The Small Church Ministry Podcast 204: Models That Work: Paid Pastors, Bi-Vocational Leaders, and Fully Volunteer Churches | Church Finance Series (Part 2)
A large part of a small church budget often goes to paying the pastor. Most small churches assume there’s only one “real” model of leadership - usually the one we’ve always known - and anything different feels like failure, pride, or danger.
But there’s no single “biblical” or “more noble” model here. Healthy, vibrant churches exist in every structure: fully paid, bi-vocational, and completely volunteer-led.
This episode lifts the shame, clears out the judgment, and helps churches learn:
- Why there isn’t one “right” model (and why that’s such good news)
- How assumptions, pride, and tradition shape our views without us noticing
- The strengths + limits of paid, bi-vocational, and volunteer pastor models
- Why most tension around leadership positions come from unspoken expectations
- How to discern whether it’s time to rethink your model when things feel stretched or scary
Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts
"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!
Get the Ministry Bundles here!
Follow Us:
Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministry
Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
Small Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/