The Surprising Impact of Tentmaking Ministry
When the Apostle Paul made tents to support his ministry, he established a powerful model that's increasingly relevant today.
As someone who leads both a local church and a wider movement of 800 churches, while also running an online education business, I've discovered that tentmaking ministry offers some pretty amazing benefits that go way beyond just making extra money.
Here's what this journey has taught me about bi-vocational ministry in today's world.
1. Global Ministry Encouragement
Let me be really honest - when God spoke to me about training 1,000 church planters worldwide, I had no idea how this would play out. I didn't want to be the guy calling people to step up, knowing that few would become salaried staff, but not having walked that journey myself. In nations where churches simply can't afford paid staff, where people can barely survive themselves, my journey has opened up incredible conversations. It's amazing to see church planters' eyes light up when they realize there's others doing what they have to do.
2. Breaking Down Sacred-Secular Divides
You know what's been fascinating? This work has completely blown up the artificial wall between Sunday worship and Monday work. I love seeing people in our church community suddenly realize their work can be ministry too! It's created some brilliant conversations with people I'd never have connected with otherwise, and opened doors for faith conversations in the most unexpected places.
3. Kingdom Resource Multiplication
While my wife Caroline and I weren't facing hardship ourselves, we felt God nudging us to expand our capacity to help others. My business helps others build their own only business and it's been thrilling to see the dream of sustainable income become a reality for people that I'm helping. Even if you're not needing extra finance yourself right now, it always helps to be able to invest in others to relieve hardship or release them for ministry.
4. Ministry Innovation and Cross-Pollination
Here's something that surprised me - I've learned more about effective coaching and mentoring in the past year than in a decade of coaching online in ministry! Partly it's because I've been learning from some of the best in the world in online education which made me realise how far behind the church actually was! We're now using business-world technology to translate leadership training into multiple languages at speed and scale. Who knew business thinking could revolutionize how we do ministry?
5. Intergenerational Impact
This has created an unexpected bond with my son Ethan - a born entrepreneur if ever there was one! It's opened up amazing conversations about faith, work, and purpose that we might never have had otherwise. Plus, it's showing the next generation that ministry can look different than traditional models.
Addressing the Heart Questions
Look, I know this path raises questions - I've wrestled with them prayerfully myself. Some wonder if running a business compromises ministry calling or shows lack of faith in God's provision. But here's what I've discovered: dedicating just 5-6 focused hours weekly (about the same time many spend watching evening TV!) has actually energized rather than depleted my ministry leadership.
Future Ministry Sustainability
I never want to become someone in my 60s who's weary of the work but has to keep going because of the salary. This model gives Caroline and me options for the future, whether that's serving in places that can't support paid staff or simply having the freedom to follow God's calling wherever it leads.
A Call to Modern Tentmakers
We desperately need more tentmaking ministers - people who can bridge the gap between faith and work, model sustainable ministry in tough economic contexts, and reach people that traditional ministry might never touch.
Your Journey
Whether you're in full-time ministry thinking about bi-vocational options, or a professional wanting to integrate faith and work more deeply - what might God be calling you to build? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this journey.
Check out some of our courses if you're looking for ideas
Standing with you
Simon
