“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.” Acts 18:1-4 NIV
At times, the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker to support his ministry. If that’s what you’re looking to do, you’re in good company!
All over the world pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders are working outside their ministries to support themselves inside their ministries.
Some call it bi-vocational.
Others call it co-vocational.
Still others say they are “tentmaking” like the Apostle Paul.
Whatever you end up calling it, the first step is to decide what Level of Tentmaking you need.
One level isn’t superior to another level. They just indicate how much money you need to generate to support your ministry.
Level 1
Level 1 Tentmakers just need a little bit of extra income. Perhaps their income covers the basics but really doesn’t leave much left over for vacations or getaways with their family.
At this level, they just need some extra vacation money. Not much, but a little more than they’re making.
Needed: ~$5,000 extra
Level 2
Level 2 Tentmakers really need an extra part-time income. They’re getting paid some by their ministry, but not enough to live on. Having an extra part-time income is necessary to make ends meet.
This will likely take the form of some kind of side hustle that can be done after hours.
Needed: ~$20,000 extra
Level 3
Level 3 Tentmakers are paid very little, or nothing at all, by their ministries and they need full-time income. They must get a job or start a business to be able to provide for their family.
Ideally their job or business would be flexible so they can be devoted to their ministry.
Needed: ~$60,000+
Knowing whether you’re a Level 1, 2, or 3 Tentmaker will help you determine what types of opportunities you need to pursue!
What Level of Tentmaking are you looking to pursue?
