One of the challenges faced by many bivocational pastors is that of finding work that will support their families and, hopefully, leave sufficient time for their pastoral duties.  This can be particularly difficult for younger pastors who, after college, immediately go into church work, or go to seminary and then into church work.  They may not have skills that are in great command in the job market.

When I left California to attend Southern Seminary, I had no intention of returning to the field of hospital finance and work in decision support systems.  After finishing seminary, however, the Lord called Helen and I to a small church in Beaver, Pennsylvania.  Our congregation gives generously, but it hasn’t been enough to support us.  Last year I made the decision to become bivocational.  I count it a blessing that I found work as a decision support analyst at Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh.  Between the job and the time it takes to commute, it does put pressure on the time I can devote to ministry.  But the folks at Beaver Baptist Church are understanding and now personal finances won’t determine whether or not we can stay at BBC.  We intend to stay for the long haul.

One thing that strikes me about my work is how nice a workplace it is.  Everyone I work with is pleasant, curteous, and professional.  I was reminded of this by an article in the New York Times: “Desk Rage Spoils Workplace for Many Americans.”  It looks like it’s pretty rough out there

Nearly half of U.S. workers in America report yelling and verbal abuse on the job, with roughly a quarter saying it has driven them to tears, research has shown.

Other research showed one-sixth of workers reported anger at work has led to property damage, while a tenth reported physical violence and fear their workplace might not be safe.

It is a blessing that I can leave my work at the end of the day and not be stressed-out by my work situation.

I first encountered the theological journal Themelios some 26 years ago.  Over the years, when I have had access to a theological library, I enjoyed browsing it for interesting, well-written articles, and for its book reviews.  I often wanted to subscribe, but always found something more pressing to spend my money on.  A couple of years ago, I think, Themelios went dormant, but it has been revived by The Gospel Coalition, and is edited by D. A. Carson and Carl Trueman.  This in and of itself is good news, but it gets better: the journal is now available online (no more print version) in both PDF and HTML formats.  And it gets better yet: you can read it online or download it for free.  You can check it out at: Themelios.  Although it has high scholarly standards, its intended audience is “both theological/religious studies students and pastors.”  As a pastor I can attest to its value, e.g., a helpful and relevant discussion of the church’s mission by Keith Ferdinando, and 38 (!) pages of book reviews.  Shawn Wright, a friend of mine now teaching at Southern Seminary, is the book review editor for the History and Historical Theology category.  Highly recommended.

Today I discovered a new (to me, that is) weblog named Against Heresies by Martin Downes.  The latest two posts are on subject of legalism (here and here).  Well said, and sure to be quoted in some future sermon by Eutychus.