What are the challenges of the Bivocational Ministry? (Part 2)

By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR

The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. (Ecclesiates 10: 15 AKJV)

Bivocational ministry offers significant benefits, but it also comes with challenges to navigate. In this article, we shall complete the section on some of the most common obstacles faced by pastors who also engage in business, and discuss strategies to overcome them.

1. Danger of an isolated life

There is also the temptation of living an isolated life. The typical schedule of moving from work to church and so on may become a lifestyle; leaving no space for recreation and time with family and friends.

In the end, you may end up not attending any wedding, funeral, naming ceremonies or even family gatherings. This is not a good thing. We are humans and must be able to make time for other things aside ministry and work.

There is no need to live an isolated life because of the demands of business and ministry. While you may be busy all the time, it is important to cultivate important relationships that can improve your health and well-being. After all, who will be there to celebrate with you if you are so busy that you do not have time for anyone?

2. Health complications

The stress involved in this routine of pastoring and running a business can even lead to all kinds of health complications, sometimes even to death. Being a full-time pastor can be so demanding, you can imagine adding a business to it.

There are pastors who are so busy that they do not eat well, nor do they even go for regular check-ups. In the end, they suffer health complications that sometimes end their lives abruptly.

While serving God and making money, wisdom demands that we prioritise our health and well-being as well. Remember that when you die, the world will not come to an end. Don’t neglect your health in the pursuit of success. Schedule regular exercise and check-ups. Don’t wait for things to get worse.

Go for a jog, join a local fitness group or do some push-ups at home. Avoid unhealthy habits like overeating and neglecting sleep. Remember, your body is your temple. Treat it with respect and care.

Take regular breaks from work and ministry to relax and spend quality time with loved ones. By prioritising your health, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of both your professional and ministerial roles.

3. An overstretched work schedule

Combining ministry work with business or career work can be very demanding. No matter how much you try you will realise that there is always so much to be done. Pastors in business can have an overstretched work schedule that can render them ineffective if they don’t put in place strategic time management skills.

Take for example, running your own church and your own business as well. It can be very demanding, to say the least. While you are thinking about growing the church, you are also under pressure to meet the demands of customers and stakeholders of your business. Your inability to do this well can make you succeed in one and fail in the other or at best, achieve very little success in both.

To avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance, it’s crucial to schedule regular relaxation time in both your business and ministry endeavours. Don’t constantly work; make time to rest from preaching, counselling and studying.

Don’t push yourself to exhaustion. Remember, taking breaks is essential for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It allows you to recharge, gain fresh perspectives and return to your work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

The solution to dealing with an overstretched work schedule is to master time management. Sometimes, people choose only one option because they know they don’t have the skills to manage the two.

There are entrepreneurs who have abandoned their businesses in order to do ministry not because God is calling them to pursue full-time ministry, but they just don’t see themselves excelling in both. They would rather choose one and pour their all there. You must choose whatever works for you. You should not impress anyone.

4. The battle with lack of fulfilment

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing – 2 TIMOTHY 4: 6 AKJV

The battle with lack of fulfilment stems from the belief that you need to focus on one thing, invest all your energy in a task or that there are so many other things you wished you could do, but can’t because you are on part-time.

Achieving success is a matter of planning and time management. You don’t need all the time in the world to achieve your dreams. We all know that Paul was a part-time minister but he excelled more than all the other apostles, including those on full-time ministry.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying-in wait of the Jews: 20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God – ACTS 20: 18-27 AKJV

5. Protecting your value

It can be challenging for a pastor who also runs a business or work in corporate establishment to maintain his values. Sometimes he or she may be confronted with certain decisions that may not fall in tandem with his spiritual values, and that can really become a problem when not dealt appropriately with.

Values are fundamental beliefs or principles that guide an individual’s behaviour and decision-making. They represent what is important to a person and serve as a framework for evaluating actions, events and situations. Values can influence various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional endeavours and ethical considerations.

There have been cases where some pastors have to resign from their places of work because they are often confronted with compromising situations that challenge their faith. That is not to say that there are no temptations outside the marketplace, but someone who has a calling to work in the marketplace needs grace to thrive there.

It is important as a pastor to find out about the organisation you intend to work with or the kind of business you want to invest in. Sometimes, not doing one’s homework well can lead to financial losses, which may make one want to exit. Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear, one cannot sell one’s soul for material wealth.

For further study on this subject, kindly get a copy of our book: Pastors in Business: Thriving as a Bivocational Minister; Strategic Keys to Success.

Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on 233549762233 or [email protected]

The post What are the challenges of the Bivocational Ministry? (Part 2) appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story