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Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits

by Leslie Wooldridge

Description

This article helps congregational leaders understand the benefits and challenges of taking a second job while leading a congregation. Writing for Faith & Leadership, author Leslie Quander Wooldridge notes that taking a second job can carry a stigma of failure for a leader and congregation, but can also enable both to thrive. To explore the pros and cons of taking a second job, the article discusses benefits, such as access to health insurance and the ability to pay off student loans from seminary school, and challenges, such as balancing time for both roles as well as one’s personal needs.

Features

  • Photos
  • Links to research and resources
  • Tips for managing a second job
  • Questions to Consider section

Recommended Audience

leadership teams of small or rural congregations, clergy leaders

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

  • Follow the tips in this article to help you identify a job that helps you balance congregational leadership and a second profession.
  • Review the history of congregational leaders who hold second jobs to help you set aside any stigma you or your congregational associate with this necessity.

About the Contributor

Contributor
Tim Shapiro

President

Tim Shapiro is the Indianapolis Center’s president. He began serving the Center in 2003 after 18 years in pastoral ministry. For 14 years, Tim served Westminster Presbyterian Church in Xenia, Ohio. Prior to his pastorate at Westminster, he was pastor of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Logansport, Indiana. He holds degrees from Purdue University and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Tim’s interest in how congregations learn to do new things is represented in his book How Your Congregation LearnsAfter his extensive work on the Center’s Sacred Space initiative, Tim co-authored the book Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and MessageHe has also authored several articles, including Applying Positive Deviance and The Congregation of Theological Coherence.

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