Richard Ray: Bivocational pastors deserve to be called ‘fishermen’

I want to thank all those who came by our exhibit booth during the Texas Baptist annual meeting in Frisco. It was a joy to visit with each of you, and I look forward to how the Texas Baptist Bivocational/Small Church Association can pray for you, encourage you and equip you as we partner together in fulfilling God’s call in the life of your church.  

Richard RayI am thankful for those called into the small-church mission field. The challenges are great. Most likely, the small church has fewer funds, fewer people to volunteer and fewer resources to call upon. The small-church pastor usually serves two or three roles within the church, outside of having a second occupation. I can see why Jesus called fisherman to follow him. Jesus needed hard workers who could multitask and get the job done.

We may think of fisherman as nothing more than men sitting in a boat catching fish, but working on a fishing boat as a deckhand takes a special person. Here is a simple job description of a deckhand who will perform any combination of the following duties aboard a fishing vessel: 

• Stands lookout, steering and engine-room watches.

• Attaches nets, slings, hooks and other lifting devices to cables, booms and hoists.

• Loads equipment and supplies aboard vessel by hand or using hoisting equipment.

• Signals other workers to move, hoist and position loads.

• Rows boats and dinghies and operates skiffs to transport fishers, divers and sponge hookers, and to tow and position nets.

• Attaches accessories, such as floats, weights and markers to nets and lines.

• Pulls and guides nets and lines onto vessel.

• Removes fish from nets and hooks.

• Sorts and cleans marine life and returns undesirable and illegal catch to sea.

• Places catch in containers and stows in hold and covers with salt and ice.

• Washes deck, conveyors, knives and other equipment, using brush, detergent and water.

• Lubricates, adjusts and makes minor repairs to engines and equipment.

• Secures and removes vessel’s docking lines to and from docks and other vessels.  

To be a fisherman takes someone who can multitask, who can remain calm during a storm, who will serve where needed and who is willing to get their hands dirty in order to bring the fish into the boat. The man who is called to serve in the small-church mission field as a pastor is someone who is willing to do anything and everything to bring God’s fish into the boat.  Therefore, for you who are following Jesus by serving him as a pastor in the small-church mission field, take pride in your calling, for you are a true “fisherman.”

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, www.bivocational.com, for more information on how the Bivocational/Small Church Association can minister to and serve you.

Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area. You can reach him at [email protected].