A Bivocational Pastor's Staff
Often a bivocational pastor feels alone. Part of this comes from the false assumption that the pastor is responsible for the total ministry of the church. After all isn’t that what he is paid for. Two things are wrong with this assumption. First, the ministry belongs to the church not the pastor. Second, there is no way one person could do all that needs to be done. The pastor needs to identify his staff and through them involve the congregation in the total ministry of the church.
In every church there are people who accept assignments from the congregation. Sometimes this is done in a formal way, sometimes in an informal way. It may be as simple as someone saying will you take care of the children for us? And they respond with, “Yes”. Whoever they are and whatever assignment they agreed to makes them a partner in the work of the church. As a pastor you need to identify your staff and help them understand the concept of shared ministry.
Who is your Music Minister?
Music is always an important part of ministry. The person who accepts this responsibility needs to see themselves as a part of a team that is involved in the worship planning for the congregation not just a person who picks the songs to be sung. The person will work with the pastor and musicians in planning a service that will involve the congregation in heartfelt worship.
Who is your Minister of Education?
In smaller churches this person is usually called the Sunday School Director but they have some of the same responsibility as the Minister of Education. They need to be empowered to work with the teachers to develop the best training program the congregation can have. Help them understand the scope of their responsibility and if they need training assist them in receiving training. The two of you could study a book together or visit other churches to see how they do their education. Other possibilities for training are through the Association or State Convention.
Who is your Minister of Youth?
Parents are always concerned about the youth of the Church and community. Sometimes this comes out of a desperate cry for their children who are out of control. Sometimes there are those who have a genuine love for those who are searching for direction and identity. Out of those who see a need someone usually steps forward. If you can have input into the selection of the person it would be good. But whoever steps forward regardless of the reason that person is your Minister of Youth.
Who is your Minister of Children?
You might say,” Well we only have a little old lady that teaches the children.” If this is all you have then she is your Minister of Children. This area is often overlooked. Give this person some of your time. Be sure this person is involved in the church planning process. Parents want a good program for their children and this is the feeder for the youth program. Build this into a strong program and watch other areas of you church grow.
Who are your Associate Ministers?
Has the church set aside people to assist you in the ministry? There are usually Deacons and Trustees in every church. Consider the Deacons as those set aside to assist you in the pastoral ministry. Teach the people that they are associate ministers. They need to know how you see the deacon’s role. Feature the deacons in each of the worship services. They can read the sermon text, lead in a pastoral prayer, do the benediction or a Wednesday Bible Study. But whatever they do have them come to the pulpit to be before the people. The Trustees are the associates to help you with the property development and management.
Let these people be responsible for this area of work. Encourage them and help them do a good job but don’t do their job. If they are the same as your deacons you might ask them very gently to divide the responsibility. Don’t get upset if they don’t want to. Work with what you have and set some long-term goals.
When you have identified your staff your next move is to have a staff meeting.
Most bivocational pastors will only need to meet with the full staff once a month. This meeting should be before the monthly business meeting if you have them. You probably need to meet the week before. If anything needs church approval then you can make the presentation at the business meeting. This meeting however should not be only about what is to be presented at business meeting. It should be for planning, evaluating, and coordinating.
Planning should be for the next three months. Evaluation should be over the activities of the past month and coordinating should be for the month coming up.
The only part of the staff that should meet weekly should be the pastor and the music team to plan the worship for the following Sunday. This should be as early in the week as possible to allow each person to be at his or her best on Sunday.
Regardless of the size of your place of service there are those whom God has put there to help you carry the load. Identify them, love them and enjoy the journey.
Larry Orange, D.Min is Director of the Regional Bivocational Center, Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Kentucky
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