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

One of the challenges of being Bivocational is managing time and energy. These are precious commodities that should not be wasted, especially when they are limited.

Bivocational servants of God often struggle with getting everything done or deciding what takes precedence. Clearly establishing priorities and developing a schedule around them can help avoid burnout and decision overload.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of ordering our lives with care, wisdom, understanding, purpose, and grace. This requires planning, prioritizing, and implementing core values; otherwise, distractions will fill our time.

It is best to begin with spiritual energy. Regular prayer, scripture reading, and contemplation can restore and renew the mind, setting our focus in the right direction. From this place of connectedness with God, we can plan our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical goals.

If we neglect this vital part of energy management, we risk losing motivation, becoming tired, and eventually losing patience. Doing things for the right reasons, rather than just “getting through it,” helps ensure the right motivation.

Serving from a place of rest and restoration ensures that we do so with intention and adequate resources to navigate challenges with love and patience.

Often, we overextend ourselves by failing to allow others to help us. Mentors, coaches, and counselors can be great assets if we are willing to surrender our pride and let them pour into us. Given our limited energy, they can help expedite adjustments and growth, significantly impacting those we serve.

One of the greatest ways to manage, or even multiply, our energy is through the power of delegation. Inviting others to get involved can open doors of empowerment, allowing them to experience the joy of serving God in ways they never thought possible. The gifts of those in the church are meant to be tapped into.