Tentmaking Tips

In the last newsletter I shared 3 lessons I learned on my tentmaking journey over the past 8.5 years.

If you haven’t read that newsletter, you can read it first here.

I started my real estate company in August of 2017 and began a tentmaking journey that continues to this day.

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 ...

The start of a new year has a way of making us reflective.

What needs to change?
What do I need to take seriously this year?
What can’t be left vague anymore?

For tentmaking pastors, those questions often land in a very specific place: income, capacity, and freedom.

Not because money is the mission - but because money affects whether you can stay in the mission long-term.

Paul Didn’t Make Resolutions. He Made Room.

When Paul talks about his tentmaking, he never frames it as a compromise.
It’s not a fallback plan.
It’s not a lack of faith.

It’s wisdom.

“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.” (Acts 20:34)

Paul didn’t set abstract goals like “trust God more” or “be more disciplined.”
He made practical decisions that created margin - financial, relational, and missional.

That’s the heart of tentmaking.

So as you think about goals this year, here’s a reframing that might help:

👉 Don’t ask, “What do I want to achieve?”
👉 Ask...

If you haven’t read the first two newsletters in the “Options Series,” check those out here:

Using Stock Options to Earn an Extra $1,000-2,000/mo

Selling Covered Call Options for Consistent Income

If you haven’t read the first newsletter in the “Options Series,” check that out first:

Using Stock Options to Earn an Extra $1,000-2,000/mo

Some of you read the title of this newsletter and might’ve gasped in disbelief.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving (my wife's American so I'm allowed - sort of), I just wanted to take a moment to say a genuine thank you.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re someone who’s stepped out - maybe in faith, maybe into new territory, maybe just one small step at a time. Whether you’re juggling ministry, a side gig, or just exploring what “tentmaking” could look like in your own life, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.

It takes courage to step out. To try something new. To provide for your family while still following your calling. You’re not just making ends meet - you’re making an impact, both in your community and beyond.

It takes courage to do something different to the norm. To step out into a new (well, it's actually old) model of combining ministry and income generation.

It takes courage to face the questions, the doubts (both yours and others), the raised eyebrows and even the disapproving silence!

It takes courage to set a big goal. Small goals are...

For many pastors, the scariest part of tentmaking isn’t choosing an income stream.
It’s telling their church and leadership team.

You might be excited about finally getting some financial breathing room… but you’re also thinking:

• “Will they think I’m less committed to the church?”
• “Will they assume I’m planning my exit?”
• “Will this damage trust with my elders, leadership team or board?”

And here’s the thing: if anyone in the church is going to hear criticism like,
“Why isn’t our pastor 100% focused on the church?”
…it’ll usually hit your leadership team first.

That’s why how you communicate your tentmaking desires (or current reality) is absolutely crucial. Done well, your leaders can become your biggest defenders and advocates. Done badly, it can create suspicion, insecurity, and unnecessary tension.

Let’s walk through three key pieces:

1. Why your leadership team must be in the loop
2. How to start the conversation in a healthy, honouring way
3. Common questions you’ll face -
...

If you had invested a sum of money in US treasuries this year, your money would’ve grown about 4% so far this year. If you had invested that same sum of money in an S&P index fund, your money would’ve grown about 16%.