Bivocationalism Has Historic Roots and Modern Benefits

article

by Leslie Wooldridge.

Description

As congregation sizes decrease, more clergy consider the need to be bi-vocational. Researchers and practitioners share guidance on how to make it work.

Features

bi-vocational stories; guidance when considering being bi-vocational; bi-vocational benefits

Recommended Audience

small congregatons, rural congregations, Black, LatinX, and Asian congregations, Immigrant congregat

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

Review positive aspects of bi-vocational ministry among pastors and board members.

Evaluate the potential fit of the bi-vocational model for small congregations.

Make decisions concerning the leadership model of small congregations.

Updated: February 15, 2024

About the Contributor

Tim Shapiro

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 Learns. After his extensive work on the Center’s Sacred Space initiative, Tim co-authored the book Holy Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message. He has also authored several articles, including Applying Positive Deviance and The Congregation of Theological Coherence.

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