Decrease the burden of a bivocational/small-church pastorate

A bivocational/small-church pastor often will become overwhelmed or overburdened in the ministry. The reason for this is the many responsibilities the pastor takes on.

Richard RayOutside of the responsibility of his secular occupation and with his family, the work of the pastor goes beyond preparing a message each week. He is on call every hour of every day, meeting the needs of his congregation, conducting hospital visits, reaching out to new prospects and in many cases taking care of the needs of the church facility, whether that be minor repairs, janitorial or simply locking the doors following each service.

The bivocational/small-church pastor often is the secretary to the church, preparing Sunday worship bulletins, sending out newsletters, calendars and birthday cards, as well as keeping up with social media for the church and its ministries. Not to mention the countless hours of Bible study he spends each week preparing to preach and the times spent in prayer for those in his congregation. Then there are the weddings, funerals, nursing home visits, community activities and benevolence groups the pastor will serve.

Becoming overwhelmed or overburdened in the ministry is understandable. However, it is not desirable.

To decrease the burden of pastoring a bivocational/small church, the pastor must learn to allow others to assume some of the roles within the church. Now, I can tell you from personal experience this is is not easy to do, because when you control all aspects of the ministry, the ministry seems to run efficiently with very little surprise. However, you must learn to release the roles of ministry to the servant leaders of your church. In the beginning, there may be some organized and disorganized chaos, but in time, your burdens will be lightened and the ministry of the church will become stronger.

Galatians 6:2 tell us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” It is not enough for the pastor to preach this Scripture, but he also must learn to live it. I encourage you to evaluate your ministry and find those responsibilities that can be carried by another, so you will not become overwhelmed or overburdened, for this is desirable.

We are here to serve you as you serve the Lord. Remember, the Lord has called you to serve, but he has not called you to serve alone. Visit our website to register for the 30th annual Bivocational/Smaller Church Conference, hosted by Dallas Baptist University, July 15–16 or to learn more about how the Bivocational/Small Church Association can assist you in the ministry. For additionalinformation or to schedule a visit, contact me at brother_ray@juno.com.

Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for Tri-Rivers Baptist Area.