Ep.10 | Co-vocational and Bi-vocational Ministry for Pastors | Eric Hoke

Update: 2024-11-15

Description

In this engaging conversation, Eric Hoke discusses his journey from traditional full-time ministry to becoming a co-vocational pastor and author of "Market Street Pastor." The discussion centers on the crucial distinction between bivocational ministry (working another job temporarily until full-time ministry becomes viable) and co-vocational ministry (intentionally maintaining both church and marketplace roles as a long-term strategy).

Hoke shares his experience planting All Saints Church in the Bronx, where financial realities led him to discover the unexpected benefits of co-vocational ministry. These benefits include better community connection, increased lay leader involvement, and improved pastoral sustainability. He notes that co-vocational pastors often demonstrate greater longevity in ministry, partly because their regular engagement outside church walls provides healthy perspective and balance.

The conversation addresses common concerns about co-vocational ministry, particularly the fear that it represents failure or inability to succeed in full-time ministry. Hoke challenges this perception, emphasizing that pastors possess valuable transferable skills—including communication, leadership, and project management—that are highly valued in the marketplace.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on practical implementation, addressing the crucial question of how pastors can balance church responsibilities with full-time employment. Hoke emphasizes that success requires a fundamental paradigm shift: rather than trying to maintain traditional pastoral duties while working another job, churches must embrace a team approach where responsibilities are thoughtfully delegated among church leaders and members.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, suggesting that co-vocational ministry may become increasingly common in Western churches. Hoke encourages church leaders to proactively consider this model, not as a compromise but as a strategic approach to sustainable ministry that better engages the entire church body in its mission.

For those interested in exploring co-vocational ministry, Hoke offers resources through his website ihelpastorsgetjobs.com, including his book and weekly newsletter.

Key Topics:

Eric's background and journey from full-time ministry to co-vocational ministry in NYC

Understanding the difference between bivocational and co-vocational ministry

Common objections to co-vocational ministry and how to address them

Identifying transferable skills from ministry to marketplace

Managing time and responsibilities as a co-vocational pastor

Key Takeaways:

Co-vocational ministry is a long-term strategy where pastors maintain both church and marketplace roles

Bivocational ministry is typically a temporary arrangement until full-time ministry becomes viable

Co-vocational pastors often report better work-life balance and longevity in ministry

Churches need to shift from depending solely on paid staff to activating the whole congregation
Pastors have many transferable skills including communication, leadership, and project management

Resources Mentioned:

Market Street Pastor (Eric Hoke's book)

ihelpastorsgetjobs.com

The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter

Guest Information: Eric Hoke is the founder of ihelpastorsgetjobs.com and author of "Market Street Pastor." After serving as a youth pastor and executive pastor, he planted All Saints Church in the Bronx, where he discovered the benefits of co-vocational ministry. He now coaches pastors on navigating marketplace opportunities while maintaining church ministry.

Connect with Eric: