Part-Time Pastor

“What hat are you wearing right now?”

My friend, fellow church member, and co-worker was looking at me inquisitively across the high-top bistro table. We were amidst lunch at a bustling market down the street from our shared church and workshop. We were grabbing lunch to discuss some of her concerns at work. I was addressing some concerns I had for her.

The conversation meandered. It began with her concerns about changes in our company. She had no idea why we’d made these changes. Many of the complexities of running a small but growing company hadn’t dawned on her. We were amidst some particular challenges that she didn’t know about and didn’t necessarily need to.

I was trying to respond by gently alerting her to some complexities she wasn’t aware of. I also wondered why the strong reaction and asked about that. It’s not as simple as telling an employee “no” in this situation. This employee is also a friend. More than a friend, this employee is a “sister in Christ.” I know a lot of her story and want to know more.

I pastor a church and own a small furniture shop in the same neighborhood. I live about ten minutes away from both. Few interactions have a single layer. My clients usually know I’m a pastor. Two of my workers are members of my church. Sometimes a client surprises me with a spiritual question. Sometimes what feels like a work meeting takes on an extra layer of spiritual meaning.

I have been a pastor part-time for about six years now. The truth is though…that the lines between being a pastor and a small business owner are not so clear cut. Often when I think I’m not pastoring, I am. As this series continues I plan to share reflections back on my years experiencing this unique pattern of ministry. As new experiences come I’ll share them too.

I know there a lot of us part-timers out there. I hope my stories can be an encouragement. I hope to remind us all that the challenges of doing non-traditional things that fuel ministry forward are worth it. Follow along and please share your stories with me!