Pastoral crisis or opportunity?

     Being a pastor or person who serves others, is more difficult than it is has been in over a  hundred years. Reasons for this difficulty include the growth of secular society, financial turmoil in families and society, loss of faith among young people, and worldwide natural disasters. Then add to the list a downward slide in moralarity in society and the breakup of families combined with the loss of respect toward clergy, no wonder the ranks of ordained clergy are getting smaller each day. In fact, many clergy are simply leaving the ministry because they feel that what they are doing has  no impact on their congregations. Perhaps this is why traditional churches are losing members everyday and their once strong financial support is quickly disappearing.
     There is one suggestion I would offer to help pastors both financially and spiritually in the midst of our current problems. I believe a return to bi-vocational ministry could provide an answer for churches and pastors struggling to continue in ministry. St. Paul served as a tent maker to support and strengthen his ministry to gentiles in Asia minor. He did not want the new believers(gentiles) to think he was taking advantage of them by taking their money, instead he reminded them that he provided for his own support and needs. With such a large percentage of money in church budgets going for pastoral support, bi-vocational ministry might serve tp strengthen church budgets and members commitment by reminding them that the pastor is a co-laborer with them. Here are some benefits and negatives to bi-vocational ministry.

Benefits of bi-vocational ministry:

1. It could offer clergy more control of their time and involvement in life of community.
2. Could reduce cost to local churches for pastoral support and salaries.
3. Could provide a vivid witness in the market place as clergy engage people  in the business world.
4. Would help pastors to see their life and  ministry in balance with work and church time.
5. Would allow clergy  the  possibilty to earn more than church salary could provide.Often low salaries in ministry  is a negative factor.
6. Could provide a positive self image by providing a sense of self reliance.
7. Would require greater involvement of lay persons in life and work of church.

Negatives regarding bi-vocational ministry:

1. Clergy would have limited time to spend on administrative and pastoral functions of church.
2. Limited time to visit church members and attend church  meetings .
3. Risk of burnout if demands of the church and secular work are in conflict.
4. Would require greater involvement of lay persons in life of church.

I personally believe that the future of ministry will involve clergy who live and work in communities with long term ministry in churches. This will be possible because clergy will not be completely dependent on a church salary for support, but can support themselves through a business or trade. I believe this could create a new understanding of church and provide greater satisfaction for clergy serving in a church..