In the civilian world it’s not uncommon to be a bi-vocational pastor, someone who works during the week and pastors on weeknights and weekends. These pastors are in good company, as the Apostle Paul pastored full-time while making tents. This is how he met Priscilla and Aquila who were doing likewise (Acts 18:3).
I’ve previously said that “the Chaplain is the most overpaid
minister in the world.” This is partly true when you look at the compensation,
but it is not entirely true when you consider the chaplain’s duties. The
chaplain should be a pastor first, but they are still an officer and have
diverse and important roles to accomplish in this role. Some examples are
supervising other chaplains or team members, overseeing budgets and spending,
assisting with reports, running special events, and chairing meetings. As a
chaplain reading this, you can probably add several items that you’re personally responsible for.
Maybe you can draw a direct line between pastoring and these
additional duties, like developing a great Christmas event, or maybe you can’t,
like sitting on a court-martial. Regardless, you’re being paid to accomplish
diverse tasks by your employer, and these tasks are funding your gospel work. While
I’m not making literal tents, I am supervising volunteers, coordinating funds, and
writing reports which in essence is my tent-making profession.
While your highest and best usefulness should be in the
pulpit, counseling room, commander’s office, and inspiring excellence, you
should be equally great in your tent-making trade. Your spreadsheets should be
world-class, your volunteers should be exceptionally well cared for, your
handling of money should be above reproach, your briefings should be outstanding,
your legal compliance should be impeccable, everything you are responsible
for should shine, and it should be delivered on-time or early.
A chaplain who is not faithful in his small tasks ought
never to be put in charge of large tasks. Show me the quality of your tents,
and I’ll show you the quality of your chaplaincy.
He that had so much excellent work
to do with his mind, yet, when there was occasion, did not think it below him
to work with his hands. ~ Matthew Henry
Key Verse: You yourselves know that these hands ministered
to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you
that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words
of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to
receive.’ ~ Acts 20:34-35
More:
1. A popular question in chaplain circles is, “Are you a
chaplain or officer first?” Well, which is it? Do you ever expect to retire
either title? When asked this question I declared that I was a minister before
I became an officer, I intend to be a minister afterwards, but I will never cease to be a minister. Do you agree?
2. Are your bi-vocational duties a hindrance or an extension to
your ministry? Do you think that anyone has ever judged or blessed Jesus based
on the quality of your work in his name?
3. Chaplains—as highly paid ministers of the gospel—have more money
to share than their civilian counterparts. Take a moment today to consider if
you are spending your money well to help the weak and sow blessings through your
giving.
4. The word "vocation" has direct etymological roots to God's voice/call in your career. What has God called you to?
5. Resources:
Crowe, Brandon D. Every Day Matters: A Biblical Approach
to Productivity. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020.
Piper, John. “Tentmakers in Minneapolis.” Desiring God. Minneapolis, 1981. Accessed 25 March 2025 from https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/tentmakers-in-minneapolis
Wilson, Doug. Ploductivity: A Practical Guide to
Consistent Productivity. Moscow, ID: Canon Press, 2018.
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