The future is Bivocational

Hi <<First Name>>, for about 15 years in the 80's and 90's I served in what has now become known as a Bivocational Pastor. As a result I was very excited when my friend Andrew Hamilton wrote a book called, "The Future is Bivocational". I visited Hamo at his home in Yanchep and wandered down to the beach for an interview about the book. I trust you find it interesting and useful.

A quote from "The Future is Bivocational"
Hamilton, Andrew. The Future is Bivocational: Shaping Christian Leaders For a Post-Christian World . Arkhousepress. Kindle Edition.

There is no question that our understanding of what it means to be the church, and do ministry, has been shaped predominantly by the full-time pastoral model in the Christendom-based church.

With this imagination come expectations that the pastor will perform certain duties. Some of the more traditional expectations of a pastor are that he or she will: be available to church members around the clock; visit church members in their homes; take responsibility for a lion’s share of Sunday morning duties; make sure all aspects of the church are functioning; fill the gaps when they appear, whether it’s children’s ministry, youth or cleaning duties; and be the servant of the church.

A part-time pastor can move out of the traditional paradigm, become less a general practitioner and more of a specialist, functioning in the area of their giftedness and strengths. This simple role shift can also catalyse a broader scale reimagining of mission and purpose within the whole church, and lead to significant change.

A bivocational pastor, who is freed of traditional expectations, may then be able to think creatively and innovatively about what shape church may take and what forms of ministry may connect with their local community.

<<First Name>> there's some food for thought in this week's Rob's Ramblings. Perhaps because it's part of my own journey, but I think it's something we need to think about carefully as the shape of church continues to change and pivot.

As Christmas approaches life is getting busy. I trust that you will find those moments when you can stop and fix your thoughts on Jesus who is described in Hebrews 12:2 (New Living Translation) as the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Have a great week, and keep looking up.