Transitioning to Bivocational Ministry

Dear Friend,

I hope and trust you are well. Some folks in our community have been fighting the latest round of COVID-19. If that’s you, then please let me know. This dreaded disease has impacted so many people. So take every precaution necessary to stay healthy.

The main reason I’m writing to you today is to bring our community up to speed on some changes in our church. Before I get into a few details, I want you to know how deeply honored I am to serve you as a pastor.

THe IMPACT OF COVID-19

Over the past season, our church has struggled financially.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on churches all over the world. We were not immune to the economic impact. Our giving and regular attendance fell dramatically in 2020, and as a result, we’ve been on borrowed time.

Despite these circumstances, Redeemer’s board graciously continued to pay my salary. Unfortunately, over time, this practice exhausted all of the reserves we had in our savings account. Our Treasurer alerted the board to these unfortunate circumstances, and we subsequently began to meet to chart a path forward.

It was not an easy decision. The board and I met twice to discuss a way forward. To remain the pastor of Redeemer, I proposed to have my salary cut. At the same time, I committed to continued to serve as Redeemer’s rector.  The board reluctantly accepted my proposal.  The decision was effective August 1 of this month.

Let me be clear. I “get” to be Redeemer’s pastor.  That’s a high honor, privilege, and calling.  Most of the time, it pays the bills.  But not all the time. 

Pastoring is not a 9-5 job. There is no way to quantify the work.  How do you put a value on eternity? How do you determine the worth of labor in God’s Kingdom? In truth, we can only point to the cross of Christ to determine that cost.

According to Ephesians 4:11, the role of the pastor is a unique part of God’s gift to His people. Pastoring is more than just a “job” or a “career,” it’s a spiritual calling of God. So until I have clear direction from God that I”m to move elsewhere, I will continue to preach and teach the Gospel and serve as Redeemer’s pastor. That may be today.  That may be tomorrow.  It may be full-time.  It may be part-time. It may even be ten years from now.  Till then, I’m called to serve faithfully.

However, as I explained to the board, I will need to devote some of my time to other activities to offset the loss in income. That is called bivocational ministry.

I’m in the process of evaluating my options now.  I must acknowledge that my availability will be less as my attention will be directed to other endeavors.  So if you ever need me, please know I hope to respond as soon as I am able.

These are challenging times for so many. Yet, God continues to remain faithful. In time, I’m praying we will rise from these moments and move forward as a community.

Let me close with the words of the Apostle Paul.  “Do not lose heart.” This world is wasting away, yet inwardly we are looking forward to a heavenly destination whose architect and builder is God. 

Grace and peace.

 Pastor Jonathan