The Hidden Missional Advantage of Tentmaking (That Most Pastors Never Consider)

A few years ago I met a pastor who runs a small business on the side.

He was apologetic about it. "I'd love to 100% be focusing on ministry," he said, "but we just need the extra income."

But when we talked in depth his impact in the community and the opportunities he had were gold.

This pastor thought his "secular" work was taking him away from ministry. He had no idea he was sitting on a missional goldmine.

Many see tentmaking as a necessary evil - something we do to pay the bills while we get on with "real ministry."

But what if I told you that tentmaking isn't taking you away from mission? What if it's actually amplifying your missional impact in ways traditional ministry can't touch?

Here are three hidden advantages of tentmaking that Paul understood (and why he chose this path for reasons beyond just paying the bills):

1. You Build Authentic Relationships Where Non-Christians Actually Are

Your workplace isn't an interruption to ministry. It IS ministry.

Think about it: When was the last time a non-Christian walked into your church office for a casual chat? But your business relationships? Those happen naturally, organically, authentically.

People trust you differently when you're their colleague, contractor, or business partner. You're not "the pastor trying to convert them" - you're Simon who happens to be a pastor and also knows how to solve their problem.

I have another friend who is asked regularly about her faith because people watch her work with integrity for months.

2. Competence Creates Credibility for Your Gospel Message

When people see you excel at secular work, they listen differently to your spiritual insights.

Your tentmaking competence gives weight to your Gospel message. When you solve someone's business problem or deliver exceptional service, you earn the right to speak into their life in deeper ways. You build a relational bridge that's stronger and more able to take 'gospel' weight.

Excellence in secular work isn't a distraction from ministry - it's a platform for ministry.

3. Financial Independence Equals Missional Freedom

Here's a key reality: When you're not dependent on church income alone, you can take bigger missional risks.

Want to plant a church in an unreached area? Your tentmaking income makes it possible.

Feel called to speak prophetically about difficult issues? You can do it without worrying about your paycheck.

See an opportunity to support other missionaries or fund a community project? Your business profits become kingdom investments.

Paul used his tentmaking income to fund his missionary journeys and support other workers. His financial independence multiplied his missional impact exponentially.

Your Next Steps

Tentmaking isn't Plan B. It's following Paul's strategic missional model.

Your "secular" work isn't taking you away from the Great Commission - it's positioning you right in the middle of it.

Instead of bemoaning take time this week to thank God for your missional potential and ask him to bless your tentmaking business (or idea for one).

We need your help to promote this newsletter. If this encouraged you, would you forward it to one pastor friend who's juggling ministry and work? Together we can help more pastors see their tentmaking as the missional opportunity it really is.

Standing with you in the tent,

Simon