuff.
SHOW YOU"RE LISTENING Repeat stuff back to them. No matter what they are talking about, it is good to clarify things. "I went to the football game this weekend and stayed with a friend and then we went shopping on Saturday." "Oh, you went to the game and to the mall, that sounds like a good weekend." I have found that just that simple, uncomfortable at times step makes a huge difference in relationship building with students.
ASK QUESTIONS It seem obvious but, asking questions is a great way to invest in a student. When they tell you about their day, ask details. You don't have to interrogate but, let them lead and then follow with a question.
CHECK IN How many times has someone told you about a sick friend or family member, a test that was coming up, or a big event? I am bad about remembering to check in on those things. I have found that when I do, the student lights up and is eager to keep me up to date.
WRITE IT DOWN After a conversation ends, write some highlights down so that you can reference them when you are going to see that student again. With today's technology, you can make a note and set up a reminder on your phone.
Effective listening can be the catalyst for making an impact in the lives of your students. I am striving to be a better listener in my life and in my ministry. Hopefully these steps can be an encouragement to you.
I believe that listening is a ministry in itself. Could we go ahead and coin that title? Listening Pastor... I'll admit, I have my days when I would not be able to meet the requirements of that position. Listening is powerful. I had a conversation with a friend last week and I was amazed at how well he listened to me. We were in the car and making small talk and I noticed how bad I was listening and how well he was listening to me.
There are so many distractions these days. We are distracted by devices, vices, and views. I have noticed myself and those I have been around thumbing on their phone or tablet while selectively listening to the other person talk. I have been a part of a conversation where a person pauses to light a cigarette or order a drink and turn back to ask me to repeat what I said. I have been a part of a conversation where someone had strong views and were not really listening to what I said and only responded with more gibberish about their stance.
Listening is so important. I honestly don't like when I find myself distracted by my phone or by a t.v when in conversation. My wife would tell you this happens often.
Listening is a vital part of ministry. Sometimes we have to reflect on what is being said in order to truly understand the cries for help. A quick discussion about something with a student could easily clue you in to a situation or a bigger picture in their life.
Last year there was an altercation that was about to come to blows between two students. I was new to the church and wasn't sure how to approach the situation other than separate the students. One of the students was a 300 lb. lineman on the High School football team. I wasn't prepared for what would unfold and the things he would talk to me about. He started telling me about a lot of pain and disappointment in his life. I had nothing to say but, i was able to listen. I was able to wrap my arms around him and show him I cared by taking the time to listen.
Listening can make the difference. We have all been on the receiving end of an outpouring of topics we may not care about. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught and cornered and had to hear about a student's love for minecraft, Justin Bieber, or you name it... and there have been times when I've cut things short and found an excuse to get away. Listening makes the difference though. When a student experiences us listening to their favorite topic, they will trust us enough to open up about the tough stuff.
SHOW YOU"RE LISTENING Repeat stuff back to them. No matter what they are talking about, it is good to clarify things. "I went to the football game this weekend and stayed with a friend and then we went shopping on Saturday." "Oh, you went to the game and to the mall, that sounds like a good weekend." I have found that just that simple, uncomfortable at times step makes a huge difference in relationship building with students.
ASK QUESTIONS It seem obvious but, asking questions is a great way to invest in a student. When they tell you about their day, ask details. You don't have to interrogate but, let them lead and then follow with a question.
CHECK IN How many times has someone told you about a sick friend or family member, a test that was coming up, or a big event? I am bad about remembering to check in on those things. I have found that when I do, the student lights up and is eager to keep me up to date.
WRITE IT DOWN After a conversation ends, write some highlights down so that you can reference them when you are going to see that student again. With today's technology, you can make a note and set up a reminder on your phone.
Effective listening can be the catalyst for making an impact in the lives of your students. I am striving to be a better listener in my life and in my ministry. Hopefully these steps can be an encouragement to you.
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