As I have heard denominational officials and church commentators advise "bivocational ministry" as a way forward for the struggling congregations, I have been deeply uncomfortable. Not that there isn't a great history and tradition of pastors who have jobs and careers outside of the church. There … [Read more...]

Across denominations the issues of declining attendance and decreasing offerings are hot-button topics. Where the discomfort of this crunch is most often felt is in the question of clergy salaries. Paying for a full-time pastor (minister, priest, deacon) is often the biggest single expense in the … [Read more...]