Multi Vocational

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!