From Intention to Implementation: Your Tentmaking Action Plan for 2026

One of the things I see happen every year is this:

People start the year with good intentions to earn additional income … but without a plan or with a bad plan. I know because I did it myself for many years.

Last week we talked about why vague resolutions don’t change anything and how direction beats willpower when it comes to your tentmaking goals.

So let’s take the next step:

How do you move from “I want to” to “I’m doing it”?

Because intentions without implementation are just wishes.

✅ 1. Clarify Your Income Target

Tentmaking isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Ask yourself:

• Do I just need a little extra each month?
• Am I aiming for a significant part-time income?
• Or do I want to fully replace my salary?

Knowing how much you actually need changes what you pursue and how you pursue it.

Write it down. Be specific.

✅ 2. Choose the Right Strategy (Not Just the Most Popular One)

There are dozens of ways to build tentmaking income - from house hacking and real estate to online coaching or investments. But not every opportunity fits your time, season, or skills.

Let this question guide you:

“What can I start TODAY that moves me closer to my income target?”

Don’t chase the coolest idea - choose the one that aligns with your life and calling.

I’ve earned money from self publishing books, buying and selling on ebay, using my skills to create software solutions. But none of them hit the niche of being within the passion AND time that I had and being truly scalable to my income goal until I launched my first online coaching program.

✅ 3. Schedule Your First Action

This makes difference.

You can think about doing something for months, you can watch Youtube videos for years (been there!) but until you schedule a concrete step, it won’t happen.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the next specific action that moves me forward?
• When will I do it? (Put it in your calendar.)
• Who needs to know so I’m accountable?

A deadline turns a wish into a plan. That's one of the things you actually get with coaching - it's not just about the roadmap but about the community and accountability around you that help keep you moving forward.

✅ 4. Communicate Your Plan With Key People

If you’re serving in ministry, you don’t need to hide your tentmaking plans. Done well, this can actually strengthen trust with your leadership.

The goal isn’t to prove anything - it’s to work wisely and honor your calling. When I began my tentmaking journey I had a lot of conversations to help people understand why I was doing what I was doing.

Here’s how to start that conversation:

• Be clear: “This is why I'm doing this.”
• Be honest: “Here’s why this matters to me.”
• Be pragmatic: “Here’s how I plan to do it and how I’ll manage my time.”

A thoughtful conversations with your spouse (if married) and other leaders builds support, not suspicion.

✅ 5. Track Progress

Intentions become realities when they’re measured.

Set aside a weekly 15-minute check-in:

• What did I do last week?
• What will I do this week?
• What obstacles are showing up, and how will I address them?

Small weekly wins stack into big momentum. One of the reasons that many failed at this is they don’t track progress and/or they try to go it alone.

It always amazes me how many people who want to coach or mentor others refused to be coached themselves!

💡 Remember: Movement Matters More Than Perfection

The church needs leaders who are faithful, wise, and sustainable. Tentmaking isn’t just about money - it’s about having margin so you can do what God has called you to without burnout.

So this year, let’s do something different:

Not just wish, not just intend… but implement.

If you want help building a clear, bite-sized action plan for your tentmaking goals this year, reply to this email - and Chris or I would love to help!

Standing with you

Simon