How to Test a Tentmaking Model Before Going All In

Every pastor thinking about tentmaking faces this tension:

“What if this works?”

“What if this distracts me?”

“What if this fails and wastes time?”

So most do nothing. Or worse - they leap without testing and create chaos at home and church.

Neither is wise. Paul didn’t abandon ministry to try tentmaking. He worked with what was in front of him. That’s the pattern.

Step 1: Start With Skills You Already Have

Before you explore something shiny, ask: What do people already ask me for help with? What do I do naturally well? What have I been paid for before?

Testing works best when you build from skills you already have.

If you’ve never renovated anything, house flipping isn’t your first experiment. If you’ve never coached anyone, launching a course tomorrow isn’t wise.

Start from existing strength.

Step 2: Reduce the Risk Window

Never test in a way that:

• Puts your family finances under strain
• Damages your credibility
• Forces you into stresssful decisions

Instead, define a contained experiment. For example: 90 days. X hours per week. £X maximum risked capital. Clear review point.

A test without boundaries tends to drift. Even if you have to extend at least you have a clear review point to make that decision.

Step 3: Prove Demand Before You Build

This is where many people get stuck. They build first. Then look for buyers. Reverse it.

Before:

• Writing the full course
• Launching the website
• Forming the company

Ask: “Would anyone actually pay for this?”

You can test demand by:

• Having real conversations
• Offering a beta version
• Partnering with someone already doing it

I get it - putting yourself out there is scary! The idea feels so fragile. But when I help people build their first online coaching program, once we've shaped the outline that's exactly what I get them to do. Why? Because there's nothing like real feedback from real people to validate the idea and demand. Plus you always learn something.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s evidence.

Step 4: Measure Three Things

A tentmaking model isn’t just about money. When testing, measure:

1️⃣ Financial viability - is there real income here?

2️⃣ Energy impact - does this drain you or energise you?

3️⃣ Ministry alignment - does this create freedom or distraction?

If it pays but sucks the life out of you, it’s not tentmaking. If it energises but never produces income, it’s a hobby. If it funds ministry and strengthens you, you’re onto something.

Step 5: Don’t Announce the Forever Version

Another mistake: People declare publicly, “This is my new direction.” Before it’s proven!

You don’t owe the world a five-year plan!

Test first - declare later!

If Paul could sew tents while preaching the gospel across the Roman world, you can test one small income stream without abandoning your post.

Instead of asking: “What if this fails?” Ask: “What is the smallest responsible version I could test in the next 90 days?”

Not five ideas. One. Define it. Test it. Review it. Then decide.

Tentmaking is not reckless risk-taking. It’s measured courage.

Standing with you

Simon