By Chris McRae, Discipleship Team Leader
September 7th and 8th a select group of pastors and their wives from around the state gathered at the Stoney Creek Conference Center in Johnston, Iowa to fellowship together and be challenged and encouraged in their lives and ministries.
Dr. Ray Gilder was joined by Shannon Smith presenting insights and direction regarding various aspects of bi-vocational ministry. They spoke to the unique challenges faced by families called to pastor the small church while also needing another job to supplement their income.
Dr. Gilder has for years worked as a bi-vocational pastor and as an advocate for those who serve in that capacity. He served as the bi-vocational specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. He has written several books on the subject and consults frequently around the country. He is the founding director of the Bi-vocational and Small Church Leadership Network which is a non-profit ministry dedicated to the advancement of bi-vocational and smaller membership church pastors and leaders across America resulting in mission focused churches.
Shannon is a regional consultant with the BSCLN which assisted the BCI in sponsoring this event. Shannon himself works bi-vocationally in ministry and has founded Shepherd’s Friend ministry.
Shannon observes that “many bi-vocational pastors put in 80 or more hours a week, leaving little time for family. Many pastors are trapped in jobs with little or no circle of influence and secular vocations that pull them out of their communities.” So, his commitment is to help pastors discover flexible work solutions that allow them to reach and maintain balance in their life and ministry.
In addition to the necessity of maintaining a healthy balance in life, Dr. Ray Gilder spoke to those in attendance about the wise use of their time and living in the freedom of Christ to be themselves. “I have come to believe,” Dr. Gilder says, “that some of the greatest men in the kingdom of God are those who serve as bi-vocational pastors. It takes special commitment and determination to remain faithful to God’s call on your life.” He reminded the group that everyone is uniquely gifted by God for the role to which he has called them.
Aaron Young and David Livingston brought the grace of God on their lives to bear in leading the gathering in inspired worship before the presence of God at his throne of grace. One participant observed, “their leadership led me to wonder and left me in awe of our great God and King.”
Matt Johnson attended his first large gathering of BCI ministers for this event. He is the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Marshalltown. He spoke about how much he has benefited from the care and mentorship that he’s received from Ed Gregory in the last few months. Remarking on the conference he noted that the standout idea he had from the weekend was a reminder that he needs to take care not to rob his wife and kids of their time just because of the urgent demands of job and ministry. His wife, Libby, chimed in and expressed appreciation that the wives were included in the event and that they were able to get away from the immediate stresses of everyday living. She appreciated learning how to graciously and kindly, yet firmly say, “No” when circumstances demand. Libby said, “That was valuable and much needed help.”
Another participant, Charles Cuffman, pastor of Quimby Baptist Church in Quimby, Iowa remarked that he needed to hear that he wasn’t Superman and couldn’t “do it all.” He said, “I was reminded again that it’s the Church of Christ, not the Church of Charles.” He plans on benefiting from the practical steps that were shared to budget his time and take the action steps of becoming more disciplined in scheduling his priorities.
Discussions are already being had about the possibility of making this kind of event an annual occurrence. The goals of simplicity and significance for the weekend and all the participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to be included.
