Dually Devoted – a Devotional for Bivocational Pastors and Leaders.Sample

Nothing births empathy like walking in someone else’s shoes. When we step outside of ourselves and immerse ourselves in the situations, conflicts, and experiences of others, we begin to develop a heart for them.

Being Bivocational gives us this privilege as we navigate many of the same challenges faced in the secular world. We come to understand the dynamics of being a follower of Christ in our society: the pressures, pushbacks, and persecution. We become sensitive to the added expectations we, as church leaders, place on our volunteers, knowing there is much more to life beyond the church walls.

Instead of viewing people merely as church participants or volunteers, we learn to see them as individuals worthy of love, guidance, and service. Rather than focusing on what we can get from them, we should ask how we can pour into them.

That’s what Jesus did. He didn’t come to be served but to serve. He didn’t remain on His lofty throne; He got involved. He came, walked in our shoes, and now understands what it means to be us. His service to us empowers us. We weren’t merely a project for Him to work on; we are His people, fearfully and wonderfully made.

It comforts us to know that Jesus knows us and still wants to be close to us. It comforts others around us to know they are worthy of being known as well. Relationships are the currency of heaven, and nothing opens the door for true, deep transformation like the investment of a friend.