Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

CHURCH TECH PODCAST

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

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Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

Modern Church leader

Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

Category
Church Growth
Publish date
January 19, 2023
Author
Caroline Morris

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

AUTHOR
Caroline Morris

Caroline Morris serves as the Marketing Content Producer and has been a part of the Tithely team for over 5 years. Her heart is to see the growth of generosity in the local church. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and Golden Retriever, Hank.

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)
AUTHOR
Caroline Morris

Caroline Morris serves as the Marketing Content Producer and has been a part of the Tithely team for over 5 years. Her heart is to see the growth of generosity in the local church. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and Golden Retriever, Hank.

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

VIDEO transcript

(Scroll for more)

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

AUTHOR
Caroline Morris

Caroline Morris serves as the Marketing Content Producer and has been a part of the Tithely team for over 5 years. Her heart is to see the growth of generosity in the local church. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and Golden Retriever, Hank.

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Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.
January 19, 2023

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

Caroline Morris

Caroline Morris serves as the Marketing Content Producer and has been a part of the Tithely team for over 5 years. Her heart is to see the growth of generosity in the local church. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and Golden Retriever, Hank.

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)
Caroline Morris

Caroline Morris serves as the Marketing Content Producer and has been a part of the Tithely team for over 5 years. Her heart is to see the growth of generosity in the local church. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband, Tim, and Golden Retriever, Hank.

H1 What’s a Rich Text element?

H2 What’s a Rich Text element?

H3 What’s a Rich Text element?

H4 What’s a Rich Text element?

H5 What’s a Rich Text element?
H6 What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

H4 Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

H4 How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List Item 1
  • List Item 2
  • List Item 3

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

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March 31, 2022
Salt That Watermelon
“Let your conversation be seasoned with salt.” We should always be prepared to give an account of how Jesus has changed our lives. And in regard to a church setting, constantly reflecting on how we can better reach the un-churched for God’s Kingdom. Why? Because most non-Christians don’t read the Bible. They are reading you like a book, every day. Even if they don’t realize it. Even when YOU don’t realize it. Why is that important to know? We share some helpful insights in the newest blog post below.
March 22, 2022
Why Every Church Needs a Digital Discipleship Plan
We live in a digital era. Digital devices and online networks change how we communicate and who we communicate with. So why should the church be left behind?The benefits of having an effective digital discipleship plan are endless. As churches adopt technology into their ministries, they can now reach more people than ever before with the gospel.In this blog post, we discuss why it's more important than ever for churches to have a digital discipleship plan in place.
January 25, 2022
Getting the Best Ideas From Your Team Blog
Organizations rise and fall based upon the quality of their ideas. This is why it’s vital to get the best ideas for your team.We explore ways you can support a creative environment in this recent article.
December 28, 2021
How to Measure Church Growth With a Hybrid Worship Service
While opinions on hybrid services and worship vary, most agree that it can benefit people who may not attend such services regularly. The challenge is, how do you measure or track growth in such a set-up? In this article we provide some standards and best practices to follow when selecting how to measure and track church growth for in-person and virtual church members.
December 16, 2021
Insights After Six Months of Being Reopened
Like a lot of other church leaders, this church was hoping to just maintain their online attendance.The past six months of being reopened has given them seven insights into where their church is at and how they need to continue pivoting. With continued investment and intentionality they have not maintained, but have grown their online campus. In this article they share those seven insights.
December 14, 2021
Coming Home Again - How to help returning members feel engaged & involved
Are people in your church community coming back to in-person services for the first time in a while? Whatever the reason, there are ways to help people re-engage with the heart and mission of your church. Here are 3 ways to get started.
November 9, 2021
How to Use TikTok as an Effective Outreach/Branding Tool for Church
TikTok is incredibly popular and impactful. It has a ton of influence, especially on younger generations. It’s an effective way to spread information quickly. And it’s engaging, fun, and entertaining.But is it a tool for churches?
October 25, 2021
What is the Sabbath? Finding Rest in a Time of Chaos
Most Christians think of the Sabbath as falling on Sunday. However, “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat”, which refers specifically to Saturday.The idea of Sabbath is still very much a part of weekly rhythms in the church. But in a culture defined by busyness and distraction, what does a “day of rest” really mean? In the following article, we’ll take a look at what Sabbath is, as well as strategies for adopting this practical habit in a time of hurry, stress, and chaos.
October 19, 2021
How to Create a Stronger Bible-Reading Routine
Reading the Bible is essential to every believer’s walk with Christ–and should be done consistently.We’re called to know the Bible, meditate on it, and look to it as a source of wisdom. We’ll talk about how to develop a stronger Bible-reading routine, as well as how to actually read the Bible to get the most out of it in this article.
October 12, 2021
How to Build a Culture of Commitment & Consistency at Your Church
Most church leaders want to build communities that last, with members that stick with them through thick and thin. Without commitment and consistency from members, the church remains more of an event or activity than an actual community.In the following article, we’ll talk about how to build a culture of commitment and consistency at your church–putting down deep roots, helping people to become more like Jesus, and even seeing lasting change in your community at large.
September 14, 2021
How to Practice Gratitude
Ingratitude is a part of the human condition. Even more so, our 21st century world does not create an environment that helps us to practice gratitude. So, how do we change this? We explore some practical tips for how to practice gratitude in our recent blog post.
September 9, 2021
14 Last-Minute Fun Youth Group Activities & Games | Tithe.ly
Looking for youth group activities? We'll highlight 14 of the best last-minute ideas for fun & meaningful youth group activities & games. Read below!
August 6, 2021
How to Make Your Church’s Social Media Look Clean and Professional: 12 Strategies to Boost Growth and Engagement
Use these 12 tools to transform your church's social media from a low-return vanity project to a high-engagement faith community.
August 5, 2021
How to Pick Curriculum for Your Kids & Student Ministry
The top consideration for choosing a church is the quality of the children’s ministry. If you want your church to grow, you need to consider how well you are discipling the youngest in your local mission field. We walk you through the top 3 considerations to keep in mind when choosing a curriculum for your kids and student ministry.
July 20, 2021
Independence Day in Church: 8 Tips for a Meaningful, Growth-Boosting Sunday Service
Independence Day Sunday is an opportunity to reflect deeply on the freedoms we're afforded as Americans. Here are 8 tips to celebrate Independence Day in your church with class.
July 2, 2021
How To Keep Your Church Connected in a Virtual World
Love it or hate it, our world is becoming increasingly virtual. Figure out how to keep your church connected and growing despite the changing landscape.
June 29, 2021
How to Keep In-Person & Virtual Guests Coming Back Each Week
In a day and age when creating a welcoming church environment is more important than ever, we came up with six tips for you to make virtual and in-person church guest friendly.
June 8, 2021
7 Steps to Creating a Must-Read Church Bulletin
People ignoring your church bulletin in-person or online? Follow these 7-steps to turn your bulletin into a must-read document.
May 25, 2021
The Church That Went Online - How ELCA’s Solution to 2020 Will Live On
Along with streaming worship services, ELCA needed to stay connected with their congregation and provide a way to give. That’s where Tithe.ly stepped in.
May 11, 2021
Jesus’ Revolutionary Regard for Women
Jesus’ interactions with women tell us a great deal about the heart of God.
April 5, 2021
The Other Resurrections in the Bible
At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but His is not the only one in Scripture.
March 29, 2021
A Primer on the Fruit of the Spirit
One of the best-known passages in Scripture may not mean what you think.
March 22, 2021
8 Easter Ideas During COVID
Thinking about how to celebrate Easter as a church during a pandemic? Here are a few creative ideas.
March 1, 2021
How to Start an Online Ministry—and Why It’s So Important
Wondering how to make a kingdom impact online? Here’s a simple guide to help!
February 25, 2021
Dedicated Church Apps: Stewardship for the Great Commission
Wondering if your church needs its own app? Here are some reasons to consider it.
February 22, 2021
Why Your Church Should Observe Lent This Year (If It Isn’t Already)
Not sure what to make of Lent? Here are a few tips to get you started.
February 18, 2021
A Short Guide to Inductive BIble Study
Learn the inductive Bible study method to get more out of your time in God’s Word.
February 8, 2021
A Primer on the Not-So-Minor Minor Prophets
Looking to read and understand The Minor Prophets? Check out this short guide with all the basics.
January 28, 2021
Church Communications: A Biblical Guide
How to Use Texts and Emails to Build up the Body of Christ
January 25, 2021
Beyond the New Year’s Slump: Encouraging Your Church to Daily Grow in Christ
Taken from the writings of the apostle Paul, here are three ways to encourage your church in their walk with Jesus when their New Year’s resolutions fall apart.
January 18, 2021
How to Pray for the Sick: 3 Powerful Prayer Principles
Are you praying for the sick as part of your ministry? Here’s a short, biblical guide to encourage you as you step out in faith.
January 11, 2021
4 of the Best Bible Study Apps for Daily Scripture Reading
Looking for a way to help your church stay connected to God's Word in the busyness of life? We’ve assembled a list of the best Bible study apps for iPhone and Android devices.
December 23, 2020
4 Sermon Ideas to Start the New Year Right
Looking for New Year's sermon ideas? Here are four approaches to help your church start the year off right.
December 21, 2020
The Importance of Worship Backgrounds for Your Church
Searching for more information on worship backgrounds? ✓ We detail why worship backgrounds are important, visual trends, and best practices. Click here!
December 16, 2020
Christmas Eve Service: 4 Steps to Creating a Plan
The Christmas Eve service is a favorite time of worship and outreach for churches. Follow these 4-steps to get ready.
December 3, 2020
Church Hospitality: A Short Guide
Church hospitality isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential. Here are 4 practical ways to prepare for the 2 types of guests you should expect.
November 18, 2020
COVID-19 and Church Tech: Changes You Need to Know
COVID-19 has changed the church in many ways—including giving and engagement. See how churches have partnered with church tech companies to continue the work of the Kingdom of God.
September 21, 2020
How to Study the Bible: A Master Toolset on Bible Study for Beginners
Studying the Bible can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Use this process to enrich your study of God’s word.
September 2, 2020
Is Money Messing with Your Marriage? Try These 5 Money Management Tips
Money and marriage is challenging. It can be a source of blessing. Or it can be a struggle. Here are five tips you and your spouse can use to manage your money well.
August 26, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Digital Connect Cards
Digital connect cards are essential to connecting with your community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how.
August 24, 2020
Why Christian Memes Matter & The 10 Best Accounts
Looking for Christian memes? We'll explain why Christian memes are taking over the internet & explain where to find the best ones. Find out here!
August 21, 2020
14 Ways To Reach People In Post-Christian America | Tithe.ly
Want to reach out to post-christian America? We'll explain 14 of the best ways to meaningfully engage with those who have left the church. Read here!
August 21, 2020
The Ultimate Church Business Meeting Playbook
Looking for church business meeting tips for success? We'll highlight 14 practices to follow to professionalize your business meetings. Read here!
August 21, 2020
Church Staff Salaries Guide With Real Numbers
Curious about church staff salaries? We'll explain how pastor salaries can change depending on location, if they are ordained & more. Read here!
August 21, 2020
How To Get People To Volunteer At Church
Wondering how to get people to volunteer at church? We'll highlight our 5-step model to convert attendants into active volunteers. Find out here!
August 21, 2020
How to Write a Check Explained in This Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Trying to figure out how to write a check? Don’t sweat it. You’re not alone. Here we break down the steps you need you to take.
July 21, 2020
30+ Bible Verses About Investing & Saving Money | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about investing & saving money? We'll highlight over 30 verses to help you understand what the Bible says. Read here!
July 20, 2020
7 Best Examples of Anglican Church Websites
Does your church website need a boost? Read below to see the 7 Best Examples of Anglican Church Websites.
July 7, 2020
“The Unforgivable Sin”: A Definitive Guide | Tithe.ly
The unforgivable sin has been debated ever since Jesus spoke it. Check out this definitive guide to better understand this often misunderstood teaching.
July 1, 2020
7 Church Fundraising Lessons from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations
Here is how to take the fundraising principles from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations and apply them to your church. Read here!
June 29, 2020
Fundraising Tips from the Most Successful Nonprofits in the World
The top 100 charities raised $51.5 billion dollars in 2019. And there are several fundraising tips your church can learn to raise more money for your mission.
June 22, 2020
19 Bible Verses About Greed And Wealth | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about greed? We'll highlight verses about greed to enrich your understanding of wealth, generosity & discipleship. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Make Your Father’s Day Sermon Memorable | Tithe.ly
Want to make your Father’s Day Sermon memorable? We'll highlight the top 7 tips to make your church's service memorable & meaningful. Read here!
June 22, 2020
26 Bible Verses About Technology | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about technology? We'll highlight verses about technology to help guide the use of technology in your life & church. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How Christian Entrepreneurs Change The World | Tithe.ly
Wonder how Christian entrepreneurs teach the Word of God? We'll explain how entrepreneurs can use their business to make disciples. Read here!
June 22, 2020
100 Bible Verses About Making Decisions | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about making decisions? We'll highlight passages about choices & wisdom to guide & support your decision making. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Charitable Giving Statistics To Raise More Money | Tithe.ly
Researching charitable giving statistics? We'll explain 9 stats to help you raise money & make a greater impact in your community. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How To Create A Church Social Media Strategy | Tithe.ly
Want to create a church social media strategy? We'll explain how to plan your social media strategy to develop an online presence. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Raise Money in Difficult Times, Why Church Growth Plateaus and Boosting Engagement
This week on Modern Church Leader, we spoke with one of the top 10 fastest growing churches, shared giving appeal advice, and small group engagement tips.
June 19, 2020
12 Powerful Prayers For Your Church | Tithe.ly
Looking for a powerful prayer for church? We'll highlight 9 powerful prayers from the Bible for your church, for perseverance, for generosity & more. Read here!
June 19, 2020
3 Ways to Engage Church Members with an App
How you engage your church has changed. What used to work doesn’t work anymore. How do you stay connected? Simple. With a church app. Here’s how.
June 18, 2020
Why Churches Sometimes Don’t Grow with Digital Giving Tools
Want to know why churches sometimes don't grow with digital giving tools? Read here!
June 15, 2020

Up Next

Faith

20 Bible Verses for Father’s Day

Fatherhood is a divine calling, and fathers have a responsibility to lead and guide their families with love, compassion, and humility. Here are 20 Bible verses that are relevant to Father’s Day.
June 13, 2023
Faith

A New Definition of Prayer

Prayer is not some practice we will one day perfect or a method we can eventually master, but instead a lifelong journey of our hearts awakening to the reality that God is with us.
June 3, 2023
Leadership

Delivering Captivating Announcements

Announcements can be the lamest time during the service. But they don’t have to be. If you have great content and a great communicator, then the announcements can be a lively, worshipful and engaging element.
June 1, 2023
Church Tech

How To Plan Your Church’s Social Media Calendar In Half The Time

Let’s face it, managing social media for your church can be daunting and time consuming. The process can be overwhelming, and without proper planning and support, it's easy to feel like you are running on a hamster wheel trying to keep up with posts and trends.
May 30, 2023
Finding Work-Life Balance as a Bi-Vocational Pastor

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

January 19, 2023

Show notes

Balancing one job alongside your personal life can be challenging enough, but the life of a bi-vocational pastor requires much more time management than most realize.

When you’re juggling a nine-to-five job with preparing for Sunday sermons, weekly counseling sessions with church members, spending time with your spouse, and raising Godly children, time becomes your most valuable asset.

In this episode of Modern Church Leader, we sit down with bi-vocational pastor and Tithely employee Rob Nieves to discuss his way of finding and maintaining a work-life balance.

“If you are not good about time management, then bi-vocational ministry is probably not for you. The demands on your time and your family are really serious.” - Rob Nieves

Rob speaks on the unrealistic expectations that can come with bi-vocational pastoring. Managing your congregation’s expectations can be just as difficult as managing your time. Church members may be used to having a full-time pastor available at all times. But the key to keeping expectations realistic is clear communication with your church.

Leading by example and teaching the values of the family from the pulpit are great ways to communicate how your family functions outside of the church doors. Once people see your priorities and values, they start to see how you balance work and family.

Finally, give yourself grace. Preparing for sermons might look different week-to-week because of your work schedule. You might have to take time away from your day job because of a church emergency. But continually trying the best you can is all you can do.

“I give myself grace. There are some Sundays when I am less prepared, but I know I did my best… those tend to be my best Sundays anyways.” - Rob Nieves

Committing to the life of a bi-vocational pastor is committing to a life of surrender. It is a constant act of surrendering your calendar, your time, your finances, your passions, your family, and your work.

As we all know, God shows up the most when we are weakest.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Learn more about New Walk Church here --- https://www.newwalk.me

Learn more about Rob as the Skilled Pastor here -- https://www.youtube.com/@SkilledPastor

video transcript

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