Publisher's Synopsis
As churches shrink in attendance and resources, ministers working at multiple jobs is emerging as a new model of ministry. Bivocational Ministry provides insights to congregations and pastors alike about how to adapt and succeed to a new reality.
One of the toughest facts a congregation can face is accepting they cannot afford or do not need a pastor working exclusively for the church--a foundation-changing fact for congregation and pastor alike. Bivocational Ministry provides practical and theological wisdom for congregational leaders engaging in bivocational ministry more fully and intentionally. Bentley's research at Lexington Theological Seminary gathers stories, examples, and insights gleaned from interviews and surveys, representing the diverse contexts of congregations and ministers from the research project. In contrast to other books on the topic, the book includes female pastors and lay leaders as exemplars, providing a more complete understanding of the blessings and challenges of the emerging ministry model. Including study questions and honest stories of success and failure, Bivocational Ministry is ideal for small-group discussions and individual reflection, especially for congregations who need to transform successfully to a new model of leadership.
