Embrace your Weirdness: My conversation with Jon Rush

Today’s Special Edition of “Your Best Work: The Podcast” features audio from Covo Con with Jon Rush. We discuss the next generation of leaders, side hustles, and embracing your weirdness in ministry.

* Co-Vocational Ministry is Financially and Spiritually Sustainable – Jon Rush embraced co-vocational ministry after realizing that relying solely on a church salary wasn’t financially viable for his growing family. Having multiple income streams allows pastors to serve without financial strain.

* Embracing Your Inner "Misfit" Can Lead to Effective Ministry – John reaches people who feel like outcasts, primarily through gaming and online spaces. He encourages embracing what makes you unique and connecting with those who might not fit into traditional church settings.

* Gen Z and Gen Alpha Respond to Co-Vocational Leaders – Younger generations value flexibility and entrepreneurship. Seeing pastors who work in both ministry and the marketplace makes faith more relatable and accessible to them.

* Authenticity and Niche Focus Are Key – Instead of being a generic "consultant" or "thought leader," Jon found success by focusing on his specific passions—youth ministry and video games. Pastors looking for side income should lean into their expertise and interests rather than chasing trends.

* Being Co-Vocational Increases Ministry Freedom – John believes that additional income streams allow pastors to take roles where they feel called, rather than being forced into positions based on financial need. This also helps churches allocate more resources to outreach instead of salaries.

* Relationships Matter More Than Networking – Building real relationships, rather than transactional networking, leads to genuine opportunities. John intentionally connects with people on social media in an organic way, which has led to unexpected ministry and business opportunities.

* Ministry Should Engage with Culture, Not Avoid It – John leverages gaming culture to build a ministry, even organizing a communion service in Fortnite. Engaging with cultural trends rather than dismissing them helps reach people where they are.

* Know and Serve the Next Generation – The best way to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha isn’t through statistics and spending time with them. Instead of overanalyzing data, church leaders should invest in genuine relationships with young people.

* Financial Stability Helps Long-Term Ministry – Co-vocational pastors avoid burnout by having multiple income sources, ensuring they can continue serving even if church finances change.

* The Future of Ministry is Bi-Vocational and Digital – Jon sees digital platforms as a mission field. He encourages pastors to embrace online ministry, social media, and content creation as legitimate ways to disciple people.

If you have questions on calling, vocation and identity that you’d like me to address on this platform, just respond to this e-mail and I’d be happy to answer.

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