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..

A time to reframe your life.

     For clergy and other helping professionals it is vital to have a healthy balance of taking care of others and all important self care.This self-care can often be filled with emotional land mines for many clergy in the form of guilt and a sense of neglect for the always endless needs of others. Much of this guilt is generated from an unrealistic expectation of always being on call for people at all times. Sometimes clergy can be their own worst enemy in that we often try to live out such an unhealthly expectation. We want to feel needed or we want to express a geniune concern for others, but soon we begin to feel traped by trying to be at the center of attention and  present  for every need. Even Jesus took time to get away from the growing crowds and their call for him to do something to prove his connection to God.
     If you are feeling pressure and stress because of days on the road , people needing your attention, and feeling like your to-do list will never end it may be time to reframe your life. What do I mean by reframing your life? Imagine a picture framed in a plain and simple frame. You walk by the picture each day and never seem to notice it or at least it doesn't impress you. But put a new frame around this picture, a frame which is larger and sparkles with gold paint and you can't help but notice and see the picture as if it were new. This can also happen when we reframe our lives and ministry with a larger purpose and new appreciation of God's love.Here are a few simple guidelines to help you reframe your life and ministry.

• Take time to write a list of the activities and events you enjoy and feel affirmed. Also list those things which make you feel frustrated and angry or feeling like giving up.
• When looking at the challenges in your life and ministry look for the hidden blessing or the opportunity for self enrichment and ridding yourself of feelings of guilt,anger, and resentment. 
• Reframe your challenges by looking at them from a different perspective, instead of feeling anger, see the event as something that will strengthen your character, improve your skills, and help you become a stronger and better person.
• The key to reframing it to "see a benefit for you" or a hidden gem of personal development which will pay off later. Perspective makes all the difference in changing your outlook and attitude. Learn to develop this simple skill and it will help you be less stressed and feel better about yourself and the ministry.