EP 275 – Navigating Pastoral Care as a Bi-Vocational Pastor – with Matt MacNaughton
In this episode, JimBo Stewart and Matt MacNaughton address a common challenge bi-vocational pastors face: managing the guilt of limited availability while serving their congregation faithfully.
– A question from bi-vocational pastor Josh Walley about handling guilt when unable to visit church members due to work commitments
– The question itself demonstrates a shepherd’s heart that reflects the Good Shepherd’s care for His people
– It’s healthy to feel the weight of pastoral care without carrying the pressure of constant availability
– Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your bi-vocational role
Practical Solutions
– Set realistic expectations with your congregation about your availability
– Implement pastoral triage to assess and prioritize urgent needs
– Focus on leadership development within the congregation
– Share the weight of ministry by raising up other leaders
Key Takeaway
Bi-vocational ministry requires intentional leadership development and delegation to ensure comprehensive pastoral care while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Application
– Evaluate your current system for responding to pastoral care needs
– Identify potential leaders who can assist in pastoral care
– Develop clear communication channels about pastoral availability
– Create a framework for assessing pastoral care priorities
