Richard Ray: The true meaning of ‘bivocational’

Growing up in a bivocational minister’s home, I never thought of my father as a part-time pastor, much less knew what the word “bivocational” meant. Now, as I serve as the executive director of the Bivocational/Small-Church Association, I am learning “bivocational” still is misunderstood by both laymen and ministers. 

Richard RayA bivocational minister is one who requires two or more forms of income to be able to provide for himself and his family family. “Bivocational” is not a reflection on how much time a minister spends serving the Lord or the church. Each minister knows serving the Lord and the church is a full-time responsibility. God does not call part-time ministers. 

There seems to be a thought that bivocational ministers are second-class ministers who do not have the education or ability to serve in larger churches, where salaries are much larger. God calls all ministers into his service, including bivocational/small-church ministers. Their other support may come from a second occupation, a spouse-provided income, retirement income or by other means. 

You have been equipped

When God calls a bivocational/small-church minister, it is a calling that should never be looked down upon by others or even by the minister who has been called. If you are a bivocational/small-church minister, remember God has called you to serve where you are because you have been equipped to do so in reaching others for Christ. 

I am proud to have been a son of a bivocational minister, serve as a bivocational pastor more than 20 years and now serve as your executive director of the Bivocational/Small-Church Association, as well as director of missions. I believe God is calling a new generation of ministers who can take the added responsibility of bivocational ministry and turn it into opportunities to be salt and light to a lost and dying world. More than 3,700 congregations in Texas are classified as bivocational/small-church, and God is calling out those who would serve. Would you be the one called?

Annual conference

The Bivocational/Small-Church Association invites you to the upcoming 29th annual Bivocational/Small-Church Conference, hosted this year at Baptist Temple Church in San Antonio. July 10–11. 

The theme for this year’s annual conference is “Passing the Baton.” 

Katie Swafford, director of counseling services for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, will speak to ministers’ wives. Mario Gonzales, the BGCT’s director of organic church, will lead a bilingual session on “How to Raise a Timothy.” Nicholas Sowell, associate and young adult pastor at True Life Fellowship in Round Rock, will teach “How to Minister to Young Adults.” Mike Vasquez, youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Hondo, will lead a session on “How to Reach Youth for Christ.” Pastor Dave Keith of Carlton Baptist Church in Carlton will teach “Servant Leadership—Pathway, Following Biblical Patterns.” 

The conference also will feature interactive exhibits for social media, led by Carrleigh Ray, a graphic designer, and a church financial assistant program demonstrated by Ryan Dennis. 

There will be free childcare and a teen activity program led by Cory Devivo of Masterspeace Ministry. 

On Saturday night of the conference, following the fellowship dinner, there will be a time of praise and celebration as we ask conference participants to share their talents of music, drama, skits, etc. If you or a group from your church would like to perform, please click here to reserve a performance time. Early registration is available by clicking here, where you will also find the conference schedule. 

Remember, God has called you to serve him, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website. 

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].