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What’s Your “Side Hustle”?

My friend Ka’thy Gore Chappell introduced the term “side hustle” to me.   Entrepreneur Magazine defines it in this way: “A side hustle is a way to make some extra cash that allows you flexibility to pursue what you're most interested in. It can also be your true passion – a chance to delve into fashion, travel or whatever it is you care about the most without quitting your day job.”

Some ministry colleagues may think I lack faith when I say it, but I suggest that anyone in ministry should identify and pursue a “side hustle.”  Having an alternative way of making money has always been at the core of biprofessional (bivocational) ministry and allows many churches to have a minister who could not afford to pay a full-time pastor.

When I returned to college from a summer doing mission work in the Midwest, I thought seriously about becoming a biprofessional pastor or campus minister in an area where Southern Baptists had few if any churches.  To move in this direction, I began taking some of the courses that would help me to get a teaching certificate if I chose to go that route. 

Although I never got that teaching certificate, I have found myself doing things on the side during my ministry that allowed me to exercise my creativity and make some additional income--writing, training on campuses and in churches, interim ministry work, and coaching.

Having an alternative source of income can provide several things.

First, this is an opportunity to be creative.  Your “side hustle” may use your mind (writing, teaching, or coaching), your hands (making furniture, cooking, gardening, glass-blowing), or your voice (performance) but it provides an opportunity to do something different and practice alternative skills or interests.

Second, a “side hustle” gives you the freedom to do ministry you care about whether within or outside the walls of the church.  Some ministry opportunities pay little or nothing, but if you feel called to a particular place, an alternative income provides the chance to pursue a calling that may not be highly remunerative.

Third, having a “side hustle” may provide an escape plan if needed.  As someone said, “When the horse is dead, dismount.”  There are times in ministry when it is time to part ways.  A friend once told me that everyone should keep some “go to H***” money in the bank.  Those of us with families usually difficulty saving up that kind of reserve, so an alternative source of income can fill this gap.

I would encourage anyone in ministry or thinking about ministry to have a plan B or “side hustle” in place.  Such planning can provide peace of mind, boldness, and freedom in your life.






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