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

Our greatest ministry takes place in the home. As Bivocational pastors, it is easy to forget our duty to love, care for, and provide for our own families. Ministry can often consume our focus and energy, leaving only leftovers for occasional interactions with our loved ones.

Scripture shows us examples of husbands and wives partnering in ministry, even opening their homes for church events. However, we must never forget that this marital relationship is first based on Christ-like surrender and sacrifice to each other. We must ensure that we carve out time and attention for this relationship to thrive.

Adding the dynamic of a family further complicates matters. Family life requires strategy, prayer, purposeful conversations, and more. Our families become the initial place of service that informs our ministry to others. The way we treat and provide for them reflects how much we have become like Jesus.

At times, it may seem that many in our world who don’t follow Christ do a better job of providing for their families than we do. Paul’s challenge to Timothy is to ensure that followers of Jesus transcend the norm of earthly familial expectations and serve as models for others to follow.

Perhaps one reason some of us are Bivocational is precisely this: we best provide for our families and serve as godly examples by going to work. There is no shame in doing so. In fact, there is great honor in it.