The Preacher Who Makes Tents

A few months ago as I was introduced to an interesting concept regarding bi-vocational ministers. I read a book in which the apostle Paul was called "a preacher who built tents". To be honest, I really hadn't ever thought about the fact that the bible tells us he was a tent maker (Acts 18:3) because I've always equated him with preaching and planting churches. I suppose it still wouldn't have mattered to me except that the book I was reading observed that there is a difference in "a preacher who builds tents" and "a tent maker who preaches." The author went on to equate Paul's situation with situations so many ministers find themselves in today. Often, pastors and other ministers have to work "secular" jobs in order to support either themselves or the ministry God has called them into. Many ministers don't have access to affordable health care and have to work for that reason. I've seen this in my own life as my father worked side jobs while pastoring to help make ends meet. His parents, whom I've referenced several times regarding their faithfulness to the Gospel, had to work two or three extra jobs at a time to keep the church doors open. The author was making a point that while sometimes it is necessary for a minister to bi-vocational, it is imperative to keep priorities straight. When God calls you into ministry, you do not have the option of allowing that ministry to be your "side-job".

Many of you know that I have worked full time in health care for the last 6 years. While it has been at times very rewarding, and I have been blessed to have had a job ever since college graduation when so many others were out of work, my heart has changed from where it once was. When I accepted the calling God had for me a year and a half ago, I pretty much planned on my life staying the same except that I would maybe teach once in a while or write my blogs. As time has progressed and God has opened new doors of opportunity and undoubtedly blessed this endeavor, I became less content with being a "tent maker who preaches". To continue my lifestyle and career as it has been would mean continuing to limit ministry opportunities and my effectiveness as a minister. After running for so long from what God had for me, I see now that the calling He has placed on me is precious and deserves my utmost attention. I can't afford to be distracted or to let the stress of my "tent making" bring me down mentally, physically, and eventually spiritually. 

Yesterday, I resigned my position at the company I have worked for for over 5 years. I don't know what God has for me in the future, but I know that I have heard His voice in this matter, and have felt His peace that passes all understanding even when everyone is telling me I should be worried about quitting in this economy. I can't say that I'll never have another full-time secular job, but I can say that I have learned a valuable lesson about what is important in my life. For so long I was scared of the work God had for me to do, but I now know that I should feel honored that He has allowed me to carry the Gospel and I can't let anything get in the way of that.