To Support Bi- and Co-vocational Pastors and Their Congregations

Official Workbook overture source text

6-79 
To Support Bi- and Co-vocational Pastors  
and Their Congregations 
WHEREAS, The Christian Church exists in an increasingly secular 
and post-Christian world; and 
WHEREAS, Small, faithful congregations can find themselves, for 
a variety of reasons, in the circumstance of needing a pastor but 
being unable to provide a full salary; and 
W
HEREAS, Some congregations of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod are served by pastors who work bi -vocationally or 
co-vocationally (often called tentmaker pastors); and 
WHEREAS, St. Paul himself provided for his physical needs as a 
tentmaker (Acts 18:1 –4) while he served the Church in Corinth, 
thereby establishing bi -vocational ministry as a viable and 
honorable manner in which clergy may continue to serve the 
congregations to which they are called without bringing personal 
hardship to themselves or their families; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod support men who obtain degrees, 
diplomas, certifications, or other means that can be used to 
supplement and/or complement the pastoral ministry, should the 
need arise; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod develop and commend best -practice 
guidelines, including appropriate fiscal support from congregations 
for the pastor and the pastor’s family, for congregations served by 
tentmaker pastors; and be it further 
Resolved, That a synodwide database of resources be compiled, 
to include current and retired tentmaker pastors who can provide 
wisdom and encouragement from their experiences; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That bi- vocational and co- vocational pastor 
candidates be encouraged to think strategically about how new 
vocational opportunities could support the mission and ministry of 
the congregation and the kingdom; and be it further 
Resolved
, That the Synod provide or coordinate resources to 
support congregations, especially lay leadership, as they experience 
challenges related to their pastor having additional employment; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod continue to provide or coordinate 
coaching and wellness resources to those who serve as tentmaker 
pastors; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its districts to aid 
congregations and tentmaker pastors within their respective districts 
by using these resources and best practices to support their shared 
mission and ministry. 
Southeastern District 
Ov.